Going "gaga" over the inauguration
By bubblyapple
@bubblyapple (2653)
Philippines
January 15, 2009 3:47pm CST
This morning, the news on the radio is all about the inauguration. How big names, in all areas of our society- politics, entertainment, sports etc., are gearing up to go to Washington D.C. for the big day. I understand that this is history in the making but all the fuss is making it a little bit hard for the security people to ensure safety. I live near Washington D.C. and I could assure you that days before the event, things are not good for us. For one, they are closing most of the major roads that we use to go to work for. Yes, they are closing them NOT only on the day itself but a day before and a day after. The metro stops are changing- some would just be for exit and some would just be for entrance. And these are just the simple ones. Well, as the radio announcers say: EVERYONE WANTS TO BE IN WASHINGTON D.C. ON THAT DAY BUT MOST OF THE WASHINGTONIANS ARE LEAVING THE DISTRICT FOR THE DAY TO HAVE MORE SPACE FOR THE VISITORS. lol.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@nowment (1756)
• United States
16 Jan 09
I have a friend who's son lives in the DC area and asked his father if he was coming for the inauguration, and my friend responded NO! For one thing it will be to cold, for another he will see more on TV than he would in person, yet it seems all the hotels are booked and have been since the winner was announced and all the hotels jacked up their fees for Jan.
I get that they need security, I get that more people than ever seem to be going, I can even get why some would consider doing this. I may not agree with the why, but I get it.
However I think it should be important for those who are DC natives to be considered, and I would think that since this deals with a goverment event that the dang goverment would know that the residents of DC and nearby area are important to keeping the city running, so closing down the way those residents may have to get to and from the jobs that do keep the city running seems insane.
LOL and I can understand why those who are residents of the area would want to leave for a day or a week, it is just a shame that so many hard working people are being kicked in the teeth, for something like this.
Good luck to you. LOL so are you one of the washingtonians who are leaving?
2 people like this
@bubblyapple (2653)
• Philippines
17 Jan 09
Yes, I'm the one of the Washingtonians who are leaving. You're right about us seeing more on TV than in person. Also, with this cold, I don't think I could stay long outside anyway. The hotels or even hostels and motels are fully booked in and around the DC area. I heard that some are "sub-leasing" their apartments for a few days. What a great way to earn money huh?! lol
1 person likes this
@coffeebreak (17797)
• United States
17 Jan 09
I just can't understand why people are so eager to be in those mob scenes with masses and masses of people...can't see a thing... haven't much a clue what is going on as ....can't see a thing... and I just don't get the point of it.
I can't even see it for fun.. I lived in Las Vegas and was going to go out New Years Eve and then saw some news clips about previous years - they literally close down Las Vegas Blvd from start to finish - the blvd is literral lined from casino door on one side to casino door on the other side - crushed in there, crammed in there, literally under arm to under arm - yet they all do it. I can't understand it. I see absolutely no fun in something like that.
In the Inagural issue... again, what's the point? SO much security, security checks, so much blocked off ... canyou even see the actual platform where they will be? To me it is just to much for next to nothing.
I think the similar to the Rose Parade. I have been there and sat on the curbs and in the bleachers and that was about 25 years ago so I knowi t is worse now, but even back then... much ado about nothing. I MUCH prefer to watch it on TV at home! So much more enjoyable as you can see up close, hear the commentary about it and no stalls or things not working and all that extra junk that goes on
And today I heard on the news that they are wanting to make it a holiday! Guess they probably could make it a holiday, but bet they cana't make it a PAID holiday - and who can afford to miss a days pay? Just watch it on the news when you get home!
1 person likes this
@bubblyapple (2653)
• Philippines
17 Jan 09
You're right. I don't see why people have to clamor on these things too. I understand that these are "ONCE IN A LIFETIME" events but still... Well, that's their lives their risking not ours, so it's really up to them.
1 person likes this
@MrNiceGuy (4139)
• United States
16 Jan 09
I come from that area and am at school in the Shenendoah Valley. OUtside of DC schools are being cancelled. My father isn't going in to work. The bridges are going to be closed and I heard that the Metro would be closed. I cannot imagine an expected 1 million to 5 million in DC when traffic in the Metro Area is so horrendous already. My university is cancelling some classes, showing the inauguration on projectors and students are actually driving 2 hours to go.
1 person likes this
@bubblyapple (2653)
• Philippines
17 Jan 09
The main bridge is being closed although some are appealing this decision. The Metro would not close down although there are some stations that are just for "exit" and some are just for "entrance". In our area, classes are cancelled on that day too.
@Bytemi (1553)
• United States
16 Jan 09
I absolutely agree, I understand that this is history in the making, but some of us have jobs to get to so we can feed our families and keep a roof over our heads. I think this has just gotten way too out of control. Closing every road leading into DC for a 10 mile radius, this has never happened before, never.
I heard this morning they are closing the 95 HOV lanes starting tomorrow. Even getting around this weekend is going to hurt.
@bubblyapple (2653)
• Philippines
17 Jan 09
You're right. Well, I don't know what would happen but I would definitely try to avoid being on the road on those days.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
18 Jan 09
I was one of those "crazies" who thought at first I'd LOVE to be there in person for the Inauguration but with the weather being as frigid as it is and from all the stories about how huge the crowd may be and how they may not have enough porta-potties I'm glad I'll be "stuck" watching it on TV where I'll be cozy and comfortable and will be able to hear and see everything that's important. I know for some people it's always the excitement of "being there", whether it's an Inauguration, watching the ball drop op New Year's Eve or attending a huge athletic even or some other big event but most of the time you can see much more on TV and you won't end up getting sick or injured.
Annie
