Inauguration Notes, or "Defrost me, please"

I was one of the 2 million people at our nation's Capitol today to celebrate the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama. It was thrilling, freezing, crowded, exciting, and uncomfortable. I could go on and on about my discomfort - waiting 2 hours in line, freezing despite multiple layers and boots, frightening, pushing crowds, fearsome toilets (unused by me), and the overwhelming feeling of - whoa I think I just saw my hat on the replay on C-SPAN! Anyway, this day was not about me, so I'll move on to something else.

I thought the ceremony was great because it was simple, short but not too short, with poetry and music incorporated, and prayer. While more faith-inclusive prayers would have been nice (maybe a reading by a Rabbi?) I thought the words were humbling and guiding. While the mild boos of the crowd indicated the controversy surrounding the choice of Rev. Rick Warren, of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., to give the convocation, I judge his words not his character.

The performance by Itzhak Perlman (Violin), Yo-Yo Ma (Cello), Gabriela Montero (Piano), Anthony McGill (Clarinet) was incredible! So beautiful and appropriate for the occasion. I think Christina Aguilera could have done a better job of singing "My Country Tis of Thee" but Aretha Franklin has the legacy if not the voice anymore. The poem read and written by Elizabeth Alexander was not as good as Robert Frost's "The Gift Outright" read at JFK's inaugural, but I did like these lines:
Some live by "Love thy neighbor as thy self."

Others by first do no harm, or take no more than you need.

Beautiful, simple and true. I do think most poets lack the performance skills to be the best readers of their poetry.

The benediction by Rev. Joseph Lowry was really hard to hear, but he is 87. I had a really moving encounter on my walk home. As I was waiting to cross 14th street, I chatted with an elderly man with a walker. I noticed that he wore a cap that said "Tuskegee Airman" and I felt the significance of the moment for him, and for history. He symbolized the change in America - from a time when the armed forces were segregated (how is that possible?) to the realization of the dream of racial equality. I couldn't understand much of what he said because he didn't have teeth, but I saw him smile and talk about the cold. Good Lord, a ninety-year-old man braving the cold, alone, to witness the parade or the inauguration. It speaks volumes. That was a moment of grace for me - when I could see outside my pain and discomfort and witness the truth unadulterated by tv cameras and pat phrases. If I hadn't had to walk home because of the insanely crowded metro, then I wouldn't have met him. We slowly crossed the street together and then wished each other adieu.

I'm really jealous that I can't go to an inaugural ball.

I was so cold that I may have nodded off during Obama's address.

It was really cool that Justice John Paul Stevens administered the oath of office to Vice-President Biden. He is my hero. If I were being inducted I would want JPS to do it.

Who else thinks that Beau Biden is hot? Me too.

ps - for those not in the know, the Tuskegee Airmen were a segregated unit of 1,000 African-American pilots and crew trained to fight in World War II. All 330 airmen were invited to the inauguration by Senator Dianne Feinstein. (Rock on, Dianne!) I salute the Tuskegee Airmen and all the members of the armed services, living and dead, who fought for our country.

I need a glass of wine.

I need a glass of wine. Preferably cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir or malbec. None of that white grape juice stuff for me.

Ps - How funny is it that Governor Blagojevich won't resign?
pps - It's awesome that I know how to spell his last name, right?

I love this picture from the episode of Absolutely Fabulous where Edina and Patsy go to France.

PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA

HOORAY! SENATOR BARACK OBAMA IS ELECTED PRESIDENT, TONIGHT, NOVEMBER 4, 2008. THIS IS THE GREATEST NIGHT IN 21ST CENTURY AMERICAN HISTORY. MY PRIDE AND JOY IS UNSPEAKABLE. I HAVE NOT BEEN THIS HAPPY IN THREE YEARS. YES WE CAN AND YES WE DID!

What Can I Do to Help Barack Win?

If Barack Obama doesn't win the election in November and I didn't try my hardest to make it happen, then I will never forgive myself. That said, I'm wondering if blogging about his policies or the hypocrisy of his opponents will do any good. I'm currently reading his memoir "Dreams From My Father" and it is really good. I mean, he struggled with his identity just like the rest of the us. He has the spark of genius because he recognizes that we have a responsibility to our community, we "are our brother's keeper." I truly believe that.
So I've contacted some people I know on his campaign and asked what I can do. I haven't gotten any concrete answers, but I will keep y'all posted. It's not like I'm short on time - I have plenty! I wore my Obama Girl tshirt today and this Starbucks barista was like "what is an Obama girl?" I was like what do you think it is, moron. So I said "It's the inverse of an Obama boy?" Undeterred, he said "what is an obama boy?" I said "Someone who supports Obama, give me a tall nonfat latte."

Family Values in the GOP?

Wow. I just heard that Gov. Sarah Palin's daughter is pregnant - and seventeen. Allegedly, Bristol Palin plans to marry the father. If the boy isn't up for a shot-gun wedding I'm sure the entire Republican party will make him think twice.
Gracious.
I don't think there is anything wrong with having a child so young, it's not a right/wrong situation, but I do think it will make any GOP efforts to promote abstinence-only education look really hypocritical right now.
Anyway, I can't believe that the GOP thinks women who went for Hilary Clinton might go for Sarah Palin. This represents the definition of affirmative action according to right-wingers: one woman is as good as any other. As if one could confuse Senator Clinton, who has a marked record of political activism, with the neophyte mayor of a town of 7,000! in Alaska of all places! What kind of complex social dynamics exist in Alaska? Does the state often brush with international politics? Well, Alaska neighbors Russia which is rather scary right now, to be sure. (Putin, I used to give you mad props bro, but you gotta stop invading other countries!)
Regardless, all the brou-haha will blow over soon and then the GOP will be left with the substance of the ticket: 2 liabilities.
Isn't it poetic justice that Hurricane Gustav landed on the first day of the GOP Convention? haha.

Joe Biden

I heard from someone who heard from someone who heard from someone at NBC that Barack Obama's running mate will be Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE). Hurrah! I always thought Biden was the right choice. Take that haters!

John Edwards is a Total Slime

I watched his interview on Nightline. Wow, what a jerk. In his mind, his sin is somewhat alleviated because the cancer of his "beloved" wife of 30 years was in remission. Elizabeth Edwards is one of the most admired women in America and he does not deserve the privilege to be her husband.
I think the authors of "He's Just Not that Into You" said it best:"If he is sleeping with someone else without your knowledge or encouragement, he is not only behaving like a man who's just not that into you, he's behaving like a man who doesn't even like you that much." Another insight: "If you are in a mutually established monogamous relationship, then when someone cheats on you, they have decided to blatantly disrespect a very important decision you two made together."

I don't buy his excuse that he became a narcissist because of all the fame and thus he thought he could do anything and get away with it. I believe that he was always a narcissist and chose to viscerally hurt his wife and children. John Edwards's immaturity only exacerbates his moral bankruptcy.

The Reason for Politics, according to Osamu Dazai

I was reading "The Setting Sun" by Osamu Dazai. It is set in Japan during the early postwar years. At the end of the novel, the heroine, Kazuko, shares her opinion of the meaning of life:

"Recently I have come to understand why such things as war, peace, unions, trade, politics, exist in the world. I don't suppose you know. That's why you will always be unhappy. I'll tell you why - it is so that women will give birth to healthy babies." (172)

I shared this with my mother and she reflected that is a profound thought. Interesting.

Senator Ted Kennedy

Terrible news: The New York Times reported that Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the patriarch of the Democratic Party, has a malignant brain tumor. I am devastated by the news.

Kennedy went to the hospital a few days ago after a seizure. A biopsy revealed that "he has a malignant glioma in the left parietal lobe."

In his 46 years in the Senate, Kennedy has championed marginalized Americans, focusing his great energies on issues such as health care, education and civil rights. He is respected by Democrats and Republicans for his determination, understanding of policy issues and bipartisanship.

Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) said that Kennedy is "clearly the most influential senator in U.S. history." John Kerry's brother, Cameron Kerry, said that Kennedy "is just such a colossus that this kind of shakes the ground underneath everything."

Summer 2004 I interned on Capitol Hill. I went to a Senate Defense Committee hearing on Abu Grahib to see Hilary Clinton, when lo and behold, I look up and there is Senator Ted Kennedy! I flipped out because I couldn't believe my luck.

I pray his treatment is effective and that he will make a full recovery. America cannot afford to lose such a great legislator.