On this last day before our nation kicks off the age of Obama, Anne and I fumble our way onto the D.C. Metro and get off on Capitol Hill, where we find a city primed for euphoria. Already the Mall is busy with people milling about. We’ll make the same trek tomorrow, when we’ll be competing with hundreds of thousands to witness the swearing in. Each of the congressional office buildings is besieged with visitors in long security lines — mostly queuing to pick up their inauguration tickets. We’re finding, however, that waiting in line is a joy right now, because everyone’s talking excitedly about tomorrow.
Congressmen and -women were hosting open houses in their offices. We hung out chatting with other Washingtonians at our Congressman Jay Inslee’s office before heading down to visit with another Washington State congressman, Rick Larsen. He explained how he and his family will camp out in his office overnight tonight, in order to be where the action is from the get-go tomorrow. It’s like that all over town. Our daughter is a student at Georgetown, where dormies are allowed two guests. That means in a tiny dorm double there could be six Obama fans crashing tonight.
It’s clear there is big work to do. Tempering my glee, Inslee reminded me that Obama is “just human.” I suggested that, in facing the challenges ahead, there should be no sacred cows — not social security, not Medicaid, and not the military. Jobs and national security should be decision drivers. Can some of the $400+ billion we spend on the Department of Defense morph into a war on energy dependency? Yes, Inslee told me — as long as the money stays nominally in the DOD. Imagine what that would do to national security (and jobs) if we provided all our own energy (shhhh: with our military budget)… My congressman is a leader in finding creative solutions to our multiple-yet-interrelated challenges.
We spent the rest of the day chilling (literally) in a city filled with people who’ve come early for the festivities. Jumbotrons on the Mall played clips of yesterday’s concert, featuring pop stars (James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Bono, and others) who had actively supported Gore, then Kerry, and then got behind Obama, and, finally — third time’s a charm — won!
People pose with the flag-strewn Capitol dome behind them. Today, when posing for pictures around here, you don’t say cheese…you say “Obama!” T-shirts go for $10; buttons are 3 for $10. Many read, “Yes we did.” I’d say it’s still “Yes we can.” The hard work lies ahead. Without a ticket for any of tonight’s balls, we hike home past streets lined with empty bleachers and red, white, and blue bunting. As the sun sets on the last day of the Bush presidency, we hike past cops on every corner and under helicopters scouring the city with powerful searchlights. Chilled to the bone, yet happy to be part of history, we get warm and rested…ready to rise early tomorrow to cheer on our new president and celebrate the American dream.
Rick, I’ll be glued to my TV tomorrow. My heart and spirit are with you and everyone who’ll have the thrill of being there. Haven’t felt this excited since JFK’s inaugural. Peace.
I’ll be following along on Facebook. Thanks for on the spot blogs.
Enjoy the festivities…….you got your wish for the next four years!
No excuse now.
Oh, Rick, you (and so many others) are going to be so disappointed, especially when this “agent of change” has been meeting very quietly with McCain and other top Repubs, and McCain has said recently that Obama is doing “everything I would do.” You really think he’s any different just because his pigmentation is dark? THAT, my friend, is racism.
To John and JK I would say keep the negativity to yourselves. And to ALL reading this I will say “God Bless America!”
This is a bold step and Obama will carry a huge burden on his shoulders. There is so much hope built up in him that the weight of those dreams will weigh even heavier. He is just a one man, but he has a wealth of political capital right now and he needs to use it. I hope that he strikes out boldly on a path to national prosperity, national dignity, and national security. It would also be great to see him lead the leaders of all nations to support the downtrodden of the world and to prevent the tragedies like Rwanda, Darfur, or any other case of ethnic cleansing. I agree with you Rick, there should be no sacred cows at home and everything should be on the table. I am glad you and your family have the opportunity to enjoy this momentous occasion.
Rick, keep faith, joy and heartfelt thankfulness close as this day and the days ahead progress. Tonight on history channel, first presidential speeches were replayed. Old film showed FDR seventy-six years ago, in march 1933 at his swearing-in. He is remembered for pointing out our problem then “is fear itself.” He talked about solutions, needs and action, like personal and national social responsibility. How fighting pervasive self-serving greed by bankers, and politicos, which accelerated the depression, required tough and enforced financial oversight and personal accountability. He called for positive acts for improvement, not just talk about action. He meant to create jobs and hope. His decisions (like social services) “against his own class (the wealthy)” made his name and memory, even today, a curse among many of the rich and powerful. FDR was the leader for that season. Let us help Obama to be the leader for these times. Let us act positively and honestly with each other, and speak with truth and facts, as best these we may find and know. The idealized “golden rule” could still be our guide. Safety and success to you Rick in D.C., in your business and family, in these interesting days ahead. larry kramer
Dino, all I am saying is it is easy to make excuses and sit back and do nothing. Now the Dem’s have a golden opportunity for real change. I say it is time to get moving and make a positive difference. Show us what you can do.
I think part of the sense of relief at this inauguration is the very powerful feeling of not having had a voice for the last 8 years. I am not sure I have one now, but I hope so.
And JK, I say instead of us showing you what WE can do, we must ALL do it together.Even if you did not support Obama, he is president to ALL Americans. We are in a deep hole and it will take work from both parties and ALL Americans to get us back on track. Let’s join together JK!
John, Why shouldn’t Obama talk to McCain and others? He needs their cooperation and insight as well as his own party’s. His whole message is about inclusion of all people in this country.
Rick, I like your travel books, but I don’t agree with your politics. I am an employee of DoD and remember all too well what happens when we have budget cuts…in the 90’s our proud military members often qualified for welfare checks. The most expensive part of any organization is people…that is often where agencies cut first…before we lobby for change in government that includes budget cuts to DoD, think about the impact that will have on the local economy of places that depend on military bases for business. Look at Atwater, CA where in the mid-90’s an Air Force base closed and the town is still trying to recover…there are empty houses with weeds growing up the sides, and businesses that literally left empty storefronts all over town. Think about government spending on capital improvements and all the construction companies that have already lost out due to our housing slump. DoD does not just spend money on wars…please remember that the next time you speak out for budget cuts.
Dinp, really we should ALL do it together like liberals did with Bush?
Rick, thanks for your thoughts, views, and opinions which have real experience and action behind them, which walks the walk. Can jk, john and huh(?) say they walk their walk-which appears without much personal foundation or facts. Tell us your experiences which back up your views please. Rick, you have formed your views over many years, plus you give us many events and experiences from which they were formed. Seems to me, at least, those who disagree might back up their views. Tell us how and why you formed a opposite view. Thank you.
I served and bled for this country and watched as my friends gave their lives. I hope that has earned me the right to my own opinion and the right to ask a simple question.
The more things change the more they stay the same. Congress has the power not the president. However, I fear we are going to move more towards socialism. If socialism is that great why don’t we all just move to Europe?
What is wrong with Socialism? Don’t you like Social Security? How about medicare/medicaid? How about college aid for yourself or kids? Maybe you like your church having tax deductable status? I suppose you like schools?….well, I don’t have kids, but I’m happy to support school taxes so YOURS can go to school at a lower rate than they would if those who didn’t have kids, didn’t have to pay. I could go on, but I think we all LOVE socialism. I think we’d all love it more if 45 million could at least go to a doctor once in awhile. I’d pay so you could go. You might be my neighbor.
Rick, and Huh, my comment here is brief. I too served, active and reservist from 1967 to 1994. My thoughts and opinions are mine alone, like yours, built on background and experience. Thank you again.
I agree with Bernie. . .if you all love socialism so much then move to Canada or Europe. Ask a Canadian about their healthcare system. . .You’ve been diagnosed with cancer but you know what, we have to put you on a waiting list to get that MRI. Sorry! I frankly am sick of paying everybody’s way. .those who are capable of working but would rather sit at home and watch their satellite TV. Take responsibiltiy for yourselves!
I do hope the President remembers to always carry a big stick while he is talking softly. It is a sad situation but we cannot trust people in other countries to not ever attack us and we must be prepared. If everyone was good, it would be great but that is not the case. I want a very strong military in order to have peace. I hope he doesn’t wake up one morning with another 9/11 or worese.
The world won’t come an end! Give the guy a chance.
Thanks Rick, I received more information from you on this event than I did from my daughter who also traveled to the inauguration. She did bring some keepsakes back to Chicago for the family. But, I want to thank you for sharing your experience.
Hello, Since I couldn’t comment on the Inauguration day’s blog, I’ll just say here that reading it brought the tears right back to my eyes. I probably watched more TV on January 20 than I do in a two-month span. It was great to “hear” the feelings of someone who was there. Thank you.
Obama!!! Adeel Khan Sherwani from Las Vegas