D.C., a city that I like to think of as always being classy, turned slightly trashy today. But I've attested to the fact that I can handle the craziness, as long as I turn a bit crazy myself. I may or may not have told people to get out of my way, done a little pushing and shoving, and (like Obama) I proved that "Yes, I can" and I did fit onto the metro when I was told there was no more room. And, perhaps I made my way through a crowd of
Obama's homeboys, showing them who's boss. Don't think you can push me around a city that's been mine for the last nine months, and only yours for a day or two. Wow, just the mere thought of today is making me flustered all over again, and I just calmed myself down. That's all I'll say about that. I'm totally fit for the FBI or secret service...today boosted my self-esteem in that regard.
Just as I predicted, the tourists did NOT know how to handle today the way they should have. Surprisingly there were no big problems that caught the media's attention. Despite the fact that someone got pushed onto the tracks of the metro just as it was approaching, the police officer's and security guards may not have been as keen on directing people as they should have, or the people who actually had tickets didn't actually get let in to the inauguration...but those are only minor problems, right? I guess with over 2 million people in town, those really were minor problems. No fights broke out, no real hatred swept through people's character, and no one (except my family and a few others) were too sad to see Bush's office be taken away by our first African-American president. To the former President Bush, I'll miss you being in D.C. working a block away from me, but President Obama, I'm happy to call you my new President. Michelle, I'm just around the corner from you if you ever need to go on a shopping spree during your lunch break!
This day of "history" is definitely one I will never forget. Being able to witness the swearing in of our new President and Vice President firsthand was truly remarkable. Being amongst the largest crowd that D.C. has ever seen was unreal. I feel luckily that my family landed seating tickets to the inauguration. To be able to see something that years ago was deemed impossible, to the reality of the change we all witnessed today, was something that will have a lasting effect on me forever. The overall inauguration was well done, the prayers unique, and
Obama's speech powerful. The phrase that really struck me on the future we hope to achieve was this, "To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." One day world peace will engulf our universe, but I'm afraid it's one day that's not just around the corner.
America is truly a remarkable nation, willing to extend a helping hand to those who will only reach out and grab on. Although there are many Bush haters out there, I feel lucky to be a part of the most successful and powerful initiation in history that was started by George W. Bush,
PEPFAR (The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). If you don't know anything about this initiative, allow me to offer you some educational
material. This is a prime example of Americans extending that helping hand to those who are truly in need, and countries accepting that help, and grabbing on with both hands. We're a country of change, we're a country of success, and we're a country that can withstand tough times, while continuing to help those around us. "God bless America, my home sweet home."
It's been fun being a part of this big day. It was fun seeing the entire national mall packed with excited Americans. It's been fun being in a congested District. It was fun to participate in a party held for the Utah delegates in the Senate building. It was entertaining to ride an overly crowded Metro. It was fun to push my way through the city. But it's been fun to be back home in my own house, safe and sound. A friend and I were discussing today's events and I think we came to an unspoken recommendation for the next inauguration...complimentary food would be nice! And next time, remember that we're at an inauguration, not a pep rally, and the constant chanting of "Obama, Obama, Obama..." really wasn't necessary. Like I said, D.C. lost some of it's class today, but it's still "home" for the time being.
D.C., a city that I like to think of as always being classy, turned slightly trashy today. But I've attested to the fact that I can handle the craziness, as long as I turn a bit crazy myself. I may or may not have told people to get out of my way, done a little pushing and shoving, and (like Obama) I proved that "Yes, I can" and I did fit onto the metro when I was told there was no more room. And, perhaps I made my way through a crowd of Obama's homeboys, showing them who's boss. Don't think you can push me around a city that's been mine for the last nine months, and only yours for a day or two. Wow, just the mere thought of today is making me flustered all over again, and I just calmed myself down. That's all I'll say about that. I'm totally fit for the FBI or secret service...today boosted my self-esteem in that regard.
Just as I predicted, the tourists did NOT know how to handle today the way they should have. Surprisingly there were no big problems that caught the media's attention. Despite the fact that someone got pushed onto the tracks of the metro just as it was approaching, the police officer's and security guards may not have been as keen on directing people as they should have, or the people who actually had tickets didn't actually get let in to the inauguration...but those are only minor problems, right? I guess with over 2 million people in town, those really were minor problems. No fights broke out, no real hatred swept through people's character, and no one (except my family and a few others) were too sad to see Bush's office be taken away by our first African-American president. To the former President Bush, I'll miss you being in D.C. working a block away from me, but President Obama, I'm happy to call you my new President. Michelle, I'm just around the corner from you if you ever need to go on a shopping spree during your lunch break!
This day of "history" is definitely one I will never forget. Being able to witness the swearing in of our new President and Vice President firsthand was truly remarkable. Being amongst the largest crowd that D.C. has ever seen was unreal. I feel luckily that my family landed seating tickets to the inauguration. To be able to see something that years ago was deemed impossible, to the reality of the change we all witnessed today, was something that will have a lasting effect on me forever. The overall inauguration was well done, the prayers unique, and Obama's speech powerful. The phrase that really struck me on the future we hope to achieve was this, "To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." One day world peace will engulf our universe, but I'm afraid it's one day that's not just around the corner.
America is truly a remarkable nation, willing to extend a helping hand to those who will only reach out and grab on. Although there are many Bush haters out there, I feel lucky to be a part of the most successful and powerful initiation in history that was started by George W. Bush, PEPFAR (The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). If you don't know anything about this initiative, allow me to offer you some educational material. This is a prime example of Americans extending that helping hand to those who are truly in need, and countries accepting that help, and grabbing on with both hands. We're a country of change, we're a country of success, and we're a country that can withstand tough times, while continuing to help those around us. "God bless America, my home sweet home."
It's been fun being a part of this big day. It was fun seeing the entire national mall packed with excited Americans. It's been fun being in a congested District. It was fun to participate in a party held for the Utah delegates in the Senate building. It was entertaining to ride an overly crowded Metro. It was fun to push my way through the city. But it's been fun to be back home in my own house, safe and sound. A friend and I were discussing today's events and I think we came to an unspoken recommendation for the next inauguration...complimentary food would be nice! And next time, remember that we're at an inauguration, not a pep rally, and the constant chanting of "Obama, Obama, Obama..." really wasn't necessary. Like I said, D.C. lost some of it's class today, but it's still "home" for the time being.
5 comments:
What a day! I think I've had my Inauguration fill for a few more years. Hopefully next time I go to another one I will have actually voted for the guy (or girl).
Oh Amy! So cool! I'm really jealous. I read your post last night and then while watching tv, Obama was at the Youth Ball and everyone started chanting "Yes we can!" I thought it was a little unnecessary. Duh, we know! He won! It's going to be interesting to see the fairy tale come to an end and everyone start complaining about the president again. I mean, isn't that what people do? Loved the post, and I'm super jealous of your fabulous DC life!
i can't believe you had seats! i watched the live stream online while working, but it looked insane! i am glad there are people out there who can bare the crowds... i would not be one of those people.
we are sad you couldn't come to the shower either... and (per dr's orders) i think she is being induced on Friday! so exciting!
and finally, we are running the Salt Lake 1/2 marathon. the moab one is at the beginning of March, and that just sounded too soon. is this your first race? i'm nervous... but slowly as i reach new running goals (latest is 3 1/2 miles without stopping) i get excited to try this whole "runner" life out. good luck with training! but you are probably already good at running, since you know, you'll own a "fat camp" one day :)
"Obama's homeboys" That's an interesting way to describe those that you encountered.
Side note- I keep hearing all of this "fairy tale" talk from people. Do they not understand what is so amazing about this? Learn about the Tuskegee airmen, and then tell me there's nothing to be excited about. Talk to my grandmother who would not be served at restaurants 60 years ago. No, Obama isn't going to solve all of our problems, but do not dare try to take away from the significance of his election. Why are people so emotional and electric about this? Because it's what we've been fighting for, what my ancestors have bled and died for, and to see some people brush it off as a "fairy tale" is pretty darn ignorant in my book- especially those individuals who have never suffered the consequences of discrimination in their lives. Sorry if our celebrating is getting old to you- we're making up for 150 years of suffering. Suck it up-deal with our damn "yes we can" and "Obama" chants. Allow those of us that are living what our ancestors worked for to celebrate.
I'm just glad we kept pushing to get where we needed to be and I was glad you were in front of me most of the the time...really we just squished into little holes between hundreds of people who didn't believe we just needed to cross the street to get to our family who where seperated from us in the madness. I was so relieved when we finally found your Father & sisters.
Let me clarify Amy's view on making the city trashy...I have never seen so much garbage dropped everywhere...come on people pick-up after yourselves. Use a garbage can or hang onto your trash. KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL BY PICKING UP AFTER YOURSELF!
Yes, I'm glad to be home but I cried leaving my children again.
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