Inauguration Feedback From the Front Lines

One of my close friends attended the inauguration. She was asked by our local paper to file a “postcard from Washington”, which they printed yesterday. With her permission, I’m reprinting it here.

Liz Rogers, a federal public defender in my town was among thousands of Texans attending President Barack Obama’s inauguration Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

Postcard from Liz Rogers -

“It was the most amazing feeling of euphoria that I’ve been around. There were so many people - and I don’t like being around that many - but it was OK. People were so nice and; no one ugly. … "

“I thought the speech was just wonderful. I loved that he quoted George Washington. He spoke to the moment. … "

“It was a strong, tough speech but I also thought he was very gracious to President Bush. … "

“We started the day about 6:30, trying to get on the Metro. It was already so crowded. … We got to the Rayburn Office Building about 8:30 a.m. so that we could stand in line to get into the inauguration area … "

“The line just didn’t move. We finally decided to just go somewhere else to watch. There were so many ticket holders who did not get in; some complaining, but nothing ugly. … "

“When we couldn’t get in, I said we have to find a restaurant, which was hard to do. So a limo driver who was parked in front of a hotel let us get in his limo with him and listen on the radio … "

“Then we found a hamburger place not far from the White House. Everyone in there was quiet, then everyone started cheering. People were so happy … "

“It was really cold but I was dressed fine. I [didn’t get tired until] the long walk home. … When we got back to the hotel we really didn’t want to deal with crowds again but we wound up going to a wonderful Chinese place on DuPont Circle with several friends, including a young lawyer, Jose Garza, from the public defender’s office in Del Rio … "

“I was with my niece, Anna Marie Darden from Uvalde. She’s my little sister’s oldest daughter. It was a great experience for her … "

“We got into Arlington on Monday, taking the train from New York. Then we grabbed our luggage and went directly to pick up our tickets. The lines were huge. It was an hour-and-half wait for most people to get their tickets. But everyone was nice and helpful. … "

“Afterward, we walked back to our hotel in Arlington. By that time, we were getting cold and tired. No one in West Texas would believe the kinds of crowds we saw; a real weird feeling … "

“While we were in the Tuesday morning, we saw Cyndi Lauper trying to get in just like us. … "

“At the Texas Black Tie and Boots party Monday night, I shook hands with Henry Cisneros.”

She’s coming by this afternoon to give me all the scoop on her few days in Washington, D.C. I can’t wait to hear all about it!