With an estimated 1.5 million people coming to our fair city, I have to say that I’ve been a little curious about the upcoming inauguration. Touted as being the most historic swearing in, it’s definitely a big deal for obvious reasons.
I’ve been to historic events in the city and will admit that there is something amazing about being there in person. In fact, I attended the last inauguration of George W. Bush. It was definitely memorable – thousands and thousands of people milling the streets, cold weather biting at your nose, and no bathrooms to speak of. Thankfully, I was working on the Hill at the time and had some “connections” so I didn’t have to stay outside for long. I watched most of the events from one of the buildings across the street from the Capitol. The company throwing the shin-dig had made a real party out of it, complete with food and beverages. Let me tell you, that’s the way to view an inauguration.
(Photo of Union Station)
But this time around, things are a little different. Sure the CPA received invitations from various businesses and we could have gone to similar parties, but the question is, is it really worth it? Let me give you an example of what I mean. Saturday, my husband went to his office on the Hill to get a little work done. I offered to pick him up from work instead of making him take the Metro home. Since we live just outside of the city, on a weekend day I can usually zip into town in about 15 minutes. I made it downtown in record time and picked him up at the rendezvous point. The only problem was we couldn’t get out of the city. All of the major downtown entrances to the freeway were closed, including the one I had just used. Several side streets and stop lights later, we finally found an on-ramp that was open and we made our way home. It took over an hour.
That is why come inauguration day, I will be nowhere near downtown Washington DC. I really do not want to deal with the fact that all of the bridges leading from Virginia into the city will be closed. I don’t want to deal with the thousands, nay even millions, of people who will be trying to squish themselves into Metro cars with absolutely no idea where they’re going. And I definitely don’t want to deal with the sub-freezing temperatures that have been forecast.
But living as close as we do, I couldn’t let the event pass by without taking a look first hand. So we went downtown Saturday morning to check out the scene. What we found were thousands and thousands of chairs lined up in front of the Capitol (uncomfortable-looking chairs at that).
Rows and rows of port-o-johns. There are approximately 7,000 port-o-johns, which sets a record for the area. In fact, they’ve brought in all the handicap port-o-johns that they could find from neighboring states.
Massive speakers (that put a rock concert to shame) have been set up around the grounds. We got to hear them in use as they were testing the speakers while we were there and the sound was amazing.
Capitol Hill police are out in full force. The amount of security for the inauguration is said to far surpass that of any previous inauguration.
There will be more than 25,000 law enforcement officers securing the area, which includes 7,500 active duty soldiers, 10,000 National Guard troops and 8,000 police officers.
President-elect Obama will be sworn in on the West front of the Capitol as seen here.
This little booth, the one that looks like it is covered in plastic, is where the ceremony will take place.
And this will be their view of the Washington Monument.
It’s going to be an incredible event, unlike any the country has seen before. There will be parties and concerts and dinners and balls, all kinds-of fun activities are scheduled to take place. There will even be a parade.
But, notwithstanding all of the excitement and historical implications, I, for one, will be watching it from the comfort of my own home. And probably in my pajamas. With my very own bathroom nearby should I need it.
Now that is the way to watch an inauguration!
What about you – would you brave the crowds and go to the inauguration ceremonies in person? Are you going to be watching it at all?
Resources:
24 comments