Well, You Know You Make Me Wanna (SHOUT)
I survived Inauguration. A nine hour drive down, standing in freezing temperatures for hours, and another 9 hour drive back was absolutely worth making the trip to DC. Let me tell you why.
We departed on Saturday afternoon and arrived around 1:30 am to fellow Camel Ali Funk's sweet house in U Street Corridor. Although I was really excited to be in the nation's capitol, we went to bed in order to prepare ourselves for the free concert on Sunday. The concert, We Are One, kicked off the inaugural festivities and set the tone for the weekend. It started at 2 pm and we arrived at 1 to find there was already a huge amount of people gathered from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, where the concert took place. People climbed on top of port-a-potties, trees, and people to get a view but we managed to squeeze through the crowds and found a spot where we could see the stage as well as the jumbo-trons. It was a star-studded event that included performances by Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, Jon Bon Jovi, Garth Brooks, Stevie Wonder, etc, etc, and my favorite band OF ALL TIME U2! Needless to say, I was thrilled. There were also many actors who read dialogues about history including Tom Hanks, Steve Carell, Jack Black, among others that left you scratching your head wondering who thought it was a good idea for so-and-so to talk about politics. Nevertheless, the excitement and pure joy among everyone was very tangible. People had traveled not only from all parts of country but from foreign countries as well. Despite the large crowds of people and what normally happens when people are forced to inhabit each other's personal spaces, everyone was in good spirits. And so it began...
When Tuesday arrived, we woke up early and dressed in our warmest clothing prepared to stand in long lines and make our way through large crowds. And that we did. Upon our arrival to one of the entry points to the Inauguration, we were greeted by a religious fanatic shouting into his microphone who-knows-what with another equally disagreeable man yelling at him "you are evil" repeatedly. Eventually, the latter grew tired and stopped while the former man switched off with another religious fanatic. Super. Finally, we arrived at the tent where the security guards patted us down and we made our way in. However, we were disheartened to learn that we would not be able to make it into the National Mall since they had closed off the street. Determined to get a view of the capitol and the Mall, we left and speed walked/jogged/ran to the Washington Monument. With just minutes to spare we found our spot and the 2009 Presidential Inauguration began. Bush and Cheney departed to loud boos from the crowd while Obama (and Biden) were welcomed with triumphant cheers. After Obama gave his speech, everyone sighed a breath of relief and made their way to their respective homes with hopes for the future of their families, the country, and the world.
It was truly stunning to see the number of people that showed up to stand in the freezing temperatures for hours just to see history being made. For me, the Inauguration of President Barack Obama was more than the swearing-in of the first African American president. To me, it signified progress after a period of retrogression. We chose a president that represents our ideals, our fears, in essence, ourselves. The citizens of the United States had grown tired of being represented by old, white men from wealthy families. They do not know nor do they understand the average American. Furthermore, Obama becoming president is at the core of the goals and principles the United States was built on. People have come to this country for centuries seeking refuge, freedom, and new opportunities. Across the world, people have become inspired by his triumph.
It's been only a week since President Obama came into power, but he's already making significant changes in the government that I fully support - closing Guantanamo Bay and overturning the global gag rule are just some. I appreciate his swift, unhesitating action and hope that he continues to address all issues with the same degree of importance. I am also absolutely giddy about the White House website, complete with blog and the agenda. And you should most definitely check out the agenda. It is truly refreshing to have a President who truly represents the American people right down to our addiction with technology and the internet.
As I've said before, President Obama still has to prove himself. Only time will tell what his term will accomplish. Even so, I'm optimistic. Now, if the media would just stop reporting Michelle's fashion...