The Dawn of a Patriot<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />....
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Sunday, Jan. 18th....
How do you prepare yourself to stand in 20-degree weather for hours? Tell you the truth, hell if I know. And I’m from the “north coast” but I’ve been in that kind of weather 4, 5 times tops in the last 20 years. I don’t like cold weather. I avoid cold weather like a lobster avoids hot water. But for Rick, Susan and myself this is different. This is an Inauguration that is going to be such a special moment. These next 3 days are going to go down in history in a big way.....
Walking to the Lincoln Memorial from the train, which we road in from Alexandria, Va., is bout a half hour or so ride. The train ride is festive to say the least. Everyone is on the same page here, all of us in a peaceful place. We were here to celebrate something new; something that had never been done before, something that will last forever and we are making history and being allowed to put an imprint on it, only makes it better for each and every one of us. Even for the people watching it on television or listening on radio. We can all say, we were there.....
The Inaugural concert for Barack Hussein Obama at the Lincoln Memorial has a Playboy Jazz Festival kind of vibe to it, simply for the good behavior of all for the most part. The humane humanity of it all is so sweet. This was just a taste of what Tuesday is going to be like. It’s shake and bake and I helped J. ....
We are walking with people from all over the world and they are waving American flags all along the way. Everywhere you look there is a flag. We finally get to the Washington Monument. As we look down on that sea of people from the hill on both sides of the pond at the Lincoln Memorial and we knew good and well, there was no way we’re going in there. I don’t really know the exact distance between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial but it has to be about two hundred yards, give or take a couple feet. Either way, I haven’t seen this many people in one place since Spring break at Rosarita Beach in ’92. We decide to stay where we are because the sound wasn’t bad but it wasn’t good either. But compared to what, this is a good spot where we are. Right here at the base of the Washington Monument where we can look down at the concert. Plus we have room to move around. I can’t stand still and listen to good music.....
James Taylor is the first singer we hear. The crowd is all ages. For all of us who were there in the ‘60’s, “Baby James” brings back some good memories for us. The song, “You’ve got a friend”, reaches another level when John Legend comes in and you could feel the magic kicking in. This was a bit frustrating because we could hear that they’re singing and playing they’re you-know-what’s off. This sound system is not agreeing with our ears. I don’t know whom the woman is who came in with the verse after John Legend… Lawd-a-mercy, she could sing. What I could hear was great and I can’t wait to see it on HBO. The crowd is now singing the chorus and clapping and that “church” is all up in the mall. ....
For the rest of the concert is was that way. But I must say, Garth Brooks and John Mellencamp, they really had the crowd going and at the Washington Monument we were running out of room slowly. It became crowed pretty quickly. ....
This concert brought acts together that you don’t normally see perform with each other; for instance John Legend and James Taylor or Herbie Hancock, Will I. Am along with Sheryl Crow; Bruce Springsteen and Pete Seeger. Oh, yeah, this is only going to get better. ....
The frustration of not hearing well drove us to the other side of the monument where we would be closer to one of the hundreds of big screens set up all around the mall. We found a spot just as “B-Rock” was being introduced and we all went nuts. We screamed, we applauded and clapped. When my man spoke, you could have heard a blade of grass break. ....
I looked around at all these people and they were so attentive. No one was talking. To see that many people being quiet was something else. Everyone was watching our new president. When he finished speaking, the chat of, “OBAMA… OBAMA… OBAMA” was loud and clear throughout the mall and could probably be heard all over DC. Once the frenzy died down, I over hear people talking praises, in so many words, to Barack Hussein Obama. This is really fascinating to me because I’m feeling like… I belong here, that I’m actually welcomed in my own country. I’m actually part of the fabric, today. ....
I knew there would be a lot of good people here. But this was overwhelming. I’m seeing the whole world being represented here for this man. I think this is when it hit me the first time that I was proud of my country, as was a lot of other people who were in the crowd. ....
We’ve been out here for about 4 hours now and it’s about 28 degrees and I’m not cold, yet. How those people performed in this weather is beyond me. But they did it and they rocked the shit out of that Lincoln Memorial. When the concert is over people are heading in every direction to find some warmth I hope, while others headed for the White House or many of the other attractions going on in the city. DC has become an attraction. This is what it is now. It’s all part of the change. Now, the cold is coming in slowly. But I have to get to the Lincoln Memorial. I want to stand where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for the March on Washington and the “I Have a Dream” speech.....
The walk to the Lincoln is long and it is officially cold now but fun because it’s easier to go through something with the people you love, be it good or bad what you’re going through. When you’re all in it together it’s does help to know, you’re not alone. As we walk along the pond (excuse me, the Reflecting Pool) we’re re-enacting a scene from Forrest Gump when he’s standing up there at the podium speaking at the anti-war rally and Jenny comes wading through the “pond” yelling, “Forrest… Forrest.” It was a funny. It kept us warm for a moment anyway.. ....
Then this lady was coming along and asking people to help clean up if they could. Why not? We’re going in that direction. So, we each grabbed a garbage bag that seemed 10 feet long. And we proceeded to pick up trash for about 200 yards or so yards until we came upon the official cleaning crew and they thanked us big time for putting a dent in the mess that was left behind. If you’re facing the Lincoln Memorial, the left side, we did a good job I must say.....
We get to the base of the Lincoln Memorial and they’re breaking down the stage and the seating area but there is a long, long line to get to the steps leading inside the Memorial. Where the hell are all these people coming from? We’re all thinking a like J at this point. We want to feel that vibe of MLK. But I’m lined out. It’s starting to get cold to me finally and Lincoln is looking at me through those columns. That feeling is coming over me again, that feeling of patriotism. This man Lincoln? Did he really care about us? Was it personal or business? Nonetheless, here I’m standing here looking at Abraham f-n Lincoln. The man I was taught in grade school to be the greatest White man towards Black people since the beginning of time. Did he really expect all this? Abe Lincoln. Oh yeah it’s weird feeling, this patriotism, this kind of patriotism is different. I’m feeling something special is happening to me, to our country. I see it’s happening to a lot of people out here. This could turn the world around a little bit, if anything. Yes, I’m not alone at all in being a world patriot. With that being said, I decide to come back tomorrow and stand at the “spot.”....
We have a few blocks to walk to Union Station. We take the long way because we want to see the Capitol. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol is a straight line. You have the Lincoln, then Washington and it ends at the Capitol. All along the way, the city and just about everywhere you turn people are selling anything with Obama on it. Capitalist at their best, some taking advantage and some have real quality looking goods. We come upon CNN reporting live in the middle of the mall. Let me remind you, it’s about 23 degrees with a little bit wind chill and this man, I can’t remember what his name is… Don something or the other, having makeup put on and sitting in his studio chair in a suit and overcoat, that’s it. He’s a better than man than me. There is about 300 people around him and his camera crew. Those bright lights (which we actually saw from a distance) are beaming and everyone is readying himself or herself for the cameras to come on. It’s a mob without the scene. Everyone is just having fun. No one is out of order or pushing others out of the way to be get their faces on TV and even some of the taller people were stepping back or aside so a smaller person could see. I’m telling you, it was such a beautiful thing to see people caring about the little things. I’m checking all this out. I’m taking it all in. I’m seeing a humane society. Peace on earth is happening. Even if it’s for this one day, it’s happening. ....
The cameras come on and the chant began, “OBAMA… OBAMA…. OBAMA” started up. I may have had a cameo when the overhead camera pans the crowd. We continued onto towards the Capitol and come upon CNBC. They had a large-ass both, heated at that because the newscaster didn’t have on heavy clothing. They looked like they were inside a studio broadcasting live. Yeah, all the big guns are out tonight. And people are just hanging out having a good time watching. No one seems to care about it getting cold out here, I guess. It’s just festive; there is no other way to say it.....
Finally, what I wanted to see is in front of me. The Capitol Building. I must admit, pretty cool looking piece of art. Awesome architecture it is. This history behind this building is quietly amazing. Here in the dark of night and with it’s inside light on gives it a very majestic look as if is some kind of castle of royalty or something. Tell you the truth, it’s kind of spooky, the history connected to this place, The Capitol Building.....
After having our moment with the Capitol its time to go and its cold now and Union Station is not far away but this area around the Capitol so blocked off. We have to walk all the way around, technically a big-ass u-turn to get to the other side. The lock down of DC was in full force. I can see the security measures. I can see cameras in strategic places everywhere. ....
We get to Union Station and one of the many Inaugural balls that are going on all over the city is being held here. I feel kind of bad for these ladies in these wafer thin gowns and the paper-machete looking tuxes didn’t comfortable either but they looked good. That’s all the mattered. The breeze at the entrance is unforgiving. Now, here is something that puzzles me. The fur? What the hell is up with all this fur? Fur coats big time. Yes, the fur Olympics was on in full force. I thought fur was a bad thing? I guess I’ve been in Southern California too long. But they still looked and walked like they we’re cold, so God bless ‘em. Whatever part of the station they going were opposite our direction and it’s cold that way. They were going into the cold. But as usual, no one seems to care. This city is bubbling with enthusiasm.....
I’ve had about enough for one day. I like this Metro ticket with Obama’s picture on it. I can’t wait to get back to Rick’s warm house and a homecooked meal. ....
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Monday, Jan. 20th....
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday is today and only adds more to this Moment, as CNN has affectionately dubbed the Inauguration. Our train ride into DC is great again, sharing this time with total strangers, friends you’ve never having good conversations and sharing stories of the love for Barack Hussein Obama. ....
The day is one of those oxymoron days, cold sunny. Monday was all about sight seeing for most people it appears. Everywhere you look, people. The Pentagon is awesome but it gives me the creeps. That’s all I’m going to say about that. ....
I’m still just blown away at the amount of people that descended on this city. A lady told me she was at the last Inauguration for “W” four years ago and it was about 400K people and she really didn’t expect this many people. She also said that this reminded her of the day MLK made his now famous speech. ....
When we get to the White House, again, where are all these people coming from? It seems everyone is here. Both sides of the street are filled with people taking photos. The police are letting people take photos from the gate but you can’t monopolize a spot, they ask you in a nice way to keep it moving. No problems. People are polite. This is killing me J Courtesy, un-common everyday courtesy, it seems so un-American to me. But this genuine and I hope people carry this vibe back to wherever they’re from and spread it like a positive virus. ....
I want to stand at the Lincoln Memorial and we make that trek through the monuments. A lot of people, as usual now, were at the WW2 memorial and the Wall. I can see where in the spring this place is nice. Regardless of it’s history. The WW2 Memorial is a hit also. ....
Again the Lincoln Memorial is a mad house. And the line is longer today than yesterday. We made it as close to where the stage was for the concert yesterday. This was as close we could get. Not close enough for what I want. I have a few photos though it’s now getting dark. The way this place, DC is lit up, and it’s kind of nice. I’m having those feelings of patriotism. From this view I can see the Capitol past the Washington, the White House over to the left, and Jefferson on the right. As I stand here looking out and taking it all in, I think about these former presidents, owners of slaves themselves are regarded as great men with these monuments in their honor. Times we live in can dictate how we live. If I had lived in those days, I wouldn’t have been a slave. Which leads me to this, a question regarding George Washington; he was known to have slaves, yes, but how many did he really have because I have never met a White person with the last name Washington. I’m just sayin’… ....
We began are adventure back to Alexandria via the Reagan Building and again, more people and lines. But no one is complaining at all. We are all patiently waiting for restrooms or to order food or waiting your turn while someone else is getting directions, letting someone go first and random acts of kindness were popping up everywhere. ....
It’s been a good day. Not as long as yesterday but just as eye opening on how we can be good to each other. It’ll just have to have all the pieces in the right places, like planets being aligned and generate a positive energy onto the earth. Hey, I know I’m a dreamer but I’m not he only one.....
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Tuesday, Jan. 20th....
The day is here. I’ve been looking forward to this for two months. I wish I had not stayed up to watch the Lakers beat the Cavs since we had to get up at 4:30 in the f-n morning to get ready. I could hardly sleep, between the Lakers exciting win and the anticipation of the coming day, I think I squeezed off about an hour and a half tops.....
We see on the local news that people are there already. It’s f-n 5 o’clock in the morning! We’re talking 7 hours before the Moment. That means they must have gotten there at 4 in the morning or earlier. Let alone the people that are walking in by the hundreds. They’re happy though, waving at the TV camera. Wow. That’s all I can say. Right now it was about 20 degrees. It’s going to be warmer today, the weather person says, high of 32. I know who’s high talking about it being warmer. ....
The excitement is in all the air. The country is ready. The world is full of anxiety. For all those supporters who can’t be here are watching on television. All those who are not supporters are watching hoping for something negative. All those who are fighting and warring have called a time out. Because a African-American is about to be sworn in a president of the United States. Peace on earth. I can feel it. ....
I buy all the hiked up priced newspapers at the 711 and one guy is complaining about the advantage people are taking. If this is capitalistic order we live in, let the games begin. ....
The metro station in Alexandria has more people than the last 2 days. This is so cool because I feel so patriotic right now. I’ve never felt so American before and it is a weird f-n feeling, it really is. All I see are Americans. Not African, Italian, Israeli, Irish or even Nuyorican. Right here right now, I see Americans. I see Sept. 11th and all those “people” who are not here today. I see MLK, Malcolm X, JFK, RFK to name a few who are not here today. And fro ma personal touch, mine are not here today but at one time or another they all talked about this day. And we’re in together for better or for worse. I know I’m going to keep coming back to that but that’s what it is. For better or worse, we are citizens of the United States of America.....
Our train ride to DC is longer than normal because of, what else, the people. We are packed on this train. At each stop people are boarding. People are coming in from all over the world. I hear German, and then some Portuguese. Most of these people are like us. We don’t have tickets and are willing to stand thousands of yards away and may not even be able to see the actual Inauguration. The prime locations were gone by 7. We get off the train at L’ Enfant Plaza and it took us a good 30 minutes or so just to get out of the station. ....
One of the big holdups was entering your train ticket to get out and the process is super slow because I’m talking about thousands of people going thru these damn turnstiles one at a time. C’mon now. We’ll be here forever at this rate. After someone in charge with the sense of the uncommon decided to just open the gates and let everyone through. That was the big cheer all of us in the back. And yes, when we started moving forward we cheered too when we heard what was going on.....
We hit the street and there was a party going on. The music caught my ear first, and then the smell of BBQ attacked my nostrils. It smelled good but at 7 in the morning, that’s a bit much. We’re making our way through vendors and revelers and the closer we get the more patriotic I’m feeling. One thing kept getting my attention, what’s with all the sirens? Police cars are going in every which way but they never seem to be reaching a destination.....
Our entry point into the crowd is at 12th and Independence. We slowly work our way into the throng of humanity. Just like the concert, we are not going into the crowd too deep. It’s just too thick so we decide to stay where we are along the edge, more or less. We couldn’t see the screens as well as at the concert but we are here. Little did we know that this is a great idea because it gets cold later and the museum across the street has opened it’s doors for refuge from the cold. Being within 100 yards of the place is brilliant. ....
After a couple hours we began to bond with people around us. You can’t help it. Everyone is so friendly. Un-fn-believable it is.. I’m really having a good time listening to the elders talk about this moment and the past and where we are now.. Black, White and whatever, as long as they were older than me I wanted to hear what they thought of this.. And if I had a nickel for every time I heard, “I never thought I see this or I never thought I’d live long enough to see this day.” ....
It’s about quarter to 10 now and the anticipation is getting to us all. You can feel it building momentum. Plus, this cold weather is doing its share. Rick wants to go across the street to the museum. He heard it had opened up for people to get some warmth and right here right now, that’s a good idea. After about a half hour I decided I’d see what Rick is doing in the museum while Susan held down our spot. ....
The line into the museum is not too long and is moving relatively fast because security is little lax, as far as I’m concerned but I don’t feel the need to go overboard, not here in the museum. Plus, with this many people ready to give their life for Obama, I think its all good. The person who is head of security for this Inauguration has to be good. This has got to be fail-safe all around the board. So far, it’s been great. Inside the museum people are scattered all over this place. I find Rick under one of the exhibits in a case attached to the wall. Along with everyone else he looks comfortable and warm. ....
He happens to be next to what looks like a TV crew. Turns out its NPR and they are taking a break from the cold themselves. The young lady over hears us talking about how great this moment is and she asks me if I’d like to be interviewed and if you know me, I’m ret to go J ....
She asks me to express my feelings and I did. I just didn’t expect to get all choked up towards the end. It was another good moment for me because; with this NPR interview I actually have my imprint on this moment in time. ....
After the interview I decide I’d go get Susan and let her get in on some of this warmth. She was all right and didn’t want to leave considering the former presidents are now coming into the Capitol. Now I have a little dilemma. Do I go back and get Rick or what? I’ll wait him out and hope he comes forward. I look at the line into the museum and it’s not moving as fast as it was before. The time is 11:15 and the crowd is slowly coming alive now. When George “H” was introduce, a terrific roar of boo’s went up and then it went down just as fast because when we all saw the older Bush walking like a South Park character, everyone kind of stopped. “Look at him!” Someone said. And yes, the man didn’t look too good. As the former presidents are introduced, most are cheered. But the Bushs had nothing coming. ....
I thought I’d better call Rick on his cell because he’s about to miss this. And wouldn’t you know, it’s his home number. But as fate would have it, about 5 minutes later, here he is J “Man, you had me all worried.” He thought about staying in the museum because they hooked up a big screen in there now. Man, DC is pulling out all the stops for this one. ....
The moment is here. Barack Obama is taking his oath, one of the most important moments in United States history and Chief Justice John Roberts decides to fuck up now. Not now. He gets all mumble-fumble at the mouth. This actually alarmed many of us in the crowd. We were all looking at each other with that, what the fuck just happened? Yeah, that was a weird one there. I still can’t figure what was or wasn’t on the Chief Justice mind. ....
They make it through though and Barack Hussein Obama is officially announced the new the President of the United States and we all went nuckin’ futs!!! I’m waving my flag. First time in my life I’ve ever waved the American flag. For this moment I’m an American. I see people crying and hugging, high fives, low fives and straight fives; just straight up happy. We made it y’all. My father, mother and my grand parents and all those who NEVER thought this day would come. It’s a reality. We have an African-American man as president. Wow. That’s all I can say.....
Now Joseph Lowery, one of MLK’s road dawgs delivers a soulful speech that resonated throughout the mall. I was okay until ask that we all pray for Barack and this is where I actually lost it. I cried. I’ve been choked up a couple times but this is it, I’m just so happy to be a part of this moment in history.....
Just like the day of the concert, Barack was speaking and you could have heard nothing it was so quiet. His speech wasn’t brilliant but it said enough to let us know that this man is willing to take some chances other presidents wouldn’t. When he finished, the cheers, the chants and the hope for a better place is alive. ....
People are starting to disperse but not before sending “W” off with a serenade of, “Na Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na, Gooooodbyyyee!” Barack Obama, the man we have all come to love and chosen to represent us, I’m sure didn’t approve of it. And to that I’ll just say, “Sorry bro.” And now begins the fun part, getting out of here. I don’t know how many people are in this place but we have to go through a hole in a fence that allows 3 people through at a time. It takes us about an hour or so to get out of all of it. No one is being rude at all. It was so cool. We’re in this thing together and together we made it work. Cops of all sorts, FBI, DCPD, Marines, Army, Swat… you name it, their presence was there and they were in semi riot gear just in case. I’m sure if anybody thought of acting a fool, just one look at these zero tolerant experts would stop those thoughts. ....
I have one thing left I need to do. Stand where Martin Luther King stood for his, I have a Dream speech and I’m good. I can go home. It takes us about another hour to get there and low and behold it looks like I’m not the only one. Many people are headed in the same direction. ....
The Lincoln Memorial is here and I’m all goose pimpled looking up at this man sitting in the chair. I’m thinking of all the Black people that built this city. The same people this man supposedly died for. This building has such a rich history. I find the spot. It’s actually engraved into the stone; I HAVE A DREAM, MARTIN LUTHER KING, MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR JOBS AND FREEDOM, AUGUST 23, 1963. ....
I have a dream also and on January 20th 2009 I saw some of that dream come to life. But it was one of those dreams you can’t remember. That’s why a Black man being president was never a dream I dreamed would happen. I never thought I’d wave a flag and sing the National Anthem. This day, I can say I’m a patriot of the United States of America. I really don’t know how long this feeling will last but I know that I’ll never forget the day I felt like this. I’ll never forget the day I saw my country show compassion for each other. I’ll never forget the day that many of the wars in the world called time out. We approached peace on earth for about 4 hours on January 20th 2009; this will be one of the greatest days of my life to see Barack Hussein Obama become president. ....
“I thought I’d never see this moment.” Someone somewhere was right when they said, “Never say never.”....
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Khalil Al.-Rashad ....