Inauguration Weekend Continued

On MLK day I had the opportunity to serve with my teammates at the "Service Nation National Day of Service Breakfast." We had a packed house of around 1,200 of individuals and volunteers (who later painted a school and worked at RFK Stadium for the day) who came to listen to quite the list of speakers: MLK Jr. III kicked it off, also Congressmen John Lewis--a former Freedom Rider, Spider Man's Tobey McQuire, Ashton Kutcher, and Demi Moore. My favorite part was a round table discussion about public service that was moderated by TIME magazine's Richard Stengel. First Lady Shriver (who's brother I had drinks with TWO days earlier--random!), an AmeriCorps Alum, and two other California politicians.

Service Nation is part of the coalition that is lobbying for the Kennedy-Hatch Bill that will expand the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps in response to the growing interest of you people to serve (and avoid looking for a job in a recession!). President Obama hopes this bill makes it to his desk (and it will given it's support in committee) because he would like to double the size of the Peace Corps. President Kennedy once stated that he envisioned 100,000 serving at a time--far more than currently serve.

And as for inauguration day itself, what is there to say? I gave in and bought some hauker's last "I was there" button. It was cold and crowded (so many people it was hilarious! All you could do was laugh!). Some people were rude. Some people couldn't stop crying. But all that aside, it was one of the most memorable experiences in our country's modern times. I am grateful that I was given the chance to feel that upswell of "American-ness" in a time of celebration, rather than tragedy.

"I think I'm gonna like it here"

The title of this blog (which I hear is quite overdue) is not only a tribute to a favorite childhood musical, but also a general statement on life in the big city. And much like when Annie moved into Daddy Warbucks' big marble mansion, I too have moved to a place where the important people wear shiny black shoes, and live and work in big white buildings.

I guess Annie made a big deal of the littlest things when she moved to Daddy Warbucks'. Her new clothes were exciting, her pool was exciting, and even her bathroom seemed exciting. Here's one thing that DC people (I refuse to call them Washingtonians) get way too excited about: snow. It snowed less than half an inch and the city shut down! I wondered why the bus seemed empty this morning. Government workers were told to stay home or telecommute, they shut down the schools, and everyone complained all day. Thank you Pullman, Washington, for your lesson in modesty.

Other than that, the city is tied up in what Daddy Warbucks was most known for: money. This bailout business has the whole city in knots. We can't get through on the phone to legislative aides. The city is at a standstill and all eyes are on the greens.

But I pose this one question to you, realizing of course that I may give away a bit of my political leanings. Speaker Pelosi said we need this bill passed because President Obama "called" on us to do it. If that is so, then why is the White House at the opposite end of the National Mall?

Article 1, Section 1 & 7. Please keep that in mind, Congress.

We Are One: Inauguration Concert, Lincoln Memorial

What a day! I left our fundraiser in Takoma Park, Maryland at 12:30 this afternoon, just hoping to get somewhere near the concert that was announced earlier this week. As a solo traveler, I weaved my way through the crowds with an extra pep in my step--not being held back by a baby, nor trying not to spill my ridiculous beverage from Starbuck, nor waiting for a friend to stop and buy a button of the shirt of a street vendor that proclaims, "I was there."

I stood in a line for a few minutes that I wasn't sure went anywhere, when we found out it was to pet the police horse, I sprinted the other way. A few minutes later I found myself in suprisingly good position, about thirty yards or so from a Turbotron screen that showed the whole concert. Ten minutes later, Denzel Washington introduced Springsteen, and we were off!

Other introducers included Tom Hanks, Jamie Foxx, Steve Carrell (who I absolutely could not take seriously!), Jack Black (again, hard to imagine him in the role of historian or political efficiando, Tiger Woods, Queen Latifa, and many more I can't quite recall.

Everyone from Usher to Sheryl Crow, Jon Bon Jovi, and Mary J. Blige sang a song for the Obama family. But you will never guess who got the crowd most excited? Nor do the songs he sang quite match the repitoire you might expect form him. He started with "Bye Bye Miss American Pie," an abridged version, thank goodness. But even Obama was singing along. Then this artist sang "SHOUT!" Which warmed up the cold masses as we danced on the barren lawn of the National Mall (left), before finishing off with "We shall be free." Any guess you this mystery artisit is? Garth Brooks. Yup, the country man himself who didn't sing a note of 'twang all afternoon.

This is the closest I have ever been to a U2 concert. But I can tell you, these guys still have it! Though, it is out-of-the-box. I mean that a group of "lads" from Ireland sang songs honoring America. But there message was great. As we celebrate Martin Luther King tomorrow, there are other people around the world still fighting for the same dreams. Specifically, Bono mentioned Ireland, Israel, Palestine, and Africa (though, I was disappointed to hear him refer to the content as one country...) as places still rought with conflict over pride, equality, and equity.

Overall, it was an exciting day. And even though I am not drapped head to toe with "Obama-melia," I can still appreciate the fact that people are excited to be Americans. There is just no denying it.

Random quotes, advice, and more: a reoccuring post

"This is a street. People drive on it." -a cold and tired DC traffic officer after the WE ARE ONE concert.
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"Go big." The son of Sergent Shriver describing the advise his father would give.
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Melissa: "I think I am going to walk over and see the White House after work."

My colleague: "Don't point."
--

The Neighborhood

Pennsylvania Ave. looking out to the Capitol!

My new digs (the gray one). Our door is the one one the left. You enter on the first floor, but we actually live upstairs. My favorite part is the little iron fence. In the morning this street is pretty busy, the Capitol is at the other end!

The living room has lots of light. It's the main room.

"Emancipation" is the primary scultpure in Lincoln Park, about a block from here. It was funded soley by freed slaves in 1868. The first donation was $5 from one woman's very first paycheck.

First Smithsonian: American History

My first Smithsonian, so I started with the classic. It just reopened this fall after two years of renovation. The updates are pretty obvious, as shown here (left) by the addition of this column from the 9/11 wreckage. Other contemporary objects worth noting include President Clinton's "football" and yes, the gavel that set his impeachment in motion. No political comments at this time...

There is an exhibit that shows the changing military over the nation's history. The conclusion I have to make is this: the uniforms of the Revolutionary soldiers were A LOT smaller than the uniforms currently being worn by our men and women of service.

Of course, the First Ladies exhibit is popular. They have the gowns worn by Abigail Adams and Martha Washington! They are gorgeous even in their faded state. You will have to take my word for it since my picture does not to them justice.

Here is an artifact that I didn't know existed. Though, it was very moving to stand next to! It is Thomas Jefferson's handmade, portable desk that he used to write the Declaration. In a sense, it is where it all began!

Random quotes, advice, and more: a reoccuring post

"Go big." The son of Sergent Shriver describing the advise his father would give.

--

Melissa: "I think I am going to walk over and see the White House after work."
My colleague: "Don't point."

--

First few hours

Since I am only here four months, I don't think there will ever be an excuse for being "bored." I set out today to find my office and get some groceries...I came back about six hours later!

This picture is a draft of the Constitution that President Washington edited. The scribbled writing is his comments helping to make a "more perfect union."

Right after finding my office, I just started following these blue signs that list the direction of all the attractions. As is typical, ended up walking in somewhat of a circle.

I noticed a parks ranger on the street, "come on in!" he said. One quick look at the brass plaque on the wall was all it took, this is a historica building right in the middle of the city! It was the home where President Lincoln spent the last hours of his life. It takes all of about five minutes to walk through the renactment (meeting Mrs. Lincoln in the front parlor, no doubt). And then you just stand there...in the bedroom where Abraham Lincoln died. Eerie...

Here is anoter pic from the Archives...the recording machine that brought down Mr. Nixon.

Anyway, I just kept walking...past the IRS, FTC, and hundreds of U.S. Navy sailors standing guard along the parade route for practice. I went to the archives...saw one of the last copies of the magna carta, the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights in the dimly lit Rotunda.



Here is my conclusion on the city's inauguration gift to President Elect Obama: Honey Buckets...and lot's of 'em!