My Inaugural Blog Entry

 I kicked up dew spatters walking in the grass footsteps of thousands who came before.  The sun rose behind the Monument, surrounded by tangerine clouds.  Our condensed breath floated over the chanting din.  Steps slowed as we, the masses, flooded the narrow entry.  Five more hours until Inauguration.  I whispered to my friend, “So, this is what History looks like.”   

I was desperate for a profound experience.  I needed material for this, my first blog entry.  It had to be insightful, witty, inspiring.  Nothing was coming to me in Atlanta.  My friend called: “I have an extra spot in my car going to DC.  You should come.”

I packed my bags.  Where better to pursue material for my inaugural blog than a historical inauguration?

It is an amazing testament to the strength of our nation that two million of us can gather together to celebrate (or at least observe) a peaceful transition of Executive power.  The sense of camaraderie was heart-warming despite the wind chill.  I heard a man behind me shouting for his ten year-old son, separated from him in the crowds.  The desperate father climbed on top of a dumpster, crying out “Cameron!  Cameron!  Where are you?”  Within seconds, everyone around was shouting a collective “Cameron!  Cameron!”  Word spread, and four minutes later, the crowds produced Cameron and delivered him to his relieved dad, fifty feet and thousands of people away.  It was fertile ground for community growth and democratic principles. 

There was not a dry eye around me when President-Elect Obama took the oath of office (to be fair, perhaps the wind and dust accounted for some eye-watering).  Even in the two hour debacle that many endured attempting to leave, people remained calm and cooperative.  My commentary that “The lack of an exit strategy seems to be a recurring theme in our great nation” was embraced with hearty laughter and good spirits.  I am proud of America.  Despite political ideology, I hope that we can all agree that we have accomplished a great feat.