On November 4, 2008 we experienced an unprecedented event in this country...the first black president was elected! Along with this, we got to meet, greet and except the soon to be first black first family (try saying that ten times). How exciting...how honored many of us were (and soon will continue to be) to A) be able to vote in this controversial and important election, B) see Barack Obama (BO) not only accept the nomination as the democratic nominee for president, but then also graciously his historic thank you speech the night of the election and lastly C) watch this man get sworn in in less than a week in Washington, DC. 2008 was definitely the year to be alive and of age to participate in one of the most important rights we have here in this country...the right to choose and vote.
So after all that is said above, your probably wondering "Why question if you should attend the inauguration next week"? I am questioning if you should attend this event because due to the popularity of this election and momentous (yes I am bringing out all the big words on this one...lol) barriers that were conquered, EVERYONE and they momma, daddy's, grandparents, kids, etc will be trying to overtake DC next week! While I am excited for all those who thought they would never live to see something of this caliber, I must remind ya'll that BO and the family WILL NOT SEE YOU out there cheering and yelling.....and snapping pics on your camera phones. LOL. Now as someone said to me recently, "orAKAle it's about being there in the place to witness this event..not at home on the couch, not via web, etc...but there in DC". OKAY then....if you must be there to see this event then do so. But for us meager small people....we will be at work, trying to make a difference...and watching the event streaming live via the web. Lol.
No I am not hating on those who can and will be attending in DC, but I do want us to remember to be realistic and also to be safe as we make the trip to the inauguration. The entire country (no literally....a lot of people) will be attempting to attend this historical event and there is no need to put you and yours safety in jeopardy. With that, it will be like heaven to the "crazies" that will be live and in effect.....you know exactly the type of people I am referring too...those who prey on visitors/travelers/tourist, etc (I'm not going to get into if they are doing it out desperation vs selfishness/laziness, etc....another post...another day).
For all those who are preparing to travel to DC for the inauguration, I really do hope you enjoy yourself, take some pictures and post in the comments of this entry. Please be careful, bundle up and make sure to use the restroom BEFORE you get there; cause them lines for the "mobile restrooms" will be super long. Haaaaaaaaaa!
Big shout out to the Obama family! The orAKAle has spoken.........
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I grew up in the DC metro area and will be going home during inauguration weekend for a family birthday celebration. I had originally intended to go to the inauguration but decided to stay inside and watch it with my family. I was with a lot of folks saying "I just want to be in the midst of it all" but changed my mind for 2 reasons: 1) I don't like big crowds and limited access to bathrooms, and 2) the recent news that most bridges into DC will be closed, thus pushing everyone onto public transportation. The DC Metro system will be overloaded, which will surely be chaos and potentially dangerous.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Sunnie, watch at home and celebrate this momentous occassion with your loved ones. If you absolutely MUST be there, check http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/metro_events/inauguration.cfm for info about getting to/from the festivities.
I really wish I could go.
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