Whoopie! President Obama

[ellen_datlow]

I was just about to go to lunch with Gahan Wilson (who was picking me up at my apt) when I realized that I was going to MISS THE SPEECH!!! I got downstairs and we talked about the disappointment. However, as we meandered down Hudson Street looking for a place to eat (now that our regular joint, Florent, is gone), we got to Dublin 6 which announced in small signs outside--come and have a drink/food and watch the inauguration. How could we resist? We didn't. I wanted their Irish breakfast but they only serve it on weekends (I forgot)but made do and arrived JUST in time to see Obama sworn in and start his speech. We and the other patrons applauded loudly and I was just about in tears. And worried the whole time that something bad would happen. However, the overview of the crowds of people attending the inauguration almost made me forget my fears.

He made me and Gahan especially happy by giving a shout out, not only to Christians, Muslims, and Jews but to non-believers. We think this is the first time a president ever did that and it was a breath of fresh air. Thank you, President Obama.

Comments

[al-zorra.livejournal.com]

We did the S.O.B.'s Obama Lunch and Celebration with some friends, hosted by the owner, who is someone we have known for many years now. Somehow we didn't expect S.O.B.'s to be packed to the gills. Maybe because we always go there at night? Fortunately the owner gave us a table even though we didn't have reservations. We didn't think we'd need them. Who besides us would go to S.O.B.'s at 11 AM?

It. Was. Amazing.

Such diversity. So many people I didn't necessarily know but recognized as we've encountered each other for years in the street and in local stores. Some of our friends and neighbors from our building were there too.

I've never watched an Inauguration before. For one thing I was in class or working. For another, I have lived without television most of my life. And with Those Who Are Forever Gone (But. Not. Punished. Yet.), there is no way I could have stood to watch. We are in a different age for sure.

S.O.B.'s is hosting a party all day and night too -- free, no admission.

Love, C.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

That sounds like a great way to have been a witness to the occasion.

[al-zorra.livejournal.com]

It was perfect. Among those with whom we shared the table, besides Peter and some others we've known for decades, were a man whose father is Barbadian and his African American wife, born in Alabama. After the swearing in he said he was going call his father down in Barbados in a few minutes -- but not just yet because "I know my dad is in tears."

This Inauguation means something in such a personal way all over the world.

Love, C.