Sunday's concert was really the most amazing kick-off and really set the tone for the week. Security was sort of a mess but everyone moved to other areas, found spots, helped kids see the Jumbotrons and sang and danced together. The music was incredible, the weather was freezing and I don't think most people minded. We were just all happy to be there. And I have to say, it's been a long time since I was so moved by song, but singing This Land is Your Land with Pete Seeger was just incredible. He helped with the words so everyone could sing along and we did. I can't keep looking for words to describe the moment.
Monday, I went to work. boooooo.
Tuesday, well, I have a feeling you saw it. Either you were there (I won't go into the purple ticket debacle) and were cold and hungry for the end of the Bush Presidency or you watched it on TV, knowing that you were witnessing the rebirth of America (please) and the next President call on us to improve our lives, our neighborhoods, and our country (Yes I can!). Some pundits have poo poo in the inaugural address, but I found it the right mix of imagery and substance. I don't think it was his most moving speech, but he had already taken the oath, he didn't need to move us to vote for him or believe he himself could make it better, he needed us and the world to understand that he knows the challenges and is ready to guide us down the path towards reconciliation and some sense of prosperity. I for one am ready to run down that path, but I think we all know it will be a long walk.
It's early and I don't really want to go into all the hoopla of the balls, but I will say that we all looked fabulous and I had a great time with my friends. The OFA staff ball was seriously incredible and I FINALLY got to see Obama speak in person. Actually, that was my main problem with the entire weekend. I felt like even though I was there in person, I watched the entire inauguration on a Jumbotron. And it almost felt like I wasn't actually there. So I was happy that the last event of the week involved seeing the President, the Vice-President, and several other people speak and perform. I put pictures up on Facebook as well as my new Flickr account (http://www.flickr.com/photos/louiserothschild/) for all to see.
Finally, let me tell you what I felt that entire week because they were feelings I haven't had in awhile. I was/am so proud of America. I was proud of the transition, of the events, of the ability for the majority of the country to come together and elect someone that is not set to divide us and does not want to be President of some of the country, but all of the country, of electing someone who actually embodies America. I am happy that we can come together to celebrate our country without violence and that we can continue to show the world how an imperfect country can create a perfect democracy. God bless American.
