Posts with the tag inauguration

Why is Michelle Obama getting slammed for not choosing a Black Designer for her inauguration dress?

2morrowKnight — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 09:41:27 EST

When I read about this on the huffingtonpost style page, I shook my head in utter amazement. I couldn't believe it. Yes, the founder of the Black Artists Association, Amnau Eele, slammed Michelle Obama for not picking an African-American fashion designer for her inauguration dress. Here is what she said:

"It's fine and good if you want to be all 'Kumbaya' and 'We Are the World' by representing all different countries. But if you are going to have Isabel Toledo do the inauguration dress, and Jason Wu do the evening gown, why not have Kevan Hall, B Michael, Stephen Burrows or any of the other black designers do something too?"

I believe her criticism is completely undeserved. It really is.

Not because Michelle Obama is above criticism (no one is) but because the First Lady will have 4 full years (hopefully 8 years) to showcase the artistry and radiance of African-American designers. Think of all the State Dinners at the White House. Think of all of the Democratic Party fundraisers. Think of all the international travel to continent after continent. You get my point? She’s going to have 365 chances each year to wear the digs of African-American designers in high-profile settings – and brag about to the press.

I do believe there was an missed opportunity here. Ms. Amnau Eele, who leveled the criticism at Mrs. Obama, could have leveraged her position with the Black Artists Association to be a contact for The First Lady. You know, someone who could consult The First Lady about clothes and styles from both established and up-and-coming designers alike. Michelle Obama has a full staff, and a strong communications team in her office. So why not e-mail her? Why not fax her? Why not send her a nice card congratulating her on her beautiful dress, and letting her know that you’d like to recommend some designers for her next big event?

I just don’t get it.

Also, let me say this too: I really didn’t like the “be all 'Kumbaya' and 'We Are the World' by representing all different countries” part in Ms. Eele’s criticism either. This is a multicultural country. Latinos, Asian-Americans, Native-Americans, Arab-Americans, and young whites also voted in earth shattering numbers for President Obama. Not just because of him, but also because of his lovely, enterprising wife – a woman of incredible charisma and unimpeachable intellect, and, a woman who walks amongst dignitaries and heads of state without losing that COMMON TOUCH. She resonates with the nameless, faceless, voiceless millions who yearn for an empowered life outside of the shadows and margins of society. Indeed, her agenda (children, education, and military families) is animated by the hopes of the millions who follow and support her - including millions of black designers.

Knocking The First Lady for choosing an Asian American designer and a Latino designer is very, very unfair. I don't believe for one second that the Obamas are going to leave African-American designers out in the cold. No one can convince me of that. I mean, of course Michelle Obama is going to wear dresses from black designers (she wears them throughout the year).

Michelle Obama is going to continue to reach out to different racial and ethnic groups for designers with great styles. She has to. Her position as First Lady of The United States mandates that she speaks to both the color-specific differences that make us unique (because they exists and are real) as well as the color-neutral commonalities that bring us together. The current composition of this country demands it.

But, I can't help wondering how things would have been if Ms. Eele said this instead: “I will continue to celebrate Michelle Obama’s wonderful, awe-inspiring style, and, through my group, and others, consistently suggest ways she can maintain that style through the creative visions of designers, representing the total richness of America’s racial and ethinic diversity. I want to help her in that process.”

Why didn’t she say that instead?

2morrowknight is an internet strategist and community organizer who blogs at 2morrowknight.blogspot.com, and is author of a forthcoming children's book. You can follow him at Twitter.com/2morrowknight and friend him at Myspace.com/2morrowknight.

STANDING IN THE COLD FOR THE WARMTH

GREG KLINE — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:08:36 EST

Hi There Family,

Well, it’s no secret the last two years of my life have been working to support Barack's vision this election cycle. Actually, it started with the simple act of including an excerpt from his DNC keynote speech in our 2004 home-made holiday card. Since then, I've run myself ragged, and broke. Projects, visibility events, and networking, to the point of serious burnout. But, hey! Yes we did. It was all worth it. Laura & I met him in person during the primaries, and again during the general election, which really helped keep us revitalized. So anyway, you could have guessed there’d be a NEED to make the pilgrimage to the Inauguration.

My friend Ruthie and I drove to Baltimore, and took the first MARC train at 5:29 am to Union Station, a couple blocks from the Capitol. While we could see the Capitol in front of us, getting there was a huge case of "Can’t get there from here". Security herded all cattle through a circuitous and convoluted path, though tunnels, and down streets devoid of visible landmarks, to the back end of Independence Mall, which took about 90 minutes.

We didn’t have tickets, and we wound up about 20 people deep from the beginning railing of the ticketless part of the Mall, in the media area between MSNBC’s broadcast booth, and a bleecher full of camera crews and photographers. Many in our area passed the time going wild for MSNBC’s panning boom camera, cheering for Rachel Maddow, Keith Olberman, and Chris Matthews, and being interviewed by various news anchors in the field. CBS interviewed us.

The cold was significant, but not sobering or intollerable. The wait for Barack, on the other hand, was a bit trying. Yes, it was all beautiful, but the pomp and circumstance of announced grand entrances, the likes of the Seaside Ladies Auxillary, and the janitor’s wife’s second cousin of Mahlia Obama’s school, kinda had people groaning. Speaking of such, yes, one could expect boos at the mention of George Bush, but HOLY COW! It was an ocean of boos, which segued into a mighty contagious roar of the Steam hit "Na Na Hey Hey, Kiss Him Goodbye".

Barack’s address, was characteristically moving and touching. Once again putting ideas back on the table, vision back on the shelves, and making reason the special of the day. Once again the message was one of community, dignity, empowerment, "better angels", and transparency. But this speech went further into the territory of healing division, taking the charge out of the illusions of difference, and emphasizing the common threads that run through all people. Unity was in the air. The ever so faint ineffible tensions due to race seemed palpably eased.

When the event ended, Ruthie & I split to indulge personal walkabouts. I gradually worked my way past multiple barricades and inconsistent security, to the foot of Barack’s podium on the Capitol steps. I wanted to see and absorb the detail that I couldn’t from far out in the Mall. It was definately effecting. So were the apparent safety measures. Barack’s podium was surrounded by bulletproof glass, with a steel camera platform between the podium and the direct line of sight from the Mall. It was when I moved to take a picture leaning against the podium, when some very serious camouflaged guards and Secret Service personnel intervened, instructing me with volume that the area was "locked down".

Earlier, those who attended the Inauguration in the Mall, were informed they would not be allowed street access to attend the Inaugural Parade, that the route was full to capacity. However, from my vantage point on the Capitol steps, I was able to casually circumvent the security, and wound up 2nd person deep near the beginning of the parade route. Security around Barack’s limo was intense. His car was flanked on all sides by "dummy" limos, and open vehicles piled with Secret Service personnel, tensely scanning and peering piercingly into the crowd. Through the tinted windows, I could see Michelle Obama and the girls waving. Barack was not to be seen.

All in all, I must say, that while security was stern and inflexible, they were also professional and occasionally friendly. I did not observe a single "incident" all day. When you consider there were roughly two million people present, that really says something, something positive, about a very positive event.

As night fell, we had no invitations to any of the Inaugural Balls, and really, we didn’t need any. Ruthie and I met up in the Smithsonian for a light dinner, and headed home around 8:15 pm. Talking on the train, we decided that the whole contentious movie of the election process is over, and we’re now ready to actually get down to accomplishing good things. Barack seems, more than ever, an organic conduit of a progressive movement who’s time has finally come. Let’s get to it. Better days are at hand. Wishing you All Good Things.

All Fired Up & Ready To Go,

Greg

Our Defining Moment

Hiphop4Barack — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:35:19 EST

Jasiri X is a Dope M.C.!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czDcBivYkH8

The Season Finale of This Week With Jasiri X, Season 2

Each Episode Of "This Week With Jasiri X" features Your Hip-hop News Anchor Jasiri X reporting the National news over the hottest beats.

For weeks Jasiri X has provided a rapidly growing internet audience with a most creative and interesting delivery of the weekly news. Using lyrical skills, controversial subject matter, and phat beats, Jasiri X shows and proves that real Hip-hop is not in the least bit dead.

Chuck D of Public Enemy once boldly declared that "Hip-hop was the CNN of the ghetto", no artist has better embraced and embodied that concept than Jasiri X.

Train Ride To Hope (An Inauguration Day Poem)

Sistah Joy — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:42:41 EST

Train Ride to Hope
(An Inauguration Day Poem)
© J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford

A 7:30 A.M. train ride
Inaugurated by a commemorative fare card
Bearing the likeness of a man
Who believed in hope and change
Maybe the time had come
For a nation whose yesterday
Spurned right at its own peril
A nation that, despite dreams and visions
Proclaimed before broad witness in light of day
Rejected truth 'til civil disarray
Dictated that only change could counter catastrophe
Perhaps this would be the train ride
To usher that nation
To the dawn of a new day

A sea of humanity
Like ants, satellite images would depict dots
Blurred into huddles to become muddled masses
I was proud to be one of the millions
Knowing I had neither ticket nor hope of
Seeing anything more than jumbotrons
I trudged on
Under the 3rd Street tunnel
Loosing, early in the day, Beverly and Jayne,
My comrades in arms
But I moved on
This is my hometown, I know this place
Placing phone calls of reassurance
When intermittent phone service allowed
I pressed on
Moving from one undesignated
Vantage point to another
Both the Blue Gate and the Silver Capital viewing area
Were inaccessible
But how could they close The Mall
The entire Mall?

But my guardian angels were on it!
Like the pride, yearning and desperate belief
Of all who withstood the frigid cold
Even the batteries of Chicky’s hand-held
Neon orange radio knew not to fade
Sylvia’s ungloved hand must have been frozen
As she held the small prize just above our heads
Standing behind me Jasmine asked if I could
Move just a bit to the side
So she too could hear
We each prayed for a clear signal
Sylvia said a glove would restrict digital dexterity
As she deftly rotated the dial with precision
Not chancing to miss a single word
That would mark this moment in history
So it was to be
This anointed neon orange electronic device
Clearly appointed by Divine providence
To appear next to me
Whether held in Sylvia’s hand or God’s
Did the job of unseen jumbotrons

The four of us fellowshipped and communed
We were from DC, Colorado and Texas
Sisters of different generations and races
Silently sharing tears as Aretha sang
Sharing hugs and hopes as we listened
To introductions, oaths and speeches
Believing the words we heard
On a small radio would take us
Beyond Metro stops,
Malls and trains
Knowing that on this day
Hope had transported a people
To a place where they believed
That the time for change had come

Obama's Speech

Jedidiah Palosaari — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:08:32 EST

As I predicted, a great speech, and imo, one of the best inauguration speeches ever. Not quite as good as Lincoln II, but better by a long shot that Lincoln I (where he came out in favor of continuing slavery).

But as I reflect on it, all of the focus, before and after, was on if it would be a great speech, or only a mediocre speech. Would it be as good as Lincoln's Second Inaugural, or only as good as his First?

Where was the discussion of the speech itself- of how it impacted us individually, and how it changed us? After all, that is the point of a speech. Not to get up there and win an award, but to persuade and change people. Was his only goal to get up there and live up to expectations? Or was it to lay out something new, and begin to move the ball forward? That was his goal, but I think so many pundits were focused on the pure rhetoric, that they missed the purity.

I challenge you now, if you haven't done so before, to go back and listen to the short 18 minute speech, and truly listen to it, and allow yourself to be impacted.

This was what I was most moved by, and most impressed by:

"We reject as false, the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to ensure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedient's sake. And so, to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village in which my father was born, know that America is a friend of each nation, and every man, woman, & child who seeks a future of peace & dignity, and we are ready to lead once more."

Witness to History 1\20\2009

Emilie — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:47:43 EST

I witnessed history....

And if i could put it in to words it would help. The mood in the air was one of hope and safety, in a crowd of almost 4 million I felt safe, I felt like we were a family. Everyone came together to support President Obama and Vice President Biden and I can honestly say yes it did bring tears to my eyes you may see that as funny but its beautiful to see all these people striving for the same thing in the same place is amazing and it is something that i would never change for the world. There was a point where a little girl got lost and everyone in the area i was in was yelling her name to find her, seeing and hearing and being part of thousands of strangers coming together to help a mother many of us didnt know was one thing that amazed me. Looking back at this opportunity I have had I am greatful and proud at the desicion that my country made in choosing its leader.I walked 5-7 miles through D.C and let me tell you it was more than worth it. As a teen who is unable to vote, many people look at my intrest in politics as funny or ironic. Yet, this year i got envolved in the election seeing my country get to the point it is in now I felt I had no choice than be involved. Being at the Inauguration of our 44th President and seeing that I was not alone in feeling the need for change and knowing that it was finally possible brought me hope for my generation, the ones before me and the generations to come. It's time for change, and change has come. YES WE CAN!

Inaugurating the People of America The Rebirth of Democracy

Vera from Jamaica, NY — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:47:30 EST

… As I migrated towards the Lincoln Memorial for the Opening Ceremony, I became amerced in a sea of people flowing rhythmically towards what some envision as a symbolic crusade. As I observed a well organized ceremony, my attention was often unconsciously interrupted to marvel at my surroundings of a micro-dynamic of what constitutes America. Once again…as I previously witnessed the “mending and uniting of the souls of America” in the eyes of its people at the Democratic Convention in Denver 2007, so I saw on this day, and days to follow… the “inauguration of The United States of America”. The inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20, 2009 invoked awareness and a force of unity that I once witnessed during the atrocity of 911. This truly was the “Rebirth of Democracy” as the voices of the people resounded at our nation’s capitol supportive of “CHANGE”. And so… we must, and shall do our part in support of said “change”. Congratulations President Barack Obama! Congratulations America!

- The Grassroots Democracy Group-

Overseas Questions about the Inauguration

Mike Underwood — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 15:59:28 EST

I have gotten questions from the UK about why foreign dignitaries were not more visible at the swearing-in ceremony. Where any present? Any representatives of the British Royal Family, for instance? Did Nelson Mandela attend? If not, why not?

The 3rd Street Tunnel Situation

Allison from Harrisburg, NC — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 15:58:13 EST

On Tuesday, January 20th, 2009, my aunt and I got up early in the morning to head to the Inauguration from the 16th street apartment that we were staying in. We had purple tickets. When we reached 1st and D, the officer told us that this was the line for purple ticket holders so my aunt and I went to get in line. This line went up D street to 3rd street and then turned left into the 3rd street tunnel. Now my aunt and I were excited so we didn't mind being in the long line or the cold. We just knew that we were going to be able to see Sen. Barack Obama be sworn into office as the 1st African American President of the United States of America.

While standing in line we met a group of very nice young ladies who were Obama staffers. We were all just standing in line, talking, laughing, have a good time and bearing with the cold. Every so often the line would move up some and we would inch our way closer and closer to the tunnel opening. As time went on we could see more and more people coming into the tunnel. Some people had purple tickets and some didn't. Sadly, some people started to jump the line.

Now, most of these people where just getting to the area while the rest of us had been standing in line since 4-5am that morning. So as a group we formed a tight line to prevent people from cutting into the line. To make a long story short, most of us including myself and my aunt did not make it into the Inauguration. Supposedly, we were forgotten about.

My question to you all is, "If you were a Purple Ticket holder and you did not make it into the Inauguration, please respond or if you know more info about what happened, please respond." Now, I am not saying that this was President Obama or Vice President Biden's fault. I would just like to reconnect with the people that were involved in this situation. Thanks you all and please have a great day.

Why was I there?

olddockeller — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:49:22 EST

So, why does a trained professional spend 5 hours to get in front of a Jumbotron on the Washington Mall to see an inauguration that could have viewed in many more comfortable places around the country?
One could argue that the inauguration of Barack Obama heralds the opportunity to begin to develop a system of health care that is comprehensive and integrates mental health care with the primary care system in a way that benefits children and families. One could argue that, and, while in DC, I attended a "Doctors for Obama" event that allowed us to discuss that and many other ideas for improving the system.
But that wasn't why.
One could argue that fixing the health care system requires us to get the economy under control, and that "fix" requires us all to get behind the President and the people who understand the economy to fix a very broken system. One could argue that, and at the "Rhode Island Inauguration Breakfast", we heard about the changes that need to happen to create the infrastructure necessary to salvage the system.
But that wasn't why.
One could say that this election addresses race in a way that we as a nation have never tried to do in the past, that the election of an African-American shatters one more glass wall between us and the society envisioned by Dr. King, in which a person is judged, "not be the color of his skin, but the content of his character". Our African-American community was there in force, to witness this extraordinary piece of history, and I was proud to stand with them.
But that wasn't why.
It really comes down to my favorite quote from Barbara Kingsolver, who wrote that "

"It's not some perfect ideal we're working toward that keeps us going...I don't expect to see perfection before I die... What keeps you going isn't some fine destination but just the road you're on, and the fact that you know how to drive. You keep your eyes open, you see this damned-to-hell world you got born into, and you ask yourself,
"What life can I live that will let me breathe in & out and love somebody or something and not run off screaming into the woods."

I was there to affirm my commitment to change, to meet some of the others who are looking to make change and to prepare myself for the task ahead. And while I was there, something remarkable happened. An American President, instead of telling us how great we were, or how great we are or how he will make things all better, called on us all to do something to make America a better place. A President called on us to to remember, not Abraham Lincoln, but George Washington. He called on us to get past the small stuff and to make change in the small that could be rolled into change on a massive scale. He called on us, in reality, to be the country that de Tocqueville saw, a nation of small groups engaged in civic improvement for the public good. And he called on us to do it in good humor, with dignity and grace. Sounds hopelessly idealistic, no? Perhaps. I left invigorated, engaged and ready to begin the work.
We have a lot of work to do. But we can do it. Yes, we can.

The President and The People

Nakeva — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:42:15 EST

History. Change. Innovation. Barack Obama has made the commitment to officially represent the American people and the ideals of change. On January 20, 2009, President Barack Obama took his oath and did not waiver in anything promised thus far. Being on the National Mall as a volunteer and being part of a most historical event was inspiring. Change is a collective effort. Seeing the thousands of people of all nationalities, ethnicities, and social backgrounds was exactly what this country stands for: a melting pot of hope, dreams, and prosperity when the collective people believe.

This Inauguration and presidential term is not just about the first african-american (black man) taking office. It is not just about overcoming adversity for minorities. It is more about a man with a passion and a mission to restore the very truths this country was built on: people, visibility, fairness, justice and an even distribution of power and responsibility. People of all backgrounds, people with freedom, people with a voice, people with determination, people seeking the best of their government because they know Democracy is a means to represent all without an overbearing hand. I am proud to be an American and proud to see a man make history because he believes in making a change.

My best to President Brack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and the body of the American people that will be part of a positive future.

The Inauguration of Barack Obama

Kaiser Farooque — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:10:19 EST

NOTE: This post is both on my Xanga site and my smaller blog at Kizyr for Obama.

Last Tuesday, there were more people in Washington than I've ever seen in my life. It was a larger crowd than I've ever seen in my life. And what's more, nearly every single person there in the crowd was happy.

I knew it was a day that'd go down in history, so crowds, cold, and closed metro stations weren't going to stop me from seeing it. My sister flew in from Nashville to see this, and the two of us along with some of my coworkers went into the city to see what we could.

Fortunately, no camping out was necessary. We left around 8AM and, after some reverse-metro rides we managed to get to Gallery Place, walk all the way around the White House and parade route, and find a spot near the Washington Monument. In all, we walked something like 7-8 miles that day (check the route above).

Obama Inaugural Tribute (For Us)

Dimples02 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:54:54 EST

This is a fantastic tribute to President Obama's Inaugural Speech! Click on below and

spread the word.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAdA636rxfw

President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address

N. Julio Barthson - E-Campaign Leader — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:41:31 EST

A speech for posterity. A speech for the history books. We will never forget...

Presidential Whistle Stop

Thom — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:11:30 EST

The night of the 20th, we played back our favorite recording of the day,
and acted as if it was real-time, not allowing any tipoffs from our
various elated friends who played hooky and watched in real-time on this
pivotal day.

K, Reed, and I sat glued to the tv, watching the buildup of the
inauguration, claps, boos, arms waving in statement, eventually
laughing, crying, dancing took place in our little time capsule of a
living room.

Between their regal yet humble expressions, to the concise and timely
words of the world's state, openly acknowledged for all to realize, this
binds a new set of neural connections. Then a level of
determination-confidence-hope which I've never felt firsthand coming
from the highest office...has modified...Previously not a flag guy, I am
currently spangled and waving inside.

I`·.,,.·'CAN`·.,,.·'PICTURE`·.,,.·'BARACK`·.,,.·'And
`·.,,.·'MICHELLE`·.,,.·'AND`·.,,.·'DAUGHTERS`·.,,.·'AS`·.,,.·'US

They are for our ideals, they are from our times, their minds work on
our levels, technical colleagues, inspirational beings. For the first
time we feel the best part of this democracy.

Here's our president taking a train trip!

We know how it is...safe and intimate at the same time ;-)

We had just traversed the US as a family on the California Zephyr, through the Sierra Nevadas, Great Basin National Parks, Rocky Mountains across the Misissippi River where the Bald Eagles are holding their glorious comeback all the way to Chicago, the source of the energy which started this all.Then back again by rail, the way it will be in the future, seeing our nation in a new, proud way.

Great memories combined with new memories, we feel like we are so
much part of these events of the last two months!

Now we are ready to pull along on this ride.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/the_whistle_stop_tour/

Hope,
Care,
Effort,
Connections,
Empathetic and Vicarious experiences on a grand scale,
Can leed to great deeds,
by us all.
t, k & r.

The Inauguration Concert at The Lincoln Memorial

Rick in Maryland — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:59:50 EST

So I'm at a UMBC basketball game on Saturday night January 17th and I get this phone call from a friend in the Inaugural Committee. He asks me if I want to go to the concert, says he has a staff pass for me. I'm like: totally dude! So we make arrangements for me to come to his house at 8am on Sunday to get the pass.

8am Sunday...the phone rings "Where are you?" he asks. Oops, I overslept. "Well get you butt to DC now if you are not here by 1pm somebody else will use the pass." So I quickly dress and head down - driving, mind you. As I get closer, he tells me he wants me to meet another staffer at his house.

This guy is in a meeting and suggests by text that I park in Union Station and wait for him there, where it is warm. I find the station and find a parking spot. It is now 10:30 and we are supposed to meet at 12:30, with the concert starting at 2pm.

I read the paper and finally get some lunch. I text'd him again and he says he'll be there soon. I'm starting to get worried then I get a call and he says "Wave your hands!" and I do, and he comes over. Adrienne is his name. He introduces me to Dan who he says will escort me to the event. It turns out that I could not use the staff pass because it required matching hard creds, so they are holding a volunteer pass for me at the gate.

After an unepectedly long train ride we arrive on 23rd. We are supposed to meet at 23rd and Constitution, so we are running to make it. The mags were going to close! We get there, and there is no pass. Dan has 2 blackberries going at the same time but we can't get in touch with this person who has the pass.

Dan finallyl goes through security in the press/Congressional entry point to find her. At 1:59 he hands the pass to me through the gate. As I start to enter, a cop says "Sorry, we are shut down!" I looked at him and said "Please, I've been waiting here for a long time!" A woman cop agrees, and the cop says "GO!" The woman cop helped tie the pass to my hoodie, she was so nice!

I go through the mag as the National Anthem is starting to be played.

Wow. My heart was pounding. What if I'd not been able to get in?

So I go up and ask a security person where I can go. They looked at my pass and said "Anywhere you want but the Podium."

So I went to the Congressional Seating Area and stood with some press and Secret Service who were guarding the Congresspeople. About 150 feet from the stage!

The concert was amazing. Lots of celebrities giving speeches. U2 and Bono - WOW! Stevie Wonder, Shakira and Usher! I bought a T shirt with all the performers on the back, and my I HEART PRESIDENT OBAMA hat.

I was able to make my way back on the subway with no problem. I ended up using the same trains for the swearing in, so this was good practice.

A special thanks to PIC 2009 and Michael, Dan and Adrienne. You guys all rock!

Pictures are on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15943&id=1189561977&saved

The Swearing in Of Barack Hussein Obama as President of the United States of America

Rick in Maryland — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:38:54 EST

I got the tickets to Suzi Gerace and Angeline Watts by overnight mail. Charles came to my condo in Baltimore and picked his up, although we planned to meet on the Metro train at 5:30am. We did end up on the same train but opposite ends, so we just stayed put until we got to Metro Center and our transfer to the Blue line to the Federal Center SW station.

I heard from Angeline about 5:45 they were in position. I had set up a spot a little away from where I thought people would be to meet, and it worked out perfectly. After a few minutes, we were all together! I stopped and bought some snacks and water then we headed for the Silver Gate. The line wasn't bad we were maybe a block from the gate but it was cold.

I had brought along left over T-shirts and rally signs and stickers, so I had a lot of fun handing those out. I think people thought I was selling them but eventually, I handed out the last sign.

We were in line until about 7:30 when they opened the outer gate, earlier than the 8am published time. It felt good to be moving!

Security was pretty simple: they frisked you and checked your bag. I did not see anybody being hassled at all. We got to keep the tickets, also. We were in our designated area by 8:30, and quite dissapointed: we could barely see the Jumbotron!

There were two green plastic fences keeping us from the sidewalk around the Reflecting Pool. It only took a few minutes before the crowd breeched the fist fence. The police did not seem alarmed. This got us slightly better views but still not that good.

Not long afterwards, the 2nd fence came down, and we swarmed around the Pool closer now to the Capitol. Charles and I went to the right but lost Suzi and Angeline. I decided to go find them and I did. I suggested we try to closer to the Jumbotron so at least we could see it that way. We worked our way over and got right in front of it, plus there were porta potties there, which was good. The wind blowing off the Pool was incredibly COLD. The wind chill was said to be 15 degrees.

Charles stayed put and the crowd ultimately pushed further up in front of the Ulysses Grant memorial with a clear view of everything. We hated being separated but by this time (about 10am) the crowd had grown considerably. Looking back down the Mall, it was a sea of people and looked like a throbbing red something.

The Marine band started playing and finally about 11:30 they started introducing people. They introduced every member of Congress I think - I swear, we were freezing our butts off and could care less. WHERE IS OBAMA?

When Joe Lieberman came down the steps, he got boo-ed BIG TIME. BOO! BOO! The crowd went crazy then we all started laughing. What a jerk. Then came Cheney in his wheelchair. Hurt himself moving out of the VP mansion. LOL. What a jerk! He got boo-ed too, but not as loud. I kept wondering if they were going to bounce him down the steps. We shouted: push him!

Finally, Bush came out. He got boo-ed too, but more respectfully. I learned that CNN blocked the sound when we boo-ed Bush, that figures. He heard it though, you could see his reaction. BOO! No more Dumb Presidents! BOO! BOO! BOO! BOO! BOO! BOO!

O-BAM-A!

OMG! When his motorcade came up the driveway, WE WENT NUTS! The roar from behind us in the Mall was incredible. Our President was in the Capitol.

Finally, the moment came for Biden. We cheered. Yes, we can. I loved it when Obama picked Biden. Great choice, very dignified man.

Then ... Obama took the oath. I can't belive Roberts screwed up the oath. You could see Obama visibly react - he knew the oath! Anyway, everybody was hugging everybody else and screaming. It was so moving. Especially when you consider that some of us gave up practically everything to work on the campaign those last months and weeks. To have worked so hard and come to this moment was simply amazing. There are no words to adequately describe it.

As Obama gave his AWESOME speech, we were so totally frozen we could barely concentrate. But when he said some of those things, we yelled. We screamed. We could not feel our feet despite having warmers in there - but we stood our ground.

After the speech, we headed back to the Federal Center SW Metro station. You could barely move it was a sea of people, and the rest of the fences came down, people were just walking right over them. It probably took 45 minutes to walk the 3 or 4 blocks and then we discovered there had been an accident so the subways were backed up. In fact, there was no possible way to even get into the station, so we decided to go find some food.

Bad idea. No restaurants at all! We were cold, tired and hungry.

Suzi decided to call her cousin Johny to ask him for suggestions. He said "hold on, I'll come get you and you can eat with us, we are having a party!"

The man actually drove to get us. Then after we were settled into his mini van and had some hot coffee and an apple, he said "Oh, we have to wait for the other 8 people." Eight? Where are they going to sit? He just smiled. We sat in the middle of M street with total chaos going on around us and waited. Sure enough, about 8 people including 4 more adults showed up.

Believe it or not, we got all 12 people into this mini van and off we went. We were laughing so hard it hurt, and held up an OBAMA sign and screamed at the people in the street. One man offered us $100 for a ride, but like, where would HE sit?

It was a couple of miles to his house, and we were mighty glad to get out of that van! We went in and first thing they did was bring us all a beer. Talk about grateful! Then they started bringing out food: lasagna, chili, sandwiches, chips, veggies, OMG. We ate like we'd never eaten before, while watching the parade on TV.

I thanked them and headed for a Metro station. I figured if I could get back over to MD before the parade ended, I'd be OK. And that turned out to be true. I was back to my truck about 5:30pm and home by 7pm. What a day. What memories. Wish you could have been with me!

Pictures are presently posted on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/index.php?lh=5ddba7f889626ee40e5a018a47bc0104&

YES WE CAN. OBAMA!

Obama's Unique Government Change

JDenton — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:16:15 EST

Hello. I would like to point something out, something that I am surprised the media hasn't hugely highlighted yet. That is this; the change Obama will bring to Washington is not just a change in power, or change in the voting process, or the fact that Obama is an African American. The change Obama will bring to Washington is the way I think the President will rule. My sense is that Obama will lead as a facilitator, guiding the people instead of ruling them... helping them help themselves. This will be a groundbreaking movement in American history.

Not all black, white for N.O. native

Brian — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:31:18 EST

She recalls prediction of Creole president

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

By Jonathan Tilove

WASHINGTON -- The inauguration Tuesday of Barack Obama as president of the United States was a matter of personal vindication for Sandra Booker.

Booker, 42, was in the fifth grade at John A. Shaw Elementary School when she announced her ambition to her social studies class.

"I said, 'I am going to grow up to marry the president of the United States,' " Booker recalled. "Without hesitation, my teacher informed me, 'No, you will never be the wife of a president because there will not be a black president of the United States.'

"No one said anything," she said of her classmates, all black. Their teacher was white. "I thought maybe there was some truth to what she said. Why would my teacher lie?"

But, when Booker got home -- she grew up in the 8th Ward at Florida and St. Roch avenues -- her grandmother, Mattie Pendleton Pryor Johnson, who lived with her, assured her that her teacher was wrong.

Johnson, who died in 1998 at the age of 102, told Booker that there would be a black president in her lifetime. Booker said she believed her, absolutely.

Actually, Booker recalled, her grandmother, who was descended from gens du couleur -- free people of color -- actually predicted that Booker would live to see a Creole president.

And while Booker considers the use of Creole an antique reference to the intense competition for racial hierarchy within the black community, her grandmother, she said, was onto something in describing a future president who was not simply black or white, "who could stand on both sides of the neutral ground and understand both sides."

Booker, an accomplished jazz singer in Los Angeles, said she and her sister, Janice Peters, 41, who lives in Gentilly and works as a cashier at the Home Depot, attended the inauguration on behalf of their grandmother and great-grandmother, Victoria Briscoe Pendleton.

Booker worked as a campaign volunteer in October 2007 at an Obama appearance at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles, setting up chairs and getting water.

"After he was done, I just felt compelled to talk to him," she said. "I ignored the fact that he was flanked by Secret Service. I yelled out, 'Don't forget about New Orleans.' "

As Obama approached, Booker recited the litany of New Orleans' gifts to the nation: jazz, the second-line, gumbo. "I started to break down and cry," she said. Obama approached, consoling her. " 'Don't cry,' he said. He took me literally in his arms. 'It's OK. Should I become president' -- that rang in my ear -- 'I assure you I won't forget." '

Even though Booker and Peters had tickets for the inauguration and traveled a very long way to be there, they were unable to make their way past the security and barricades to see the swearing-in and inaugural address. They watched it as best they could on a far distant Jumbotron TV screen.

It did not matter, Booker said. They knew why they were there. They had fulfilled their mission. They had achieved their catharsis. "We stood there, held each other and cried."

. . . . . . .

Jonathan Tilove can be reached at jtilove@timespicayune.com or 202.383.7827.

http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/washington/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1232518857258160.xml&coll=1

Day 1

Alexandra — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:34:27 EST

Today is the official first full day of Barack Obama becoming our nations president. (Sweet!) Right now I am hoping that he will fix are country, not just hoping, praying. There is one thing he is doing that is worrying me, and that is the 800 billion dollars he is about to spend on energy and such. But one thing is for sure, thank god Cheney is gone. Within the next few weeks I trust that he will make some good decicions for our country. No, to talk about the Inauguration. First off Aretha Franklin..... well I know old peoples voices are not exactly great but that was kinda... bad. I mean she was fabulous but that was a while ago, sorry Aretha. I was so excited when Biden got sworn in. Too cool. And the Air and Simple Gifts with Yo Yo Ma and the crew was sooooo beautiful. After it went over noon though it was kinda funny. Has that ever happened before? I didn't know that if you don't take oath before noon your still president, pretty cool. Next Obama tripped up on his repittition of the oath which I couldn't help but laugh at. His speech was so moving, it was so well done. After all that was over it was time for the Inaugural Balls. Michelle Obama's dress was breathtaking! She is so lovly and such a good role model. Until the next thing interesting enough to talk about or when I'mn bored, blog you next time.

Restore: January 20, 2009

Jeff the Teacher — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:08:13 EST

Restore: January 20, 2009

For far too long it has been:

Ignore

Deplore

Abhor

Make war

Run into closed door

Poke the festering sore

Come back for more

Starting today it will be:

Restore

Implore

Soar

Feed the poor

Advocate for

Stop the war

Love galore

Come back for more

New President

Austin W — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:50:34 EST

Today, I watched the inauguration several times. I was so excited to see that Barack had finally become the President of the United States. I watched the big parade afterwards and even took notes on his speech so I could remember it forever.

We finally have a Democrat for President and we need to do something that will help others in the economy we have today. People are losing jobs, stock values, and most of all money. They need our help so try to raise as much money as you can to donate to our newest President. Today, I sent several more invitations and I want to raise at least $50.

Day One, for all of us.

Laura from Dallas, TX — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:16:35 EST

Hi! I just started this community blog. But here are my two cents on today.

Read.

Welcome to the New Day

MDR Miami Beach — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:59:41 EST

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

====

"... we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, WE CANNOT HELP BUT BELIEVE THAT THE OLD HATREDS SHALL SOMEDAY PASS; THAT THE LINES OF TRIBE SHALL SOON DISSOLVE; THAT AS THE WORLD GROWS SMALLER, OUR COMMON HUMANITY SHALL REVEAL ITSELF; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

-- President Barack Obama, January 20, 2009

Letter to my Children

Melissa B. — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:50:17 EST

To My Precious Children,

Although you are both too young to understand the significance of this day, in the scope of your life this will change and shape the world that you will one day inherit.

Inauguration Day is a multi fold embodiment of promise for the future. This day is the culmination of many months and years of daring to believe in the powerful call for change. It is an affirmation that every injustice and offensive act on behalf of the previous government was not merely subjectively felt by the individual but acknowledged and rejected by our society as a whole. The inauguration also carries with it the great momentum of the people, who finally, having gotten a taste of hope, now have an overwhelming appetite for all the greatness that still lies in store for our nation. We are motivated, we are ready, we will serve the greater good. We have a renewed commitment not only to be good patriots, but to be good human beings and citizens of the world.

My darling children, on this day my generation becomes the steward of your future. Finally, I feel some relief that my concerns for the world I want to leave you will be heard and acted upon. I am now confident that we will bring to life some of the most important elements of my vision for the legacy we will leave your generation.

More importantly I am so grateful that you will never have known a world in which everyone did not share a fair chance to succeed. The days of second class citizenship are rapidly reaching their end as we make this historic step toward equality. We have a journey ahead of us, but I am confident that we are on the path that will lead us to the destination of liberty for all. Barack Obama carries a unique opportunity to quell the insecurities and doubts of those that still live under the shroud of ignorance and fear that manifests as superficial superiorities.

The Obama campaign slogan was “Change We Can Believe In.” Today the American people gather to welcome Barack Obama into the White House and into all of our houses. We have dared to believe that he can bring about the change that this country so desperately needs. We have granted him the chance to manage serious challenges with ability and responsibility. On this momentous day we hope, despite years of cynicism, that we will create the world that, prior to now, we only dreamed of. It will be built from out the ruins of an ideology so dated that you will not even be able to imagine how we ever existed with such a lack of equality, accountability and engagement in our country and government.

The Inauguration of our 44th president, Barack Obama is the springboard for reuniting all of the valuable individuals that make up the United States of America. I am proud that this is just the beginning of the legacy of hope and change that you will live to inherit.

With all my love and hope for your future,

Mama

Celebrating The Hardest Four Years Of Our Lives

Qaliqo — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:44:02 EST

Today the real work begins. President Obama has called on us to rebuild our great nation. Bringing a large, populous, wealthy nation to the next level is our task. We must not be overcome, for the hour is late and time is short. Until campaign season in 2012, we are on a new mission: to achieve our destiny as individuals, as communities, as a nation, and as a world. We are all one people today, but the road ahead will be long and arduous.

Cincinnati Obama 2008 is becoming Cincinnati Supports Our President. I invite mailing list members to create a forum for discussing local solutions to the many problems we face. God bless President Obama, and God bless America!

Inauguration Day!!

Alexandra — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:47:57 EST

Right now I am in school doing an assignment on Barack Obama. Were reading and making a paper cube about how he overcame struggles when he was younger and also when he was running for president. Its pretty interesting. I am SO psyched about the Inaguration today! Biden is going to be sworn in soon and that will be cool too. Haha, I have a theory about what the Busch Admin. were doing yesterday. Bush: Curled up in fetal position in the coner of the Oval Office(umm or a secluded area, there are no corners in the Oval office)sucking his thumb telling himself, "I won't get shot, I won't get shot" Cheney: Plotting to ovethrow the government. Rest of the Admin: Partying

Inauguration Music

Henry M — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:33:06 EST

FWIW, KCUF will be playing an Inauguration Day playlist from today till 6:30 this evening, Eastern Daylight Savings Time, with a very special hour-long Obama Remix starting at about 11 am.

Henry M

KCUF, Still the Most Eclectic Music on the WWW, Now at 128 Kb/s on Shoutcast Unlimited: http://tinyurl.com/kcuf-on-shoutcast-limited to play and http://www.urdomain.us/kcuf.htm to see what's playing

We are Proud Americans Today

Vicki "Hussein" in New Mexico — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:32:22 EST

January 20, 2009: I got up at 5:30AM this morning, dressed and made coffee, threw in a load of laundry, and stepped outside into the cold, clear New Mexico night sky. The bright stars and a slice of moon still hung in the darkness above me. Was it just over a year ago that we greeted candidate Obama to our State and I shook his hand? I felt so confident about this man and hoped he might be President this day. I got the flag and placed it in the flag holder on my front porch. I switched on the porch light to illuminate it. I feel very proud to be an American. I haven't felt this way about my country in a long time. Today I want to hug everyone I see. I feel a part of something great as we await the Inauguration today of Barack Hussein Obama as our 44th President. I think about the cold, the hungry, the oppressed, the war-weary, the unemployed, the frightened and the dispossessed who have little to feel proud about. I think the whole world is watching us to see if we can truly deliver on our promise. I wish President Obama well. And I wish America well.

Inauguration, a day to celebrate!

Emma — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:19:59 EST

During the horrors of Bush’s reign I slowly began to come to the dreadful realization that before long the world might actually find itself in the midst of a third World War, something that had seemed unthinkable for many decades. But the new millennia seemed to hold far more frightening scenarios than ever before imagined and the outcome of all these fears would rest in the hands of the future President of the United States.

For so long it felt like disaster was inevitable, as the hope of all civilized nations, the country that held so much promise, had begun to act so erratically, irresponsibly and impulsively. This was cause for great concern, since the world needed a unifying force more than ever before. The challenges we all faced could not be solved alone and the United States of America was the only potential candidate to unite an unruly world. But President Bush, supported, at least in the beginning, by large numbers of his people, made it clear that the US thought nothing of the rest of the world or the wisdom that had evolved within it.

Then suddenly there was a young Senator from Illinois with the strange name of Barack Obama. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come since then.

When Obama won in Iowa, it was like the fog finally lifted after so many years of impenetrable darkness. There was hope and possibilities again, a chance at least for peace and prosperity. But going through my own blog posts, as they depict this incredible journey, I can’t help but marvel at the challenges he faced and obstacles he overcame. All of it converging on this day, in this moment in time, when I can finally write the words I have so longed to write; President Obama. It’s enough to take your breath away. But despite the fact that my belief in the possibility of this moment and my faith in this man has never wavered, I have to admit most days it did seem like an impossible dream.

Yet here we are. Today impossible has been proven null and void for all to see. Faith has finally prevailed over despair, commitment and dedication has prevailed over the age old prejudice of money and breeding, and the ethereal experience of hope became an actual beacon in the darkness.

Today millions all over the world enjoy the sensation of victory, the sweat aroma of joyous celebration. It is truly remarkable how many of us became personally invested in this campaign and shared in the struggles and woes of our fellow humans. Never before has the election in nation become such a shared endeavor for so many, so far apart!

Even though I’m unable to be a part of the celebrations in Washington DC today, I will be there in heart and spirit, for this day feels like it belongs as much to me as it does to the American people and others across the globe. It’s more than just the swearing in of yet another President. It’s the pinnacle of a collective journey, where accepted truths were tested and faith challenged, with victory the final outcome. It has been a journey so much greater than one man or one voice.

Barack Obama became the focus point of a world full of hope, dreams and fears and he carried it all without faltering or wavering. I have never been more proud of a single individual before, and elated that he has not yet allowed my belief in him to be in vain.

As countless Americans proudly, and rightly so, declare themselves winners, not just of an election, but rather winners of the battle against the hopelessness and crippling fear that has held the nation in its grip for so long, we should all remember the fragility of this victory. The celebration is well deserved and should be a moment worthy of the history books. But tomorrow the true test and challenge begins.

(More to come… I will continue to blog throughout the day, my small way of being a part of this joyous occasion)

Obama Inauguration Day

Ron from La Mesa, CA — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:02:25 EST

It's a HUGE rumble of enlightenment and hope out there. I am sure the way things are going, there will be a new national holiday. It will be called "Obama Inauguration Day", and I think it'll be set as a holiday and published on all the calendars for the next 300 years or so.

A Letter to President Obama

Tonya — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:50:55 EST

Dear President Obama,

I write this on the eve of your inauguration. Although I have voted in every presidential election since I turned 18, you are the first candidate that I’ve ever been excited to vote for. My daughter, Ashley, is also excited. She told me just a couple of days ago that when she grows up she wants to be “a president” so she can go to live with you in the White House.

She’s only 4, so I’m not sure what you’ve done to inspire her, but you rank right up there with Hannah Montana and the Disney princesses! Since you have young daughters of your own, I don’t have to tell you what an honor that is in her world.

The Lame Decision to Use HBO ...

Uncommon Sense — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:37:34 EST

Hi Barack,

You were smart enough to run an inclusive campaign that relied on word of mouth marketing, Youtube, email and volunteers. You raised a Billion Dollars without once having to sell yourself cheap to the highest corporate bidder.

What happened?

The concert at Lincoln Memorial was one of the most anticipated events of your inauguration in its historic significance linking memories of Lincoln and FDR, Seeger and Springsteen, Dr King and Kennedy and so much more.

That moment was not yours to sell ... that belonged to the entire nation. It just boggles my mind that the exclusive right to televise that event could belong to a corporation.

Ok. I can reconcile myself to corporate sponsorship, but not to DUMB corporate sponsorship!

Sacrifices Made for Democracy, Here and Abroad.

Karen from Coral Gables (Miami), FL. — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:33:49 EST

The events taking place are inspiring, uplifting, uniting a nation which is bruised and weary, witness to democracy at her finest. Electing our first African American president Barack Obama the day after honoring the man, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. whose courageousness and sacrifice made this possible shines an even more hopeful light on our democratic process. Just as families all across the nation are observing events of historic proportions, on TV, radios, the internet, blackberries, iPhones...Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, IM... military families too have their eyes glued to their TVs, the internet, IM, blackberries, etc. While the world is witness to the strength and resiliency of a well established democracy we are very aware of the continued struggles of a fledgling democracy in Iraq. While our nation is taking a huge step forward...in Iraq there are many days with steps forward and still other days with steps back. This past week the 82nd Airborne, 3rd BCT 'family' lost three fine young men. January 10, 2009, Staff Sergeant Justin Bauer, [24yrs, Loveland, Colo., 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division] and two others- January 16th and January 18th whose names have yet to be released by DoD. Amazing, how your heart can feel so joyful and filled with hope and at the same time the heavy anguish of knowing another mother, father, wife, husband, son, or daughter feels no joy or hope today nor tomorrow. Tomorrow as I witness and celebrate our democracy at its' finest hour ... I will be very mindful of the ultimate sacrifices these three young men and many others have made for the hope of an enduring democracy in the Middle East.

Barack Obama - Yes We Can !

Peter from Portland, OR — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:40:36 EST

Since January 20th 2009 Barack Obama is the 44th president of the United States of America, a very historic inauguration day. Think back to 1963, when Martin Luther King held his famous speech, saying "I have a dream...", and see what a positive change has allready been made since then. With Barack Obama the first African American president in US history is in the White House, Martin Luther King`s dream is about to come true and that´s really great ! - Shop America supports Barack Obama and wishes him all the best for his future, hoping that he can really perform the "Change" for America and the world ! - Visit our Barack Obama section and check out "Yes We Can" and other political designs on t-shirts, buttons, stickers and more:

BARACK OBAMA DESIGNS - YES WE CAN

BARACK OBAMA DESIGNS - YES WE CAN

A New Day Dawns For Our Country

Carolese — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 23:16:51 EST

Today, January 18, is my youngest son’s 27th birthday. Tomorrow this country celebrates the life of Martin Luther King Jr. And Tuesday will be the Inauguration of our President Barak Obama. What better time to begin this Blog…as a new day dawns for our Country.

I am a “baby boomer” soon to be 62 years young and I was a Sophomore in high school when President Kennedy was assassinated. To this day, it remains very difficult to watch video of that event. And, of course, then came the murders of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy. It was enough to shake my faith in our country to the core…and to leave an emptiness which would not soon be filled. It was heartbreaking to simply walk down the street and see everyone crying inconsolably. And with each loss it became worse. What was most stirring was the loss of the race issue in the moments following Martin Luther King’s death. As a 21-year old white woman, I walked down the street in Hollywood, California, hugging every black person I saw who was in tears. There was no longer any distance between us in that moment.

Much happened in our Country in the ensuing years from then ’til now. Our history is rich with wonderful experiences…and tragedies…and through it all we have tried to remain brave and strong and vital…for ourselves and our children. But I must admit that the events of 9-11 were too much to bear and a toll was taken on our Spirit, personally and as a Nation. Yet, we came shining through…united in grief and the resolve to help one another. But Hope did certainly suffer on that tragic day and thereafter.

I don’t need to use this blog as a history lesson because we all know too well how it has felt for the past 8 years…our Presidency tarnished and the citizens of this great nation left alone to fend for ourselves in many ways. I remember encouraging both my sons and daughter-in-law to vote for Al Gore in the last election…telling them how important it was to save our country. And I also remember the shock and utter disappointment at the way the election was handled…stolen from the American people.

But along the way was a man who had a voice…and Audacious Hope…and on July 27, 2004, he delivered the Keynote Address at the Democratic National Convention. My sister (also a “baby boomer”) reminded me how she told our mother…”There’s the man who should be our President!”…referring to Barak Obama.

Visit this link to read Barak Obama’s keynote address:

www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2004/demconvention/speeches/obama.html

I became more familiar with him and his family on the Oprah show a couple years ago, before he had declared his candidacy. I was profoundly touched by both him and his wife, Michelle, and his children. In truth, I prayed that Spirit would touch his heart to declare his candidacy…if it was right for him and his family. I truly do consider my prayers have been positively answered…for which I am so very grateful.

This Christmas, it was my delight to gift each of my sons with a copy of Barak Obama’s book, “The Audacity Of Hope”. It felt so wonderful to see their faces when they opened their gifts. My oldest son remarked that it was so much better to have a President who has written award-winning books. We all took great pride in feeling what he was saying.

And so, a new day dawns for our country on Tuesday, January 20. I’m sure you’ve all seen the throngs of people all around this country…and the world…who are filled with joy, expectation and hope. It has been quite stirring to witness. And I also believe we feel included because we have been asked to do our part to help Barak Obama in his Presidency. Unlike our current President who has built walls…Barak Obama is a builder of bridges…one to one to one…on and on.

One bridge he has recently built is to invite all of us to join in his Inauguration festivities. Visit the link below to get informed and involved…right in your own neighborhood:

http://www.pic2009.org/content/home/

All of us have been invited by Barak Obama. I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s very refreshing to read those words. We are ALL included!

We are One Celebration Concert

Doris from Mesa, AZ — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:36:16 EST

Even thou HBO released their signal for all to view it free -- Cox Communications Cable Co. will not release the signal free! They are calling that information a misprint. Only the people who pay for HBO are being permitted to share in the celebration Anybody out there that can "change" this error in public relations before the rebroadcast at 7pm?

"Be the Prez"

Terry from Bordentown, NJ — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:29:34 EST

An original song with lyrics by Arden Walker and Emily Morris to the music from Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwnq7oj1ZXQ

or a better quality version here;

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=45896602868&ref=nf

The Meaning Of The "4" in Latinos 4 Obama...

Tony — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 02:06:56 EST

Pretty simple, the election 0f 2008 was for the 44 President and He became that, I have too many double number birthdays in my family so these days and number are powerful to announce predictions...

National Service Day and Inauguration Ball at The El Rey Theater!

Erin Oliver — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:52:32 EST

Hi everybody!

I don't know if you have already heard but January 19th is also National Day of Service. This is a day to show and help the communities that we all live in, in unity in an act of goodwill and to show the whole world what kind of people occupy this country. Here in Albuquerque there are a few events going on. One event is DPNM is sponsoring a Day of Service at the Ronald McDonald House and Casa Esperanza in Albuquerque. These organizations help house UNM Hospital patients and their families while they are being treated. We will be aiding them by cleaning, painting, landscaping, home repair, detailing and anything else they can think of! (Lunch will be provided.)

If manual labor isn't for you,come by and donate anything from their wishlist:
http://www.rmhc-nm.org/help/wishlist.php

There is a food drive at roadrunner food bank drive as well.

What I am doing is 1- Donating Blood, I will be donating blood in the name of progressive change (my charity I am trying to start up) as well as others. Please consider donating blood and calling United Blood Services1515 University Blvd., N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87102
1-800-333-8037

Last and most important for me: I am picking up, and accepting drop offs of household goods, furniture, and CLOTHING and toys for The Barrett Foundation ( http://www.barrettfoundation.org/ ) to make a massive donation to them on the 19th. So if my friends here have closets they are willing to go through and toys they want to give away I will pick them up or you can drop them off at my house we are willing to pick up couches, I am donating a washer and drye and the couches right out of my living room. The barrett foundation is a vital part of the Albuquerque community. They provide housing and job training for homeless women and their children. Many of these women and children are homeless because of domestic abuse, mental illness, being laid off their jobs. So please considr doing some "inauguration" cleaning and donate.

I also wanted to address the El Rey inauguration Ball on Tuesday the 20th. I totally understand that most people within my circle of friends do not support the el rey in light of the launchpad tragedy. I am with you there. However, this ball is open to the public, you do not have to pay 1,000 dollars a plate.. you can bring your children and the proceeds are going to charity. There will be a ballott of three different charities, including mine (check out progressivechange.org) that the guests decide how to dispurse. My son is going with me. It is 10 dollars at the door 5 dollars for kids. It starts early at 6:45 so you can celebrate other balls or go to other parties. You can read more about it here http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/communityservice/gptzc2 or http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=87716&id=

Any proceeds that progressive change receives will help us to organize and fund our adopt a teacher program as well as our goal in assisting underpaid, under appreciated civil servants (like teachers, firemen, police, nurses etc) with Solar heat, Solar power and energy effeciant upgrades. On top of throwing an appreciation ceremony for these people who continue to committ to do excellent work despite a harsh economic challenges. So please join me in this.

And if you want to watch the actual swearing in, Enjoy this momentous occasion with the people who shared your joy and tears during the election.

Come join the Democratic Party of New Mexico and friends to watch the inauguration LIVE at IBEW Union Hall. We’ll meet at 9am to begin watching the morning ceremonies. Feel free to bring coffee, donuts, bagels or anything else that you may want to share with your fellow Campaigners.

• When: January 20th, 2009, 9am
• Where: IBEW Union Hall, Renaissance

Donations of $5 are requested to contribute to our Union brothers at IBEW.

So lets hope for some good weather, and a good turn out. Please repost this wherever you see fit.

Inaugural Weekend 2009

Cultural Tones — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:29:40 EST

January 17, 2009

After two months of making and changing plans, I am ready to attend the Inaugural Ceremonies, however, subject to change at any time. From planning a day trip to Washington DC, to what is now a four day stay, I am excited and humbled about witnessing one of the most historic events in America, the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America,

Barack Obama.

My journey since February 2007 has been incredibly inspiring and an action packed experience. The lifetime friends I have made and the places in America where I have campaigned for change, as in Alaska and New Mexico, has so enriched my life, forever.

Some of the unexpected highlights that happened during these two months include being given a ticket to the Inaugural Ceremonies by Senator

Marie Cantwell (I retrieved the message from my cell phone on Christmas Eve), getting a ticket to one of the official Inaugural Balls at the last minute (I had to find a party dress for this), and this morning, signing up for the White House Open House, I am stunned. If Barack Obama did not open the doors of Democracy and if it were not for my many friends who think of me when they receive information about upcoming opportunities, I would have none of these privileges.

I am so proud of Barack Obama. His message is genuine and his actions are consistent. He has a natural ability to lead and an extraordinary instinct to inspire others to action for causes that contribute to society. As I celebrate this once in a lifetime event with millions of others, I salute America who carries the banner of liberty and justice for all.

Bring the Inauguration to Your Community

Jacques Macaire — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:28:53 EST

Bring the Inauguration to Your Community You don't have to be in Washington, D.C. to be part of this historic inauguration. There are plenty of ways to get involved in your own community, from joining the January 19th National Day of Service, to hosting your own Neighborhood Ball.

Watch the video and sign up to get involved.

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=7eUnTTwrxmc

Take Me to Your Leader

Henry M — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:26:41 EST

Henry M

KCUF, Still the Most Eclectic Music on the WWW, Now at 128 Kb/s on Shoutcast Unlimited: http://tinyurl.com/kcuf-on-shoutcast-limited and http://www.urdomain.us/kcuf.htm

JON BON JOVI

WEBMASTER — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:37:04 EST

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S BALL TO AIR ON PENTAGON CHANNEL
AVAILABLE ON MILITARY BASES AROUND THE WORLD

JON BON JOVI TO PERFORM

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced today that the Commander-in-Chief's ball, honoring the country's active duty and reserve military, will be broadcast to American troops around the world on the Pentagon Channel, which is available via cable on 368 military bases and on commercial cable and satellite services throughout the United States. Overseas, the Pentagon Channel is distributed via cable and direct-to-home satellite to nearly one million troops via the American Forces Radio and Television Service.

Jon Bon Jovi will headline the talent lineup for the ball, which will be held on Tuesday, January 20th, at the National Building Museum. George Lopez will emcee the event, which also feature performances and appearances by Jordin Sparks, Miss America 2009 Kirsten Haglund, and Right On. The event is also co-hosted by the Senior Enlisted Advisors of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

"This opportunity to honor our troops should not be limited to those who are able to be in the room with us for the evening," said PIC Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau. "We want all our troops, around the world, to share in this special evening with the newly sworn-in President and Vice President and the excellent talent we have for the evening. Our troops deserve our thanks and our gratitude and this is one way we hope to express our thanks to those here and abroad."

"While a relatively small number of service members will be able to attend the Commander-in-Chief's Ball in person, they will represent more than 2 million men and women in uniform," said Col. Hiram Bell, director of public affairs for the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee. "Most of those service members will be able to watch the celebration on the Pentagon Channel, or later on Armed Forces Network, and we want them all to feel part of this historic event."

The Pentagon Channel will break into regular programming with live coverage of the Commander-in-Chief's Ball, including remarks by Department of Defense leadership and both the Vice President and the President. Coverage begins at approximately 8 PM Eastern time and continues throughout the evening.

The event will be produced by The iDream Company, led by entertainment executives Suzanne de Passe, Suzanne Costen, and Madison Jones, and written by Ruth Robinson. The iDream company has been recognized with Emmy Awards, Golden Globe and Peabody Awards.

Tickets are being provided free of charge to all invited guests, which includes active duty and reserve military, wounded warriors (Purple Heart recipients), families of fallen heroes, and spouses of deployed military. This event is not open to the general public.

source: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFsx

Michigan Gov Hub Touts Ojamas

Ojamas Sleepwear — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:53:51 EST

It took us a while, but we caught up on all orders, and we have plenty in stock for inauguration. As of this week, we're shipping orders the next day after they are placed. If you ordered before today or if you returned an item for exchange before today, your request has already been shipped or is being shipped tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who has been patient and thanks to those who have reordered or shared our concept with friends and family.

Completely changing the subject, we're very proud to have been mentioned by the husband of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm in one of his recent weekly messages. Michigan's First Gentleman, Daniel Granholm Mulhern, encourages us all to have faith and confidence and to take risks that move us forward. Ojamas Sleepwear is honored to be featured as a case study by Mr. Mulhern.

Sacred Cow Tipping - Freedom of Information

Rheanni — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:49:16 EST

Up until this point we have been going after the Sacred Cows that set the general groundwork for the Status Quo to maintain its grip on us. Today, we will play a game that will be much more pinpointed towards breaking up this economic malaise we find ourselves in. The goal is to free up energy and release agendas that have worked against the common good.

Ideas for Change

There are a lot of great ideas out there. Isn’t it interesting how often projects and ideas that support the common good are proclaimed "prohibitively expensive and therefore economically unviable" by the Status Quo?

What if we were to demand that the old guard back up their claims with reliable data that comes from actual experience?Something tells me that there are warehouses filled with great, sustainabe ideas that got bought up and packed away for the sole purpose of keeping us trapped in the malaise.

Let’s start by tipping the Sacred Cow that holds up a lot of progress:

"Withhold ideas, information and technology that could benefit humanity and the planet."

Play our tipping game and release any unconscious agreement you may be carrying that supports this Sacred Cow.

If you know someone who is having difficulty getting out the word about their great idea or technology, send them this game. They could get a lot out of it.

Tip all 16 Sacred Cows Before the Inauguration!

FREE INAUGURAL TICKETS

WEBMASTER — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:16:17 EST

PIC Announces the Names of Ten Americans Invited to Receive a "Ticket to History"
More than 250,000 Individuals from All 50 States Submitted Essays

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced the full list of ten citizens who will travel to Washington DC with a "Ticket to History." More than a quarter-million Americans from all 50 states submitted essays for a chance to attend the Presidential Inauguration.

"This is an Inauguration for all Americans, and we wanted to include a group of people from across the country who otherwise might not have been able to join us," said PIC Communications Director Josh Earnest. "We're thrilled at the overwhelming response. It demonstrates the very real sense of excitement, unity and shared purpose Americans feel at this moment in our history."

In keeping with its goal to make this the most open and accessible inauguration ever, the PIC asked Americans across the country to submit short essays answering the question, "What does this Inauguration mean to you?" Based on the strength of their essays, these ten individuals will be flown to Washington, D.C. with one guest, accommodated in a local hotel, and invited to attend the Opening Celebration, the swearing-in ceremony, the Inaugural Parade, and the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. The deadline to submit an essay was midnight on Thursday, January 8th.

Cynthia Russell, from Newberry, Florida, was previously announced as the first person invited to be part of the Inaugural festivities. Russell wrote of her dream that 2009 would be a better year for her homebuilding business. "Barack gives me hope," she wrote. "Hope that 2009 will truly bring change to Americans who find themselves in this mess with me."

The ten Americans traveling to the nation's capital next week include a firefighter who left his job in the financial sector to join the New York City Fire Department after September 11, a member of the United States Army whose husband is serving in Iraq, an inner-city school teacher in Baltimore, a former Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya, and a small business owner from California.

The ten Americans invited to receive a "Ticket to History" include:

William Tandey (Price, UT)

Bill Ferguson (Baltimore, MD)

James Bryan (Loganville, GA)

Spirit Trickey-Rowan (Little Rock, AR)

Aleia Jones (Chicago, IL)

Christopher Cuneen (Bronx, NY)

Cynthia Russell (Newberry, FL)

Stacy Freiwald (Coronado, CA)

James Riviere (Arlington, VA)

Amelia Nuñez (Long Beach, CA)

The 56th Presidential Inauguration promises to be the most inclusive in history, and the PIC has planned a list of inaugural events that reflect that commitment:

The President-elect, Vice President-elect and their families will journey to the nation's capital via train on Saturday, January 17, holding events that are free and open to the public along the way. They will be joined by a group of everyday Americans they met along their road to the White House.

Sunday, January 18, an inaugural kick-off event at the Lincoln Memorial featuring the incoming First Family and special musical guests will be open to the public and broadcast live on HBO free of charge to all cable and satellite customers.

On January 19, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President-elect Obama will call on all Americans to make an ongoing commitment to serve their communities and their country. A new website, USAservice.org, makes it easy for Americans to organize service events or find existing events. To date, more than 10,000 events have been organized across the country.

Monday evening, January 19, Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, and their families will host a free "Kids' Inaugural" concert to honor military families, broadcast on the Disney Channel and Radio Disney.

For the first time in history, the entire length of the National Mall will be open to the public on Inauguration Day, January 20, so that more Americans than ever before can come together to witness the swearing-in of the President from a vantage point near the Capitol.

Local D.C. students have been given the chance to receive tickets for the Inaugural Parade for themselves and family members based on the best essays answering the question, "How can I contribute to my neighborhood through community service?"

On the evening of Inauguration Day, the first ball President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama attend will be the first-ever Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. The ball will be broadcast live on ABC and over the Internet, bringing together neighborhoods across the country in the spirit of unity and celebration.

The sum of these public events is an Inauguration that allows more Americans than ever before to come together as one nation and one people, united in our resolve to tackle our greatest common challenges and move this country forward together.

source: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxbNc

How many people will come to Obama's inauguration?

Karin from Cambridge, MA — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:04:14 EST

n 1995 Magaly Koch, a Cambridge resident and member of Cambridge Community Television, was one the scientists who participated in a project by Boston University's Center for Remote Sensing that involved estimating the crowd size of the Million Man March in Washington, D.C.

At the time, there was a huge controversy surrounding the actual number of people who had attended the event organized by the Nation of Islam. The National Park Service claimed the number to be well below one million whereas the organizers estimated a figure above one million people. Dr. Farouk El-Baz, who is the director of the Center for Remote Sensing, was approached back then to provide a scientifically more accurate number that would help settle the dispute. Ever since, he has become the nation's leading expert in counting crowds.

So with the historic event of President Barack Obama’s inauguration approaching, Dr. El-Baz has been bombarded with telephone calls from the news media. Everybody wants to know how many people can fill the National Mall. Check out this conversation between Farouk and Magaly reminiscing about the Million Man March project and discussing the number of people who can be expected to fill the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on January 20th, 2009.

Click here to watch the video.

BARACK OBAMA INAUGURATION

WEBMASTER — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:42:16 EST

President-Elect Obama Discusses an Inauguration for All Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, with record crowds expected in the nation's capital for the 56th Presidential Inauguration, President-elect Barack Obama discussed his plans for open and accessible inaugural events designed to allow the participation of Americans across the country.

"Unprecedented numbers of Americans are planning to join us in Washington," said President-elect Obama. "That will mean long lines, a tough time getting around, and most of all, a lot of walking on what could be a very cold winter day. Fortunately, you don't have to brave the crowds and commotion in order to participate in this celebration, because we've made this Inauguration open and accessible to communities across our nation."

President-elect Obama also announced that anyone can text the word "open" to 56333 to receive official Inauguration news updates, transportation notices, and opportunities to participate, both in Washington and in communities across America.

The text of the address, as delivered, is below:

Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, with a simple oath that's marked the renewal of our nation's democracy for more than two centuries; I will take office as the forty-fourth President of the United States.

But this Inauguration isn't about me. It's about all of us. At this defining moment in our history, it serves as our opportunity to come together in common purpose, united in our resolve to renew the promise of this nation and meet the challenges of our time.

Now, you've probably heard the reports that unprecedented numbers of Americans are planning to join us in Washington. That will mean long lines, a tough time getting around, and most of all, a lot of walking on what could be a very cold winter day.

Fortunately, you don't have to brave the crowds and commotion in order to participate in this celebration - because we've made this Inauguration open and accessible to communities across our nation.

Just text the word "open" to 56333 for news, transportation updates, and ways you can participate.

We're kicking off inaugural week events on Sunday afternoon with a free celebration at the Lincoln Memorial that's open to the public. And to allow Americans across the country to join us, HBO will broadcast the event for free that evening.

Monday night, Michelle and Jill Biden are hosting a free Kids' Inaugural concert to honor the children of military families, which the Disney Channel will broadcast live on television and their radio network.

On the evening of the Inauguration, Michelle and I will attend the first-ever Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, and we want you to be right there with us - wherever your neighborhood is.

ABC will broadcast it on television, we'll webcast it on the Internet and post updates from the ballroom, and if you visit pic2009.org, you can even sign up to host your own neighborhood ball at home.

But that's just the beginning when it comes to ways you can get involved. I'm also asking for your active participation.

Next Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. And to honor the legacy of a man who lived his life as a servant to others, I will ask all Americans to make a renewed commitment to serving their communities and their country.

Dr. King once said, "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve." You don't have to wear a uniform. You don't have to be a community organizer. You don't even have to run for President. At a time when there is so much need, we are blessed with endless ways to contribute something to the life of this nation.

On Monday, my family and the Biden family will spend time volunteering in neighborhoods around Washington. I am asking you to join us in that same spirit of service to others - no matter where you live.

And we've unveiled a new tool to make it easy.

Just visit USAservice.org to find service projects in your community, or even organize your own around the causes you care about.

Log on and you'll see that thousands of events involving millions of Americans have already been set up across the country next Monday and beyond.

Because I'm not just asking you to take part in one day of service. I am asking you to make a lasting commitment to make better the lives of your fellow Americans - a commitment that must endure beyond one day, or even one presidency.

At this moment of great challenge and great change, I am asking you to play your part; to roll up your sleeves and join in the work of remaking this nation. And if you do, then I truly believe a new and better day is within our reach.

Thank you.

Barack Obama

source: http://women.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxbBh

December Rain Inauguration Package

Michael from Vienna — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:05:50 EST

Did you purchase an Inauguration Package from December Rain and receive a cancellation notice?

KIDS INAUGURAL CONCERT

WEBMASTER — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:17:58 EST

Talent Lineup for Neighborhood Inaugural Ball and Kids' Inaugural Concert

Tuesday January 20
Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, JAY-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira and Stevie Wonder to perform, Nick Cannon to DJ at Neighborhood Inaugural Ball Airing Exclusively on ABC

Monday, January 19
Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Bow Wow to perform with Billy Ray Cyrus, Keke Palmer, Usher and Shaquille O'Neal scheduled to appear during Kids' Inaugural Concert Airing Exclusively on Disney Channe

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced today the producers and initial talent lineup for "The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration," which will air live on ABC (8:00 - 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, Tuesday, January 20), and the "Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future," a concert honoring military families airing on Disney Channel (8:00 - 9:30 p.m. ET/PT, Monday, January 19).

Musical performers scheduled for the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, JAY-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira and Stevie Wonder. Nick Cannon will DJ the event. Additional performers will be announced as they are confirmed.

Musical performances for the Kids' Inaugural event include the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Bow Wow. Billy Ray Cyrus, Keke Palmer, and Usher Raymond IV are also scheduled to appear. 13-year-old Perry Rubin, daughter of entertainment reporter Sam Rubin, will be the special backstage correspondent. Additional performers and guests will be announced as they are confirmed.

Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss/White Cherry Entertainment are Executive Producers of the Neighborhood Inaugural ball, with Glenn Weiss directing. White Cherry Entertainment is also executive producing the 2009 Super Bowl Halftime Show and the 2009 Tony Awards, with Weiss also serving as Director.

The Kids' Inaugural concert special is executive produced by Greg Sills. Sills previously produced The Concert for New York (post-9/11), the Kids Choice Awards, and the VH1 Rock Honors. Louis J. Horvitz is the director.

"We are honored and excited to have such top level talent performing and producing these events," said Emmett S. Beliveau, Executive Director of the PIC. "Working with ABC and Disney, we are bringing these exciting performances into the homes of millions of Americans to make this the most open and accessible inauguration celebration ever."

The PIC today also announced Ricky Kirshner is the Executive Producer for all PIC TV events and Lisa Geers is the Excecutive in charge of production for all PIC TV events.

In an effort to make this inaugural celebration open and accessible to all Americans, President-elect Barack Obama will host the first-ever "Neighborhood Inaugural Ball," the premier event of inauguration evening, on January 20th. To help bring this unique event to neighborhoods across the nation, ABC will broadcast "The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration." The event will air live from the Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C.,TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET).

On MONDAY, JANUARY 19 (8:00 - 9:30 p.m. ET) Disney Channel will present "Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future," a concert celebration from the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. honoring military families. This inaugural concert celebration will be hosted by Mrs. Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden and their families. The event will be simulcast on Radio Disney, and will be streamed on Disney.com immediately following the culmination of the telecast on Disney Channel.

Beginning January 16, Disney.com guests are invited to join the celebration on the Kids Inaugural pagewww.Disney.com/USA which will feature polls, games and videos on the concert performers and a component which allows guests to chat with friends and send "shout outs" by texting USA, their first name and message to DISNEY (347639). Standard carrier fees apply and a parent's permission is required if users are under age 18.

source: http://kids.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFXf

One Moment In Time

Kenne — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:39:13 EST

Hello Everyone,

I cannot wait until next week, January 20, 2009! It seems like liberation day for the country. I propose a toast, by everyone the moment after the chief justice says those magic words, "Congratulations Mr. President." I am goingto start a atalog ofcomments by people on, "Where they were" and "What they were doing" when Barack Hussein Obama became our nation's 44th president.

You asked us to believe.........

Mark & Scotty — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:25:46 EST

We did and now we are asking you please don't forget the GLBT community and make civil rights for gay American's a priority. Remember the Lawrence Kings, Matthew Shepards and the Simmie Williams Jr.

Please we beg you to include in your speech information about these horrible crimes to your inauguration ceremony on January 20 to let America and the world know you will do everything in your power to stop hate and prejudice against gay, lesbian, bi, transgendered and queer people especially our gay youth. We (gay Americans) helped get you elected and we want your word you will work for gay rights, civil unions and help protect our gay and gay questioning youth from hate crimes.

Thanks

Mark & Scotty

Nicholasville, KY

Dreams of Barack Obama's Inauguration

N. Julio Barthson - E-Campaign Leader — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:37:54 EST

I still can't believe it's actually happening. Please, tell me I'm not dreaming...

Let's Not Get Over-dramatic on January 19-20

fatngassy — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:39:14 EST

Hey, everybody. While it's pretty cool that Barack Obama is half black, why don't we not make it about race. And let's make sure that we make this new president get down to business, right away! I want to see some real responsible governing. I want to see real progress. I want to see deficit reduction. I don't care if we have to raise taxes. Tough Sh!t. We can't leave the next generations ANY debt! Would you leave your children hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt that they would be OBLIGATED to pay back? I wouldn't! It may mean that even working class people have to sacrifice a bit.

We are all in this together. EVERYBODY! I know what I am going to do. I am going to try to help build a consensus on issues and send that info right to the white house and Congress. I am going to continually write my congresswoman and senators and ensure they know what I expect. I am going to think about the next generation, about the world as one, and I am going to fight for what's right.

I challenge anyone to come on board to a political debate site like www.u4prez.com and discuss issues and develop consensus. That's got to be OUR job, not Obama's. We have to pull together, and I mean really together .... for the future.

My very best regards to the new Congress and president,

Sir Richard Fattengausse, "virtual candidate" for President of the United States www.u4prez.com and member-at-large, the House of Lords

HBO INAUGURAL SHOW

WEBMASTER — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:09:24 EST

THE OBAMA INAUGURAL CELEBRATION AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL
KICK OFF INAUGURAL OPENING FESTIVITIES PRESENTED BY HBO JAN. 18

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is pleased to announce the producers and initial talent lineup for WE ARE ONE: THE OBAMA INAUGURAL CELEBRATION AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL, the Opening Celebration for the 56th Presidential Inaugural, to be presented exclusively by HBO on Sunday, January 18 (7:00-9:00 p.m. ET/PT). The event will be free and open to the public, kicking off the most open and accessible Inauguration in history.

The special will be executive produced by George Stevens, Jr. (The Kennedy Center Honors), and produced by Don Mischer (Olympic Ceremonies) who will also direct the special, and Michael Stevens (The American Film Institute Salutes) who is also writing the special, and will be a production of The Stevens Company in association with Don Mischer Productions.

Musical performers scheduled for the event include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher Raymond IV, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder. Among those reading historical passages will be Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington. The Rt. Reverend V. Gene Robinson will give the invocation. Rob Mathes will be the music director and arranger for the backing band, which will support all of the artists. Additional performers will be announced as they are confirmed.

"Our intention is to root the event in history, celebrating the moments when our nation has united to face great challenges and prevail," observed George Stevens, Jr. "We will combine historical readings by prominent actors with music from an array of the greatest stars of today."

"This is a great opportunity to capture an historic event in a very meaningful setting," noted Don Mischer. "We will have the statue of Abraham Lincoln looking down on our stage and a crowd of hundreds of thousands of people lining the mall -- a tableau any director would relish."

"We have found that the great artists are eager to take part and each one is working with us to find music that expresses the optimism and hope that people bring to the Obama inauguration," said Michael Stevens.

Televised to the nation, the Opening Celebration will be a declaration of common purpose and new beginnings. The Sunday afternoon performance will be grounded in history and brought to life with entertainment that relates to the themes that shaped Barack Obama and which will be the hallmarks of his administration.

HBO will televise the event on an open signal, working with all of its distributors to allow Americans across the country with access to cable, telcos or satellite television to join in the Opening Celebration for free.

The 56th Inauguration promises to be the most inclusive in history, and the Opening Celebration is one of a series of inaugural events that reflect that commitment. On Saturday, the President-elect, Vice President-elect and their families will journey to the nation's capital via train, holding events that are free and open to the public along the way. They will be joined by a group of everyday Americans they met along their road to the White House. On January 19th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President-elect Obama will call on all Americans to make an ongoing commitment to serve their communities and their country. A new website, USAservice.org, makes it easy for Americans to organize service events or find existing events to participate in. To date, nearly 5,000 events have been organized across the country. That evening, Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, and their families will host a free "Kids' Inaugural" concert to honor military families, broadcast live on the Disney Channel and Radio Disney.

This spirit of openness will continue on Inauguration Day, when, for the first time in history, the entire length of the National Mall will be open to the public for the swearing in ceremony. Local D.C. students have also been given the chance to receive tickets in front of the White House for the Inaugural Parade for themselves and their family members based on the submission of essays answering the question, "How can I contribute to my neighborhood through community service?"

On the evening of Inauguration Day, the first ball that President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will attend will be the first-ever Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. The ball will be broadcast live on ABC and over the Internet, bringing together neighborhoods across the country in the spirit of unity and celebration.

The sum of these public events is an Inauguration that allows more Americans than ever before to come together as one nation and one people, united in our resolve to tackle our greatest common challenges and move this country forward together.

source: http://tribes.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFQs

The MYBO "Neighborhood" Inaugural Ball and Celebration! -- January 19, Washington DC

Jacqueline from Mousseaux sur Seine — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:23:12 EST

At last, after many weeks in the planning and development stage, our very own Mybarackobama.com (MYBO) inaugural celebration event has finally found its form, nature and place, and we are thrilled and proud to announce the...

MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social!

http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/

We've come full circle, right back where we were supposed to be!

Initially intended to be held in a Capitol Hill church social hall -- and always imagined as an "alternative" ball --, the event grew rapidly in the early flush of euphoria and excitement of our victory in the days following the election, but through the worries and the vagaries of fundraising and just exactly how crowded Washington, DC would be for this historic occasion that we all want to witness and celebrate in a financial environment that encouraged anything but confidence, the MYBO alternative ball's future in the balance, we find ourselves welcomed by the Universalist National Memorial Church, "a liberal Christian church in the heart of the city."

The MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social is intended, as one of our fundraising volunteers put it, to be a ball:

“that will celebrate Obama's election, and celebrate the hard work we did to get to this point – and provide a space to network with fellow Obama supporters to get "fired up" for real change, going forward.

There are tons of official and unofficial inaugural balls, but the difference is this one will be affordable (hence the need for sponsorship) and Obama volunteers will have the first crack at tickets (rather than the tickets just going to the highest bidder.)”

Universalist National Memorial Church provides us an ideal space in the community at a price that allows us to accomplish our mission -- tickets priced so that everyone who would like to attend to meet so many people with whom they have exchanged on MYBO and want to meet after all these months can afford to attend.

For tickets -- $26 per person!! -- http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/

BYOC, or bring your own champagne! The event will include food and a bar featuring wine and beer, an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages, but if you would like to raise a toast to Obama with bubbly, please feel free to bring your own bottle, or one to contribute to the bar. You may also help us off-set bar costs by contributing a bottle of white -- the church asks for no red in their furnished parlor, sorry! --, and the caterer will accept for refund any unopened bottles they provide and we do not need to consume.

There will also be music with performances by local and home-grown MYBO talent.

Attire is cocktail or semi-formal, but please wear what makes you feel comforable. If you need to come directly from another event that doesn't permit you to dress for the evening, such as the Day of Service at the MLK Memorial Library, please feel welcome to come as you are.

Sponsors needed! Help make the MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social a success -- become a sponsor at any level you can. Your non tax deductible donation will help with food, bar and entertainment for the evening. It's simple. The more those of you who can afford to give something more, the better the evening for all. It's The Obama Tax Plan at work, so let's put our money where our mouths are! Click here to make your donation. It's easy and fast with Google Check-out.

DC for Obama and Mayor Fenty Office's MLK Day of Service Activity (9 am to 4 pm).

The MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social is joining together with DC for Obama, which will be collaborating with Mayor Fenty's Day of Service events and will be sponsoring supporting those in need through serving food at the MLK Memorial Library throughout the day. Please join us and take a step towards supporting others who may have less.

We will be providing further information on how you can become a part of this important day of community service and hope that you will be able to join us in taking this step to fulfil President-elect Barack Obama's call to community service.

Then, join us for a memorable evening getting to know in person so many of the people with whom you have worked, and with whom you have become friends, on MYBO.

Thank you!

Mary Ritter Jacqueline Ashton de Floris
The Organizing Committee

Please note, all ticket sales are final and non-refundable. In the event that you cannot attend, please let the organizers know so we can release additional tickets for sale. http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/

The MYBO "Neighborhood" Inaugural Ball and Celebration! -- January 19, Washington DC

Jacqueline from Mousseaux sur Seine — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:21:21 EST

MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social!

http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/

We've come full circle, right back where we were supposed to be!

The MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social is intended, as one of our fundraising volunteers put it, to be a ball:

For tickets -- http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/

There will also be music with performances by local and home-grown MYBO talent.

DC for Obama and Mayor Fenty Office's MLK Day of Service Activity (9 am to 4 pm).

We will be providing further information on how you can become a part of this important day of community service and hope that you will be able to join us in taking this step to fulfill President-elect Barack Obama's call to community service.

Then, join us for a memorable evening getting to know in person so many of the people with whom you have worked, and with whom you have become friends, on MYBO.

Thank you!
Mary Ritter Jacqueline Ashton de Floris
The Organizing Committee

The MYBO "Neighborhood" Inaugural Ball and Celebration! -- January 19, Washington DC

Jacqueline from Mousseaux sur Seine — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:19:26 EST

MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social!

http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/

We've come full circle, right back where we were supposed to be!

The MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social is intended, as one of our fundraising volunteers put it, to be a ball:

For tickets -- only $26.00!! -- http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/

There will also be music with performances by local and home-grown MYBO talent.

DC for Obama and Mayor Fenty Office's MLK Day of Service Activity (9 am to 4 pm).

Then, join us for a memorable evening getting to know in person so many of the people with whom you have worked, and with whom you have become friends, on MYBO.

Thank you!

Mary Ritter Jacqueline Ashton de Floris
The Organizing Committee

The MYBO "Neighborhood" Inaugural Ball and Celebration! -- January 19, Washington DC

Jacqueline from Mousseaux sur Seine — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:14:52 EST

MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social!

http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/

We've come full circle, right back where we were supposed to be!

The MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social is intended, as one of our fundraising volunteers put it, to be a ball:

For tickets -- $26 per person!! -- http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/

There will also be music with performances by local and home-grown MYBO talent.

DC for Obama and Mayor Fenty Office's MLK Day of Service Activity (9 am to 4 pm).

Then, join us for a memorable evening getting to know in person so many of the people with whom you have worked, and with whom you have become friends, on MYBO.

Thank you!

Mary Ritter Jacqueline Ashton de Floris
The Organizing Committee

Ben & Jerry's Flavor in Honor of President Obama's Inauguration!

Mike W — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 01:11:27 EST

NEWS: Ben & Jerry is re-releasing a Flavor with a new name in Honor of oncoming President Obama's Inauguration! The name is absolute KITCH that will make you roll-your-eyes!

The name of Obama's flavor is: "YES PECAN!"

From the Ben & Jerry's Website
http://www.benjerry.com/features/yespecan
claims that this is: An Inspirational Blend! Amber Waves of Buttery Ice Cream With Roasted Non-Partisan Pecans.

If you decide to indulge in some "Yes Pecan" in Scoop Shops during the month of January, Ben & Jerry's is donating the proceeds to the Common Cause Education Fund.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization founded as a vehicle for citizens to make their voices heard in the political process. They are committed to honest, open and accountable government, as well as encouraging citizen participation in democracy. Their Education Fund conducts research, education, and outreach activities. Check out http://www.commoncause.org to take action.

New Obama Poster for Inauguration

Mike W — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 01:05:41 EST

New Obama Poster for Inauguration
By Katharine Q. Seelye
The Caucus | A New York Times Blog
January 8, 2009, 11:36 am
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/new-obama-poster-for-inauguration

If anyone is realizing the marketing potential of Barack Obama, it is Mr. Obama’s marketers themselves.

After all, Advertising Age, the bible of Madison Avenue, named the Obama campaign "Marketer of the Year" last fall, citing in particular its ability to brand itself. Obama beat out marketing heavyweights like Apple, Nike and Coors. And that was before he got elected.

Mr. Obama’s inaugural committee is now marketing a new version of the iconic "Hope" poster that became a phenomenon during the campaign and helped brand the candidate, certainly in the minds of the young.

The new poster was created by Shepard Fairey, the California street artist who created the original image.

He designed this one specifically for the inauguration. "Be The Change," the poster instructs. It takes the now-familiar red and blue image of Mr. Obama and sets it against a backdrop of the Capitol and the White House.

Happy to Get My Engraved Invitation to Presidential Inauguration

Devans00 — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:16:32 EST

Embossed Metallic Engraved Seal

Earlier this week, I got a very official looking invitation to the Presidential Inauguration coming up in 11 days (YaY!). It includes a fancy embossed metallic seal on cardstock. You can tell it's the real deal because the back is pressed in.

Back of Embossed Metallic Engraved Seal

I wish I could be there, but no way could I hang in a crowd of an estimated 1 million to 5 million people with only a few port-a-potties sprinkled around. In the snowy cold no less. True, watching the first African American being sworn in person is a once in a lifetime, never to be repeated again event, is worth the hassles to plenty of people, but I'm not one of them. Although some of the goings on look really good and I hope they show the events on TV.

Envelope for Presidential Inauguration Invitation

Embossed Cardstock Presidential Inauguration Invitation

Monday and Tuesday Events related to the Inauguration.

Hazen designed artwork inspired by Barack Obama’s presidential campaign for the Manifest Change competition and exhibit.

Lance Wyman designed art piece inspired by Barack Obama’s campaign.

HELP WOUNDED VETERANS

WEBMASTER — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:46:06 EST

AIR FORCE * ARMY * COAST GUARD * MARINES * NAVY

If you are going to be in Washington DC during the Inauguration you may want to attend the Blogfest event to Help Wounded Veterans. see http://www.usaservice.org/page/event/detail/4jqt3

Where were you when the world stopped turning?

“If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Ebenezer Baptist Church, 4 February 1968.

HELP WOUNDED VETERANS
Source: David Apperson, LIFE CLOUD

http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFK9

Barack Obama Collectibles

Matt from Lees Summit, MO — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:42:07 EST

As we prepare for the inauguration on the 20th, many of us are thinking about collectibles we will have available to us. I’m talking about collectibles that we can hand down to our kids, collectibles that remind us of what we have accomplished and where we need to go.

Sure, there will be many pins and buttons given out at the inauguration and all the parties, which for the most part will inevitably lost in the coming weeks.

Ones you will keep forever. I'm talking about Bobbleheads.

Bobbleheads have been around for hundreds of years in some form or fashion. We have created a unique collectible of our 44th President Barack Obama as the true "Superman." Here to save us from the trouble we have got ourselves into.

We have also created one with Vice President Joe Biden.

Both are Limited Editions of 100 and hand signed, numbered, and designed by Rick Lynn of The Bobblehead, LLC.

You can view the Bobbleheads at http://www.thebobblehead.com. Simply click on Political section under the Online Store. Have some for your inauguration party.

You won't want to miss out on this rare collectible that won't get lost or destroyed over the test of time. Something you can hand down to your children to celebrate this historic moment.

Ojamas Shipping Update

Ojamas Sleepwear — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:13:00 EST

Most orders placed through December 17th have already been shipped and received. We are very grateful to all those who have made Ojamas the most talked-about and popular item of this historic election. Such demand while gratifying is hard to anticipate, and we're working hard to get better at anticipating and keeping inventory in stock. If you have not received your order yet, it's because we sold out of all sizes very close to Christmas, but we saw it coming and our inventory replenishment is already in transit to us from the factory. We expect to be restocked by January 10th, and everyone who is still waiting for their order will see it shipped within 36 hours of the time we receive our inventory. We sincerely thank you for your patience, and we're looking forward to meeting many of you in Washington DC during this historic inauguration celebration. If we don't see you, please know how much we appreciate your support, and sign up for our newsletter to help us serve you better in the future. If you haven't already ordered, there's still time. Get your order in today!

The Eve of the Inauguration, January 20, 2009

Diamond Jones — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:26:23 EST

On the eve of this historic Inauguration, which will be held on January 20, 2009, everyone is so excited about President Barack Obama and his Administration, and their own expectation of the fulfillment of his campaign byline “The Change We Need.”

There is no doubt in my mind that President Obama has brought, and is bringing, change. And to further achieve this goal that we all want (which is why we voted), we must do our part. We must also keep “change” in perspective.

Change does not, and will not, come about until WE change. You cannot sit back and expect someone else to take the reins. “Community” is about People. It is made up of people, it thrives off of the social interaction of those people, and it is characterized by the behaviors of those people. Therefore, “change” does not, and will not, come about until YOU change.

You change yourself from “each man for himself” so that you can help someone else, thereby effecting change – “The Change We Need” – in the community, and in the world as a whole.

Love always,

Diamond

I Found 2 Hotels In Washington DC That Have Rooms Available

Candace N. - V.O.B — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:14:57 EST

I Found two hotels in Washington DC that have rooms available for 01/19/09 and 01/20/09 they may have more dates available but I only checked for those two dates. The rooms start at $325 per night. I don't know the quality of these hotels because I have not stayed at these hotels. Anyway I just checked these out a couple of minutes prior to posting this blog. One of the hotels had several rooms available. To find these go to travelocity.com, for city and state enter Alexandria, Virginia. Even though the search is for Alexandria, Washington DC hotels come up due to the close proximity. I hope this helps someone. The hotels are: River Inn, 924 25TH ST NW Washington, DC 20037 and Kellogg Conference Center, 800 FLORIDA Ave. NE Washington, DC 20002. And for your DC dining pleasure may I suggest Citronelle, Ruth's Chris, The Prime Rib and Capital Grille. These are my personal favorite restaurants. They have top notch food and service.

INAUGURATION DRESS REHEARSAL

WEBMASTER — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:02:58 EST

DRESS REHEARSAL FOR 2009 INAUGURAL CEREMONIES AND INAUGURAL PARADE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the Presidential Inaugural Committee and the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee will hold a dress rehearsal for the 2009 Inaugural Ceremonies on Sun, Jan. 11, 2009. The rehearsal will include run-throughs of the swearing-in ceremony on the West Front, the departure ceremony and Presidential Review of troops on the East Front of the Capitol, and the Inaugural Parade along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Please Be Advised That Media Must RSVP For The Swearing-In and Parade Rehearsals Separately.

DRESS REHEARSAL FOR INAUGURAL CEREMONIES

6:45 AM Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (military participants only)

8:00 AM Committee of Inaugural Ceremonies and Armed Forces Inaugural Committee

9:00 AM East Front Ceremonies

Media wishing to attend the DoD West Front Rehearsal should check in at the South Screening Trailer, located on the South Lawn of the Capitol, off Independence Avenue no later than 6:15 AM.

Media wishing to attend the JCCIC and DoD Combined West Front Rehearsal should check in at the South Screening Trailer, located on the South Lawn of the Capitol, off Independence Avenue at 7:30 AM.

At the conclusion of the West Front rehearsal, those media wishing to cover the East Front rehearsal will be escorted as a group to the East Front media platforms.

Media planning to attend only the East Front rehearsal should arrive at the South Screening Trailer no later than 8:30 AM to be escorted to the East Front.

Following the East Front rehearsal, Howard Gantman, staff director for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will be available to talk to the media, as will Armed Forces Inaugural Committee Spokespersons with the military stand-ins for the President-elect, Vice President-elect, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden.

DRESS REHEARSAL FOR THE 2009 PARADE

Following the rehearsal for the swearing-in, more than 3,000 people, including stand-ins for the president- and vice president-elect will march in the Inaugural Parade rehearsal. The participants will consist largely of the military personnel who will march in the Inaugural Parade.

PIC and Armed Forces Inaugural Committee spokespeople will be on hand at the parade rehearsal to answer questions.

Media wishing to attend the parade rehearsal should check in at Freedom Plaza at 13th and E Streets NW at 8:15 a.m.

RSVP INFORMATION

Media who plan to attend the swearing-in ceremony rehearsal must RSVP to the appropriate credentialing authority by 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 8:

DOD Media contact AFIC: 202.691.2059

Senate Daily Press Gallery: 202.224.0241.

Senate Periodicals Gallery: periodicals@saa.senate.gov

Senate Radio/TV Gallery: 202.224.6421

Senate Press Photographers Gallery: Press_Photo@saa.senate.gov

Members of the media who plan to attend the Inaugural Parade rehearsal should RSVP by 6 p.m., Thursday, January 8 to:

Adam Elkington at aelkington@pic2009.org, or Timothy Skoczek at tskoczek@pic2009.org

Source: David Apperson, LIFECLOUD.ORG

"Honor Our Veterans" Community Service Event - Obama Advocates for Service-LA/OC

natalie gould — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:16:57 EST

Born out of our grassroots volunteer efforts to elect Barack Obama, several of us in the Los Angeles and Orange County area have formed a group called "Obama Advocates for Service-LA/OC". Our intention is to continue volunteering as advocates for community service in Southern California.

We have decided to focus on Veterans for our first community service event. It will coincide with the inauguration and will take place on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Monday, January 19th, 2009. Obama Advocates for Service-LA/OC will be visiting with and passing out gift bags to approximately sixty (60) patients at the Community Living Center located at Long Beach Veterans Hospital in Long Beach, CA. Our efforts are funded by our own grassroots donations (not by the Obama campaign/administration).

We are looking for donations of personal items to be included in the sixty (60) gift bags. Items we are looking for are: toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shavers, fingernail clippers, toenail clippers, post it pads, pens, etc. You could also write a personal letter or send a card for a Veteran to include in any of the gift bags. We are also looking for cash donations to purchase additional items.

If you are interested in assisting us in our efforts, please contact me as soon as possible at corrina_loca@yahoo.com.

Thank you!
Natalie in Seal Beach, CA

The time is near

Robert Strunk — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:15:42 EST

I keep counting the days til President Obama takes office. I think I'm still a kid at Chrismas, the wait is just to much. I, like many others around the country look forward to seeing the beginning of change. We all know that we aren't going to wake up and all the problems will be gone. This is a long process that began 2 years ago and we are just starting the change January 20th. I wish I could be in D.C. on the 20th but I can enjoy seeing the man we worked so hard to get in the White House from afar. President Obama has a nice ring to it. We all worked very hard for this day and I hope anyone else that can't be there will just sit back and watch history being made and know we all created this moment. The history isn't just the first African American President, it includes all of us. Never before has such a campaign been run in this country. The excitement around this election was amazing and we may never see one like it again. Thanks to the hard work of millions of American's CHANGE CAN HAPPEN, and it WILL HAPPEN. We can't afford to sit back now and just hope for change, the same people involved with the election are going to be needed during President Obama's term(s). Let's hit the ground running and show President Obama we are still here and willing to do whatever we can to make his job a little easier.

Obama Inauguration Rhinestone Shirts- SUPER SALE

Cassandra M. Bellantoni — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 03:13:52 EST

Click on image to visit www.sexyobamashirts.com and get your special discount now.

FREE SHIPPING! Just type in "FreeShip" in the coupon code box during checkout!

Ignorant Conservatives Slander Obama Supporters, imply Inauguration Riot

Alfred from Boston, MA — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 23:34:09 EST

Some kid posted an article today implying an inauguration riot and a take-over of Washington DC on his small-time blog. He cites Hope-supporters greed and faatacism as the reason, calling us the cult of hope. Disgusting slander if anything.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1898-Boston-Independent-Examiner~y2009m1d1-The-Obama-time-bomb

I'm not suprised, but the underhanded remarks are ridiculous. If anything, the conseravtives will cause the problms that day.

Sacred Cow #5 - Eating Away At Self-worth

Rheanni — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:04:44 EST

Have you ever decided not to do something because you've imagined that what you have to offer doesn't fit in with the common definition of what is acceptable?

Somehow I doubt that you and I are the only ones who have had that experience. So I have decided to go after a very special herd of Sacred Cows.

These bovines sneak around behind the scenes supporting the premise that our worth and value is determined by something outside of us.

They eat away at our good ideas, intentions and hopes for the future.

If you still want to go to the inauguration, you still have a chance.

SweetThang — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:59:44 EST

If you live in the Detroit area and you still want to go to the inauguration, you still have a chance. U.S. Representative John Conyers is raffling inauguration tickets. You have until 5:00 PM, Friday, January 2, 2009 to enter the drawing.

http://www.freep.com/article/20081230/NEWS15/81230042/1001/rss01

Conyers office to raffle inauguration tickets

By TODD SPANGLER • FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF • December 30, 2008

WASHINGTON – With his office getting crushed with requests for inaugural tickets, U.S. Rep. John Conyers has decided to give his out via a lottery.

Conyers’ spokeswoman, Karen Morgan, says the Detroit and Washington offices will be taking requests until the close of business – about 5 p.m. – on Friday, Jan. 2, with the winning names to be drawn Saturday.

Winners of the inaugural tickets will be notified by phone or email.

To date, the Detroit Democrat’s office has received about 2,500 requests from people – mostly in his district – for some 8,000 tickets to see Barack Obama inaugurated Jan. 20 as the first African-American U.S. president.

Each congressman gets 190 tickets – and some of Conyers’ are already spoken for – so the office is trying to limit requests to two tickets each, though in some cases more might be awarded.

Those interested should call Conyers’ office in Detroit at 313-961-5670, or in Washington at 202-225-5126, to leave their requests. And they should be sure to leave their name, address, email and telephone number, too.

Celebrate Inauguration SALE! Obama Rhinestone Shirts!

Cassandra M. Bellantoni — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:02:16 EST

Free Shipping- Just type in "FreeShip" in the coupon code box when checking out

..Hours Away For A Moment Of Change..2009!

Tony — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 03:56:06 EST

..many countries in the asian continent will see the new year, but what many do NOT understand are the events leading to 2009, already 2008 brought some CHANGES if you know what I mean and many in the Occult/Paranormal Science know that later TODAY we will have THE YEAR OF THE CAT, 2009, see the "9", the cat's number of this misterious feline, one FREE prediction as NO MORE free stuff after seeing so many worthless CEOs being PAID millions for being mediocres and there are many more outhere, but we will ONLY refrain to one prediction so you can see we do NOT talk BS, well at least creating this group in Feb 2007 1 hour before the President elect announced the candidacy without realizing he would ever win even the DEM nomination as he was one of the unlikeliest candidate to win and we stood until the end here like always, never changing course, and the many truthfull posts along this blog that will see less and less posts day by day, this talks more than many salaried experts and analysts than can't even tell when it's gonna rain or snow, so the only one thing we can say, it's that 2009 will see LITTLE TO NO HURRICANE ACTIVITY, we do this so you can see the quality of our skills, just naming 65 presidents worldwide, tell me more than one from the hollywood ranks that are called psychics, do that and many are millionaires and we have never earned any penny by doing that, we refrain to tell why although it is a GOOD thing, what THE YEAR OF THE CAT will bring we keep it to ourselves not for being stingy but for protecting this now fragil world who ends 2008, for eight is enough, in a violent war conflict in the middle east and now many and many more people join the ranks of the now awaken people to see that many things are HIDDEN by so called powerfull polititians and people with NO REAL human power but a worthless paper called money, like the recession I was telling in my previous posts MANY MANY months ago, and talk about intelligence makes us laugh when NOBODY even understand that, even the so called experts in that subject psychologists and psychiatrists can decipher, ALL they do is trial and error of chemicals without ever understanding the #1 organ in our body THE BRAIN using people as guinea pigs, and the so called intelligence agencies are another laughing matter, but we will clarify something, the word psychic we call it as it's the closest thing we can find in life to describe ourselves, but the truth is not even that, may be the word doesnt exist in Planet earth but in the Galaxy but even for using occult to describe the closest thing to our skills is something that may lead to misundertandings, we ask you to comprehend that we carry a strong faith, not those ones that say " I am a born again christian since 5 years ago, no way, this is lifetime for us so do not jump to conclusions and we will stop at this or you'll end up more than confused as this is not in books or universities..., so as we had an honoring humility program we now honor this misterious intelligent animal THE CAT with 9 lives, and we ask you to take a relaxing moment and listen to this beautiful song from the 70's honoring this lovely animal, ladies and gentleman, listen to the newest beautiful version of:

Al Stewart, and THE YEAR OF THE CAT, enjoy and happy new year 2009!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM7LR46zrQU

PEACE, LOVE and MUSIC FOREVER!!

Inauguration 2009 Sermons and Orations Project

Mike W — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:52:08 EST

Inauguration 2009 Sermons and Orations Project
http://www.loc.gov/folklife/inaugural

On January 20, 2009, the United States will inaugurate Barack Obama, the country’s first African American president. In anticipation of citizens' efforts to mark this historic time around the country, the American Folklife Center will be collecting audio and video recordings of sermons and orations that comment on the significance of the inauguration of 2009. It is expected that such sermons and orations will be delivered at churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship, as well as before humanist congregations and other secular gatherings. The American Folklife Center is seeking as wide a representation of orations as possible.

Frank Rich Overreaches Again

mathpol — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:54:53 EST

“You’re Likable Enough, Gay People” is the title of a column by Frank Rich in today’s New York Times. After several weeks of fairly serious columns, he has reverted to his usual hyperbolic style. The main focus is on Obama’s choice of Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. Here are some excerpts:

Barack Obama has little in common with George W. Bush, thank God, his obsessive workouts and message control notwithstanding.As we saw during primary season, our president-elect is not free of his own brand of hubris and arrogance, and sometimes it comes before a fall: “You’re likable enough, Hillary” was

the prelude to his defeat in New Hampshire. He has hit this same note again by assigning the invocation at his inauguration to the Rev. Rick Warren, the Orange County, Calif., megachurch preacher who has likened committed gay relationships to incest, polygamy and “an older guy marrying a child.”

You can’t blame V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop and an early Obama booster, for feeling as if he’d been slapped in the face. “I’m all for Rick Warren being at the table,” he told The Times, but “we’re talking about putting someone up front and center at what will be the most-watched inauguration in history, and asking his blessing on the nation. And the God that he’s praying to is not the God that I know.” Unlike Bush, Obama has been the vocal advocate of gay civil rights he claims to be. It is over the top to assert,

as a gay writer at Time did, that the president-elect is “a very tolerant, very rational-sounding sort of bigot.” Much more to the point is the astute criticism leveled by the gay Democratic congressman Barney Frank, who, in dissenting from the Warren choice, said of Obama, “I think he overestimates his ability to get people to put aside fundamental differences.” That’s a polite way of describing the Obama cockiness. It will take more than the force of the new president’s personality and eloquence to turn our nation into the United States of America he and we all want it to be.

(end of excerpts)

Here is the comment I posted.*

Obama tends to see the good side only, when it comes to ministers. Didn't his relationship with the Reverend Wright teach us this? To me this shows naiveté rather than cockiness. I hope this “one-sided vision” doesn’t apply to heads of state. I’m glad he’ll have Hillary as a buffer.

As for “you’re likable enough Hillary”, that has been way overblown. Watch the tape again. He was caught by surprise and had to say something. Maybe a bit sardonic, but not arrogant.

And “obsessive workouts”? Daily exercise is important, especially when one wants to relieve stress and stay in shape. With George W. Bush, on the contrary, it was clear that being a “physical trainer” was a more important role to him than being president.

As for Bishop Gene Robinson’s comment that “the God that [Rick Warren] is praying to is not the God that I know.” That statement is off the mark. I guess he meant "interpreting" rather than "praying to"

As for Warren’s role at the inaugural, it bothers me too. I would have preferred a ”Billy Graham” type, one who doesn’t state that Jews don’t go to Heaven, as Warren did when asked about it at an Aspen Ideas Festival. **

Barack Obama is only human, not divine. So let’s all stay in the big tent and wait to see how he actually governs as president. We’re really not sure, but most of the early signs are positive.

(end of comment)

** To be precise, Warren answered “yes” when a woman proclaimed her Judaism and asked him if she was going to burn in Hell. Graham, on the other hand, once advised George W. Bush to "never play God" by ruling on who gets into heaven.

*This comment actually appeared. Number 938.

Breakthrough

Robert from Buford, GA — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:50:58 EST

Breakthrough

Robert Ferrell

A little over four hundred years ago in a hot cotton field an already drained tired old woman dropped a seed of blood from her dried hard hands into the soiled dirt of mother Earth. No tears, no fears. The blood like the old woman refused to cry and die in the blistering sun. Instead it soaked and steadily rolled deep into its mother never to stop never to wait for death was not a fate.

Somewhere on the same plain under another owners name was another slave, feeling the burn from the crack of the whip being ripped from his back. And if that isn’t enough pain the word nigger replacing his African name by a man of another complexion. No shock here that a tear or two full of hopes and dreams rolled off his hot salty face and drill themselves into the calm sands. As he prays that his children somewhere in this unknown land don’t feel the same affliction.

Not calm for long is this unfertile dirt as the tears and the red seed that moved constantly finally meet in the underneath. Never a fight between mother and father, as they began to composite with one another deep down in their mother. After some time in the dirt’s clutches a root of Will broke through. It seems that through all the infinite numbers of tears. Tears of hope, and fight from above began to find ways to seep through the significantly thick pavement being poured on top layer after layer.

Through all the turmoil above the rapes, beatings, lynching, mutilations, bombings, and assassinations, was a loud thought that echoed deep into the grains causing the root to feed rapidly. In time the root replied to this thought but not by sound. Not by the speeches not by the violence. The root was never judgmental of the two. For they never out weighed each other in their time of struggle. The root heard the calling from the two. The root heard the songs being sung while marching, and felt the pressure from the hoses, and the teeth of the protected German Shepherds break through the skin of the young men and women. The root felt the tremble of the body that fell in the Audubon auditorium for bringing meaning to the phrase “by any means necessary”.

As the root began to feed on these acts and ideals it grew a stem that started to push itself through the cracks of the controversial pavement. The bottom from which the root came softened from the resurrection of the tears of hopes and dreams and the Will carried by the seed.

Yet after overcoming all those obstacles the seed still toils to get through the gravel. The sharp edges of laughter pointed at a young black man who has the audacity to think he can become a senator let alone the idiocy to dream of being a presidential nominee.

The summer of two thousand and eight is just about over and the stem inched its way above the blistering pavement. Now the sun that harassed the seed so long ago finds itself supporting the seeds beliefs. The senators’ peers no longer laugh, but cast a ballot under his name on their behalf.

A little over four hundred years ago a fearless seed was planted and hopes and dreams nourished it. The dreams became a belief and the hopes were raised to a promise. On a cold night in November two thousand and eight something unspoken had taken place. The stem grew a leaf when it was expected to freeze. That young senator now a little older stands center stage on a cold night in Chicago. That little stem flexed its roots and broadened its stance.

All these roots, all the martyrs, and all this pain endured by so many others, hint a grin to one another of the sacrifice put forth along the way. Now today is a breakthrough that is our honor to speak his name by stating first “the forty-fourth president of the United States of America”. A country shouted the word “change!” and now the world speaks his new name. President Barack Hussein Obama, the man who has challenged a planet of many to think about the single leaf growing on a very young tree in need of company.

Now the challenge is getting to work. Where do we go from here?

ObamaMama's Hero — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:49:05 EST

As jubilant as I am, my one fear is that Americans will be content to celebrate this victory, and to wait for change to come to them. But we cannot rest. A cornerstone of this campaign is responsibility for our country. As Barack Obama has routinely stated, government cannot fix our problems for us:

"Because loving your country shouldn't just mean watching fireworks on the 4th of July; loving your country must mean accepting your responsibility to do your part to change it. And if you do stand up, I promise you that your life will be richer, and our country will be stronger.

We need your service, right now, in this moment - our moment - in history. I'm not going to tell you what your role should be; that's for you to discover. But I am going to ask you to play your part; ask you to stand up; ask you to put your foot firmly into the current of history. I am asking you to change history's course."

Many Americans have already answered this call. If you actively serve in your community, now is the time to redouble your efforts. Find a friend or family member, and encourage them to do the volunteer with you.

With the Inauguration of Barack Obama, I wanted to play a role in documenting the historic election and Presidenacy of Barack Obama. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to design quality President Obama Inauguration products that will be treasured for generations to come.Obama Inauguration at : www.zazzle.com/obma_inauguration

Obama is not eligible to be President

TimeToTellTheTruth.net from Monroe, LA — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:07:28 EST

Obama's father was not a U.S. Citizen, therefore Obama is not a "natural born Citizen" as required by the constitution. Congress needs to contest the Electoral Votes and name a President as the 20th Amendment allows. The U.S. Supreme Court should get involved if on January 8, 2009 Congress does not uphold their oath to defend the constitution.

THE YES WE CAN (CHANGE OUR DESTINY) PROJECT

Steve Sulkin — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:10:55 EST

Learn how you can help the BarackObama.com
Yes We Can (Change our Destiny) project

Either attend the PRESS EVENT, sign up for the event at:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/communityservice/gptc2c

OR

If you can’t make the event in Chicago, please read below and see how you can effect change with a single click:

CLICK BELOW. LISTEN. BE INSPIRED. PASS IT ON. SIMPLE.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwspAagg8uw

How this movement began:

53 year old Steven Miles Sulkin, Chicago producer and founder of the "Yes We Can (Change our Destiny) Project," was so encouraged by the phenomenon of the 10’s of millions of people who were inspired by President Elect Obama to bring about change to our world, that he has put aside nearly all of his responsibilities and has vowed to devote himself to help keep that potent force alive. He believes our world needs us now more then ever, to, as the famous quote says, "ask not what our country can do for us…"

The group's mission statement was inspired by what President Elect Obama said on November 4th at Grant Park:

We have an opportunity to put our hands “on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope for a better day.”

Project #1: Create a video that begins to bend the arc of our immediate future by inspiring millions to understand that if they act together as a group to help our world, that “Yes We Can (Change our Destiny).”

Spurred on by supporters and friends, self-funded with money he doesn't have and shouldn't have spent, Steven brought in 40 of the nation's top video artists, musicians and "philosophical confidants" and on December 7th at The Chicago Recording Company, created in a marathon 17 hour session, the "Yes We Can (Change our Destiny)" video.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwspAagg8uw

The film is so compelling that it is already becoming a visual and musical rallying cry for change post the election, much as Will.I.Am's video inspired a nation to bring about change before the election.

Steven is confident that this video along with other events in Washington D.C. during the inaugural will re-ignite the 4 million people coming to D.C., and that in turn will re-engage the country and the world to bring about real change our world so desperately needs.

Steven will be attending the inaugural in Washington D.C. He wants no fame or fortune. He just wants to make an impact on this world and feels that this project is his calling; that his entire life has been on a path for this moment.

PRESS EVENT: Yes We Can (Change our Destiny)
Thursday, January 8th, 2008
Chicago Recording Company
232 E. Ohio Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Studio 4
10:30am - 11:30am

Invited: The Chicago news media, both print and television, all musicians, artists, engineers, and friends involved in this project, Obama supporters from BarackObama.com, and all those who want to effect change in our world, are invited.

SPACE IS VERY LIMITED. Please R.S.V.P as soon as possible.

The purpose of the event is to officially launch the "Yes We Can (Change our Destiny) Project" which is dedicated to the belief that there are numerous destinies in our collective future and we, through our actions or inactions, choose a path for our lives.

Our goal is to re-ignite the passion inspired by President Elect Barack Obama to be actively involved in the shaping of our collective future.

Please R.S.V.P. to Steve.Sulkin@MBMProductions.com
Or on this website in the event section.

Thank you once again everyone for your incredible talent and dedication to this project and please continue to help the video go viral by forwarding it to everyone you know and asking them to do the same.

This is an official BarackObama.com event through the BarackObama.com website.

Watch the video. Pass it on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwspAagg8uw

Peace,

Steven Miles Sulkin

Will You Reconsider?

Milton Lee Norris — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:47:20 EST

This article is about choice, and a dilemma facing President Elect Barack Obama. It speaks of the incendiary remarks that have been made by Rick Warren against gays. It shows his arrogance, and remarks that are condescending to gays; it also shows how said remarks can only be a slap in the face to the gay and lesbian community. Closing the author asks that President Elect Barack Obama to rescind his choice of Rick Warren. http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=44757826122&h=Yao6O&u=hwD7J

2009 Obama Inauguration Bus Trip - Atlanta & Savannah

Barack Star — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:55:12 EST

Be a part of history! Attend the Inauguration of Barack Obama as he is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America, and the first African-American to hold that position.

visit http://Inauguration-Trip-Atlanta.ReadyToTrip.com for more details

All Packages include:

* Round trip motor coach transportation
* 2 nites hotel stay (Jacuzzi suites available)
* Meet and Greet w/ live DJ and Comedy Show
* meal voucher and snacks en route
* Metro transpass
* time in Washington DC after Inauguration Events
* exclusive collectible Inaugural commemorative t-shirt
* Inauguration Bon Voyage Party January 18, 2009

2009 Inauguration ..... 2009 Inauguration ..... 2009 Inauguration

Grassroots Ball Agonistes: The crisis of the people-made ball

Jacqueline from Mousseaux sur Seine — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 06:49:52 EST

Perhaps you have been checking here for news from time to time, wondering what's happening, if anything at all. I have sworn myself to a sort of discretion, a virtual white-out of news on the Ball because it is a complex and delicate business to organize, but we are in the final hours of decision-making, and we are not all of the same mind.

Wait. That's what happens in government, too.

We all felt so monolithically committed in our support for Obama, even while we fought monumentally over whether he was right or wrong to vote for the FISA bill this year, or right or wrong not to hate Hillary Clinton forever, or to pay her campaign debt, that it was always rather surprising to find ourselves in désarroi.

But that is what is starting to interest me the most, oddly; it's the process itself, how we can start with a shared dream, build momentum from one another's excitement and passion, discover our points of désaccord, experience let-down, frustration, and even anger as we encounter difficulties, set-backs and conflicts, and then -- out of respect for one another and the importance of our relationships and work -- sit down and think about how to proceed, even manage to at all because the people involved are as important to all of us as the success of the project itself.

How many times in the MYBO listservs did the atmosphere become tense, did a voice or two speak out and remind us all of why we were there, and that we hold one another in esteem, did cooler heads prevail and we go on? It's the same. It's a process that can teach us all a lot that we can use in our lives, at home, at work, in political action. Speak your heart, as well as your mind, and do it from that place in yourself.

The ball has been hard. Harder than we imagined when we started out. I suppose no one starts out imagining the obstacles, or no one would ever begin anything. Those of us working to put it all together have made many discoveries about people -- most heartening, some laughable. There are some flakes out there, and they are not all falling to the ground to blanket Chicago in snow for its white Christmas.

We succeeded, and we failed. Or, perhaps better said, we have met with success and with failure. We have raised money that can be considered significant from among the individuals supporting our ball, and we nearly did from an individual, who chose in the end not to, without ever really making that choice final, or clear. Inference is sometimes good enough, or has to be.

There have been successes that were very important to me. Yesterday, a $50 contribution arrived in the PayPal account from someone who has nothing to gain from their contribution to help make the ball happen, other than perhaps to help make sure there would be a ball for which to purchase a ticket, and at a price we can call "grassroots". That person might have thought that their $50 was "nothing" compared to others' $2,000, $1,000 or $500 (non tax deductible) donations, but that isn't how it felt to me when I heard. I felt indebted to that person and grateful for their gesture of support, that is really a gesture of belief in the dream that I had, that the other organizers had, that the more than 600 people who contacted us to get themselves and their friends and family on our list for news of the ball, when the tickets would be available had, too.

And the people who have joined us to offer their time and energy, their encouragement, their contacts, anything they had, and offered their thanks for our efforts. No matter what happens to this ball, I will carry forward their group of people like a community that will live inside me. I don't know how to visit that place, or see all those people, but knowing they are there is about enough. I know that one day there will be another project, another mission, and I will reach out to them, or they will reach out to me.

Today, we are asking everyone on our lists to go to the website and take a survey. The answers to the three questions are "Yes, I still planning to purchase tickets to the Grassroots Ball for the people of Mybarackobama.com to meet and celebrate our victory in Washington, DC on January 19, and hurry up!", "No, thank you, I have already made other plans for the inauguration," and "No. I just can't get to Washington, after all." Please have each person in your party register and take the survey so we can get an accurate number.

We need to know if 700 people sure will purchase tickets so that we can make the deposit on the space in downtown Washington with confidence. It can hold up to 1,500, and we have the option to grow the event to that capacity if ticket sales are strong.

We have become timid about committing our sponsor's money in an event that might have lost its momentum without our knowing it, especially in such uncertain times. Asking you is our best way to know if your silence has been your polite and remarkable patience, or proof of your loss of interest.

Like Barack said to us throughout the campaign, more and more frequently as the numbers coming to see him grew beyond anyone's wildest imagings, this ball was never about we, the organizers, it's about you, and it's for you if you want it. If you don't, that's fine. Personally, I can accept hearing that, but I can't as easily accept ending it all because we are worried the time and the opportunity are already behind us without having asked you if they are.

We shall see what happens today, and in the next hours, and then we will know.

For those wondering why nothing has been happening on the website, we decided spontaneously to communicate via our email lists rather than continue to promote a ball there that was at risk of not happening owing to fund-raising disappointments and their impact on the ticket prices that we could offer.

As it stands, they would be a minimum of $175, possibly closer to $200, and we would try to offer a percentage of the total tickets available at the $100 level for those whose means are limited. As we had always intended with our "Joe-the-Plumber" Ticket Plan, we would ask everyone to stop and think before purchasing and ask themselves if they really needed that $100 ticket, or if they could leave it for someone who does, each according to his conscience, and the fiscal philosophy Barack Obama laid out to Sam Wurtzenbacher in Ohio.

Thank you, everyone.

http://www.grassrootsballdc2009.com
....

Creating A Tipping Point for Economic Prosperity

Rheanni — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:39:03 EST

So many things are going on in the world. In the past, we had to stand on the sidelines waiting for someone to step forward on our behalf, now a new belief has taken hold. That belief claims that change can happen from the ground up. I happen to agree with that and certainly the elections proved that it's possible. Now it's our turn to do something with our economic woes. The trickle down theory hasn't worked for our ecomonic system and we can't just depend on those at the top to handle all the changes and have that trickle down too.

The only way that our economic system can really change is for those who are holding the system up to stop supporting the failed policies and prioroites of the Status Quo and create a tipping point for economic prosperity.

Our Intuitive Learning Game dares to test the question:

"Is it possible to reverse our collective mindset around economic sustainability and responsibility with a minimum of conflict?"

I think it is possible and want to invite each of you to join me in a free consciousness raising game process known as "Sacred Cow Tipping".

The goal of our game is to create a tipping point for positive change that will lead us through this financial quagmire to a more peaceful and sustainable economic system.

What is a Sacred Cow?

Sacred Cows are social agreements, decrees, doctrines, adages or points of law that have outlived their positive purpose, if there ever was one, and have become a burden to our evolution.They are important to deal with because as long as the agreement behind a Sacred Cow remains unconscious, our collective mindset continues to behave as if the agreement were true. This causes unnecessary suffering and a slowing down of progressive change for the better.Therefore, the purpose of our Sacred Cow Tipping Game is to find a way to release old, dogmatic agreements from the past on a conscious and unconscious level so that our minds can focus on something positive as we navigate the difficult waters that face us before and after the inauguration

PRESIDENT LINCOLN BIBLE

WEBMASTER — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:05:55 EST

President-Elect Obama to be Sworn in Using the Lincoln Bible
Bible Available for Press Viewing from 11:00 AM to Noon TODAY

Washington, D.C. - On January 20th, President-elect Barack Obama will take the oath of office using the same Bible upon which President Lincoln was sworn in at his first inauguration. The Bible is currently part of the collections of the Library of Congress. Though there is no constitutional requirement for the use of a Bible during the swearing-in, Presidents have traditionally used Bibles for the ceremony, choosing a volume with personal or historical significance. President-elect Obama will be the first President sworn in using the Lincoln Bible since its initial use in 1861.

"President-elect Obama is deeply honored that the Library of Congress has made the Lincoln Bible available for use during his swearing-in," said Presidential Inaugural Committee Executive Director Emmett Beliveau. "The President-elect is committed to holding an Inauguration that celebrates America's unity, and the use of this historic Bible will provide a powerful connection to our common past and common heritage."

The Lincoln Bible will be available for a press viewing between 11:00 AM and Noon today in the Members' Room on the first floor of the Library of Congress' Thomas Jefferson Building at 10 First St. S.E. in Washington, D.C.

Video and still cameras are permitted. Media should allow 10-15 minutes to clear security at the First Street entrance to the Jefferson Building. Clark Evans, who heads the Reference Services Section of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the Library of Congress, will also be available at that time to answer questions about the Lincoln Bible and the Library. High-resolution photographs of the Bible are also available upon request. RSVP is not required. Please contact the PIC Communications Office with questions.

The Bible was originally purchased by William Thomas Carroll, Clerk of the Supreme Court, for use during Lincoln's swearing-in ceremony on March 4, 1861. The Lincoln family Bible, which is also in the Library of Congress's collection, was unavailable for the ceremony because it was packed away with the First Family's belongings, still en route from Springfield, IL, to their new home at the White House.

The Bible itself is bound in burgundy velvet with a gold-washed white metal rim around the three outside edges of both covers. All its edges are heavily gilded. In the center of the top cover is a shield of gold wash over white metal with the words "Holy Bible" chased into it. The book is 15 cm long, 10 cm wide, and 4.5 cm deep when closed. The 1,280-page Bible was published in 1853 by the Oxford University Press.

Annotated in the back of the volume, along with the Seal of the Supreme Court, is the following: "I, William Thomas Carroll, clerk of the said court do hereby certify that the preceding copy of the Holy Bible is that upon which the Honble. R. B. Taney, Chief Justice of the said Court, administered to His Excellency, Abraham Lincoln, the oath of office as President of the United States ..."

The Lincoln Inaugural Bible will be on display at the Library of Congress February 12th to May 9th, 2009, as part of an exhibition titled "With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition." The exhibit will then travel to five other American cities. The Library is planning several other events and programming in commemoration of the bicentennial of the birth of the nation's 16th president, who was born on February 12th, 1809.

On March 4, 2009, the 147th anniversary of Lincoln's first inauguration, the Library of Congress will also be convening an all-day symposium with several renowned Lincoln scholars. For more information see the Library of Congress Web site at www.loc.gov.

For more information and to view photographs of the Lincoln Bible, please visit www.pic2009.org/bible.

For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.

Barack and Rick Warren

Jesse77 — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:57:48 EST

This is why I voted for Barack.

While reading his book "The Audacity of Hope" before the election, I came to believe that Barack was a man who strived to recognize good qualities in each person, regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, etc. I held to a healthy amount of skepticism, being that he was a politician writing two books shortly before running for President of the United States. But for the most part, he convinced me in his book and in his speeches during the campaign: I was finally going to be given the chance to vote for a candidate that I believed was a genuine person.

When I read that Barack chose Rick Warren to be involved in his inaugaration, I initially had a reaction of confusion. Wasn't Rick Warren the author of The Purpose Driven Life, the Christian-based self-help book endorsed by every conservative, right-wing Christian in America? I confess I do not know a lot about Warren, but imagine the jolt to my brain when it began to process the notion of a Democratic politician wanting to be associated with a conservative Christian leader! Sadly, such a scenario should not cause a jolt to my brain circuitry, but such is the landscape of American politics and much of American Christianity.

I listened as news anchors spoke of members of the GLBT community being angry with Barack for associating with Warren, who allegedly has spoken out against the legalization of gay marriages. And I was saddened. I was saddened at how quickly the various groups in our country will seemingly automatically respond to events in a very predictable and self-serving way: if you do not support our specific vision, we will castrate you publicly.

Leading Evangelical Christian organizations will dismiss leaders who publicy entertain th notion that taking care of the earth might be a good and responsible thing; who admit publicly that they are not sure if gay marriage should be legalized or not. Democrats quickly spoke of ways that they might punish Joe Leiberman for speaking at the Republican Convention.

And then there's Barack. He seems to recognize that none of us will agree all the time on every issue. And I respect him for that. In my opinion, consistent 100% agreement between two parties, on a regular basis, is suspicious. It makes me question the involved parties' willingness to think about issues critically. Barack may support the legal recognition of gay and lesbian unions, and Rick Warren may not, but that doesn't mean they can't have issues they do agree on. Warren's alleged lack of support for gay unions does not make him a bad person. Who is more worthy of admiration: a man who serves meals daily to homeless children but opposes homosexual unions, or a woman who supports homosexual unions but spends no time volunteering to help others?

I think Barack recognizes that most of us (all humans) have some good qualities, and most of us have faults. And he seems to be seeking out the good qualities in others to build stronger human connections. He's appointing Republicans to some of his posts. And I think that's wonderful. Those who complain, it seems, are supporting divisiveness. Those who complain about Barack "reaching across the aisle," it seems to me, are fighting against what Barack fought for: change.

YES WE CAN (CHANGE OUR DESTINY) PROJECT - NEW VIDEO!

Steve Sulkin — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:00:16 EST

There have been many "Yes We Can" songs and videos out there and most have not risen to the quality of will.i.am

But this NEW VIDEO, see link below to "Yes We Can (Change our Destiny)", has that same potential to inspire millions to act, to be involved, to re-engage.

Read on and help this video get to the inaugural to be played via videotape or live. I want no fame or fortune. I just want to make a difference and I know this song and video can. You'll see when you watch it.

The “Yes We Can (Change our Destiny) Project” was created to help ensure that the collective energy of 10’s of millions of people who were inspired by President Elect Barack Obama will be re-kindled on inauguration day to even greater heights (because our world needs us now more then ever).

Watch the Video and help Change Our Destiny. Be inspired.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwspAagg8uw&feature=channel_page

Inspire millions more by passing this video on. Make it go viral. Help it be played at the inaugural.

This video is the output of a singularly special experience created on a single day in Chicago by a group of people who are as talented as they are inspired.

Inspiration is the most powerful force in the world. You can help re-ignite it. We’ve seen that simple actions multiplied by millions can create real change. Your one simple action of sending this video to everyone you know, and they in turn sending it to everyone they know, will once again, inspire millions.

As President Elect Obama said on November 4th at Grant Park, we have an opportunity to put our hands “on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope for a better day.”

Join the movement. Send the video to everyone you know and ask them to do the same.

Yes We Can.

Change our Destiny.

---

The Yes We Can Change Our Destiny song and video was written, produced, directed and performed by Steven Miles Sulkin and with nearly 40 of Chicago’s and the nation’s top musicians, filmmakers and engineers. It was recorded (interestingly, though accidentally) on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th, 2008 at The Chicago Recording Company and written on November 2nd, 2008. It is our hope (but a hope that can only be possible with your help) that this song will be played live or via video at the inaugural, so as to re-inspire 10’s of millions that “Yes We Can” wasn’t about winning an election, it was about winning back our world and shaping a new destiny.

(note: The President Elect Barack Obama footage from Grant Park is legally and fully licensed from a stock footage source).

Peace,

Steven Miles Sulkin

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

WEBMASTER — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:00:07 EST

Presidential Inaugural Committee Invites Special Olympics to March in 56th Inaugural Parade
Talent From Across America To March In Parade From Capitol To White House

WASHINGTON - Today, in keeping with its commitment to hold inaugural events that celebrate our common values and reflect the diversity and history of our great nation, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden's Inaugural Committee officially extended an offer to Special Olympics to march in the 56th Inaugural Parade. Special Olympics athletes, volunteers and supporters will join representatives from across the country and our Armed Forces in the historic parade down Pennsylvania Avenue following President-elect Obama's swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.

"I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade," said President-elect Obama. "These organizations embody the best of our nation's history, diversity and commitment to service. Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade."

Organizations wishing to participate in the parade submitted an application to the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), which then assisted the Presidential Inaugural Committee in reviewing all of the groups' applications. All told, 1,382 organizations applied to participate, setting a new standard for interest in marching in the parade.

Upon hearing its selection, Special Olympics made the Inaugural Parade part of its Global Law Enforcement Torch Run(r) and the parade participants, a team of Special Olympics athletes, law enforcement officials who serve as guardians of the flame, and other supporters will carry the Flame of Hope for all to see.

Since November 24, 2008, the Flame of Hope has traveled more than 30,000 miles around the world stopping on each continent to deliver a message of spirit and hope to communities where people with intellectual disabilities continue to fight for acceptance and a chance to excel without barriers.

After the Inaugural Parade, the Flame of Hope will continue across America until it reaches Boise, Idaho, where it will be used to ignite the cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies for the Special Olympics World Winter Games that will take place from February 7-13, 2009.

Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization and global movement dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports to more than 2.8 million individuals with intellectual disabilities worldwide.

All participants in the Inaugural Parade are responsible for paying for their own lodging and transportation to and from Washington, D.C. The Committee has been working closely with area governments and civic organizations to facilitate access to affordable accommodations and would like to encourage citizens from across the country to reach out and help Special Olympics raise the necessary resources to participate in this historic event.

If you are interested in finding out more about supporting the Special Olympics and their participation in the 56th Inaugural Parade, please contact Cary McPartlin at 202.459.7561. Visit specialolympics.org to learn more.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee was assisted in its selection process by a group of experienced military musicians, who utilized their expertise to help assess the presentation skills of marching bands, musical acts and drill teams.

Regularly updated information will be provided to the public and the media on our website, pic2009.org.

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

WEBMASTER — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:57:59 EST

Presidential Inaugural Committee Announces Honorary Co-Chairs
Bipartisan Collection of Distinguished Americans to Help Lead Inaugural Activities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee announced the honorary co-chairs for the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.

In keeping with the President-elect's commitment to an inclusive and bipartisan Inauguration, the list of honorary co-chairs includes members of the President-elect and Vice President-elect's immediate families as well as prominent Americans from both sides of the aisle who have dedicated their lives to selfless service to their fellow citizens.

"Vice President-elect Biden and I are grateful to these distinguished men and women for agreeing to serve as Honorary Co-Chairs for the Inauguration," said President-elect Obama. "From family members to former Presidents, each of these leaders has an unwavering commitment to bipartisan cooperation and a proud record of service to their community and our country. They exemplify the spirit of unity and shared purpose this Inauguration will reflect."

The Honorary Co-Chairs for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration are:

President Jimmy Carter
President George H. W. Bush
President William J. Clinton
Mayor Adrian Fenty
Senator Dick Durbin
Senator Dick Lugar
Senator Claire McCaskill
Representative Tammy Baldwin
Representative Artur Davis
Representative Ray Lahood
Representative Linda Sánchez
General Colin Powell
Hunter and Kathleen Biden
Craig Robinson
Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng

For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.

And the opiate of the people is...

March4health4All — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:28:03 EST

There is a big difference between rival opinions and bigotry. Sharing a stage with those with opposing views is tolerance, sharing it with bigots is complicity.

I am not gay, but according to Rick Warren, as a secular Jew, I am going to hell anyway. According to Warren so would Obama’s own mother. The tone is gentel, the words are pure hate mongering.One quarter of Evangelicals voted for Obama, Jews, atheist, agnostics, gays and other liberal heretic voted for him in the 90% range. We are all insulted. We already had a president for the Christian Nation, Obama was supposed to be the president of the whole nation; Warren’s voice is insulting, embarrassing, his gentle manner belies the white cloak of his beliefs.

On an even more basic and fundamental point, lets start with the irony of swearing on a bible to protect and defend the Constitution, separation of State and church excepted. Religion, not spirituality, but fundamentalist organize religion playing a staring roll in the inauguration is an abominable distortion of the fundamental principles of the constitution and democracy itself.

Breath of Fresh Air

Louis from New York, NY — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 13:16:12 EST

The inauguration of President Obama is a breath of fresh air and renewal for our nation. The vision that he clearly articulated in his Inaugural Address points to a future that will be better than the present.

What a breath of fresh air!

Diplomacy through Rick Warren...?

sabina2001 — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:48:13 EST

Obama is a smart man.

Obama is a proponent of diplomacy over warfare.

Rick Warren is not someone I think should have any influence in this country, and his theology is most definitely at war with progressive, liberal views and morals. But liberal progressives have difficulty not viewing evangelicals as their enemy as well. (I say this from experience as a progressive myeslf.)

Solution? Let's leverage Rick Warren's sermon for our own ends. (By "our", I mean Obama's base.) Let's start a dialogue with him and the Evangelical, Christianity-first, right-wing communities in this country on our turf. The inaugruation is our achievement, but it's also our opportunity to set this country on a new path of inclusion.

So start offering constructive criticism for how Obama can leverage Warren's acceptance of his invitation. Tell him what Warren should say; tell him what Warren canNOT say. (With all due respect.)

Because, let's get real, there's no way Obama can disinvite Rick Warren and not declare war on -- or have war declared on his administration by -- Warren's audience.

Click the title or the "click here" to read my suggestions...

Michelle's Inaugural Ballgown

Marjani — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 03:11:39 EST

I saw those tacky loud ghetto burlap bag grandma jello pudding pop designs the "top" designers are trying to stuff her in for the Inaugural Ball and none of them fit the styles I've seen her wear yet.

I've seen her in classic, elegant, sophisticated (unless she's doing J Targete casual) and those designers have got the "slave-motif" going on. They didn't put a lot of thought into what they've seen her wear.

I've observed and when I was a little girl I wanted to BE a fashion designer and interior decorator. Therefore I give my Unsung and Unasked For opinion. NONE of those gowns work.

So, I give you...

Midnight Black and Deep Purple- ankle length
Black Silk Chiffon draped in back with light bow accent
Engraved Black and purple boa down front of dress from waistline has hand-sewn pearls to match pearl necklace (drop choker)

I call it Understated Drama with Pearls
It has that Roman Goddess "feel" to the bodice.

This gives her what she's done in the past with a slight bend toward the dramatic, It is certainly traditional, but off the beaten-down path for a most special occasion.

Rick Warren a big mistake

Larry A. from Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:08:13 EST

The self-promoting Southern Baptist pastor, Rick Warren, has not only insulted gays and compared abortion to the holocaust, but especially hates people like me, who identify as Humanist and atheist.

In interviews with Newsweek and BeliefNet, Warren responds like a bigot when conversing with opposing views. Sam Harris gives thoughtful reasons, which Rick Warren blows off. He is a slippery snake.

I think a key to understanding Warren is his view of religion as marketing. In the book, "Ideas that Stick", Warren's approach is described. He tells his staff to think of a Saddleback Church person -- of a particular income and education level. His church is then tailored to market to that person.

Warren is sometimes praised for promoting environmental causes for Christians. But he appears to thoughlessly blow off other issues, like abortion and gay rights. Was it really so easy? Or did he run it past a marketing poll for which issues to modernize? Enough people hate gays that he doesn't have to love them either?

Please, Barack, ditch this guy.

LAT

INAUGURAL KICK OFF

WEBMASTER — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:04:01 EST

Inaugural Kick Off to be Held on the Steps of the Lincoln Memorial
Inaugural Eve to Feature Concert for America's Children

Washington, D.C. -- The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) will host a welcome event to kick off the 56th Presidential Inauguration at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday, January 18th.

The PIC also plans to hold a youth concert on the evening of Monday, January 19th, at the Verizon Center in downtown Washington.

Sunday's welcome event and Monday's concert will continue President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden's commitment to hold an Inauguration that is open, accessible and reflects a spirit of unity for Americans of all ages.

The afternoon welcome event, to be held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at the west end of the National Mall, will be free and open to the public.

Dedicated to the memory of America's 16th President, the Lincoln Memorial has been the site of many Presidential Inauguration activities in recent years.

President Clinton held a free concert on the grounds in 1993 that included performances by Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, and Bob Dylan. In 2001, President-elect Bush kicked off his inaugural festivities at the site with performances by Ricky Martin, Charlotte Church, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The PIC is also pleased to announce that a concert for America's children will be held the night before the Inauguration, Monday, January 19th.

The concert will be free, but tickets will be required. Further details of the welcome event, concert and other inaugural activities will be made available in the coming weeks.

For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.

Non-partisan Presidential Inaugural hoodies available through LIFE CLOUD.

AN OPEN LETTER TO BARACK ABOUT RICK WARREN

hindy — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:06:40 EST

Dear Barack:

You have so admirably stated on a number of occaisions, that you will admit to mistakes when you make them. Well, you've just made your first huge blunder by selecting a right wing Christian Fundamentalist preacher Rick Warren, (who has no respect for Gays, women's rights to choose or science) to preside religiously over your innauguration. This is also a man who believes that the only way to obtain a ticket to heaven is through a belief in Jesus Christ. In otherwords many Americans that voted for you - according to this religious moron - are destined for Hell.

You have not only offended Gays with this choice. You have offended people like myself who supported you because I was fed up with the hijacking of the US by the religious right, their retrograde chauvinism and narrow xenophobic concept of God. This man may appearn more moderate on other issues such as poverty and climate change, but make no mistake, he is simply a "wolf in sheeps clothing". His views on abortion, gay marriage, stem cell research and the "one true religion" (which is his brand of Christianity) are as retrograde as all of his ignorant predecessors.

With all due respect Barack, we, who were fed up with the right wing agenda for the past eight years, can't believe your lack of judgement on this one. This is, after all, "the Civil Rights Issue" of our day. If Rick Warren had the same attitudes about African American Rights as he does about Gay Rights, Women's Rights and the rights of sick people to benefit from stem cell research, there would be no way that he'd be allowed to share the podium on your innauguration.

If you want to reach out to that element of America, there will be plenty of opportunities to do so without giving him the prime spot at your inauguration and offending those who voted for you because of your liberalism and open mindedness.

Yes Barack, its time to admit your first enormous mistake and immediately do something to correct it.

Since the US is home to many religions, if you want to correct this blunder without alienating the Christian Right, I suggest that you consider inviting liberal clergy from all denominations of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddism, Hinduism and others to do a group invocation at your inauguration. That will send a message of American inclusivity to people all over the world. More importantly it will show all Americans that they have an equal spiritual voice in the United States.

It will also allow you to save face with Rick Warren and to let the American people know that you've both acknowledged and corrected your first enormous blunder.

Space available in DC

Gayle — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:34:17 EST

Great location in Alexandria VA near the metro. $500.00 for 5 days Jan 16-21th. This hotel includes hot breakfast and free parking. Email me ASAP.

Gayle