So, yesterday was the Welcoming Ceremony for President-elect Barack Obama (watch it on HBO here). Pretty much anybody who's anybody performed or read speeches. While it was at the Lincoln Memorial, my colleges and I found ourselves nearly a mile away at the Washington Monument, watching it on Jumbotrons. But you were hardly able to tell.
(See my photos I took here, and the story about the concert here.)
Thousands of people filled the park surrounding the monument. And you would have thought that the very concert was going on right in front of them. Electric energy eminated from the masses.
There was no shoving, no animosity to be found. Police reported no arrests. People were only glued to the moment, as if to say, "I know I'm witnessing history."
(It's all very profound until you realize that people may have just been psyched to see Bono. Or Denzel. No one would openly admit that God's gifts to mankind were the real reason for their elation; but, that's a given. Which is why Barack invited the two [among others, see: Shakira & Beyonce]. Obviously.)
Breaths drawn, very few audiene members could be seen sans Obama gear. I almost feel like tomorrow -- at midnight -- the world is going to be transformed into a magical wonderland. An Obama presidency means rainbows of hope and at each end? Chocolate-coated bundles of change candies. Evolution will spontaneously produce unicorns. Global Warming will think twice about existing.
Only time will tell. Until then, let's hope that this overwhelming dose of optimism isn't fleeting. It's a good vibe to have around.
(To read the stories and stuff, you have to create a username and password with Scripps Howard. But it's free, so chill out.)
Just posted today: Read my inaug fashion story here.
No comments:
Post a Comment