Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Inauguration Day and American Idol, too!


Today was not only an historic moment in time, but it was personally moving as well. As one who remembers the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s, I'm proud that we as a people have shown that the color of a person's skin is not the only thing he's all about. With Barack Obama, I think his intelligence, charisma, and determination to succeed played a role in his victory. It's very reminiscent of the kind of charisma of Bobby Kennedy so many decades ago. I'm proud that Americans have elected such a man and I'm hopeful for the future. I usually don't delve into politics here on the blog as things can get so vehement.

But it's a new day. We have a new first family in the White House. These are truly interesting times we live in. And, even if you aren't a supporter, he's got one of the most fun names of any President ever -- it just rolls right off the tongue, fun to say, fun to type! Barack Obama! :-)

I watched today's events unfold on TV. I've only been to one Presidential Inauguration in my life and I wasn't exactly at the Inauguration, nor was I particularly a desired guest.


Yep, on January 20, 1973, I was in Washington to protest Richard Nixon's second Inauguration. Riot police with plexiglass shields every three feet, tear gas, and all. Above is one of the pins I still have from that event. I was a McGovern/Shriver campaign worker and it was the biggest landslide loss in history. I didn't get myself arrested which was a good thing. I'd never be a good ex-convict. I was too young to vote. Back then you had to be 21. I was all of 17 but was a politically active college kid at the time. Thirteen buses took us from Albany (NY) to Washington. It was a day I'll never forget.

Correction for the historians out there -- 1972 was the first Presidential election in which 18-year-olds could vote. Before that, the voting age was 21. It didn't really matter to me as I was 17.

I didn't go today. But in many ways, my memories of today will be stronger than my personal experiences back then. I'm proud of us!


And, just to touch on it -- American Idol had its San Francisco auditions tonight. Unlike last week's shows, it was only an hour long. I wasn't really blown away by any of the auditions. There was one guy whose voice I liked, but his look reeked of David Cook. Same haircut. Gosh, I don't like that haircut.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

WoW! Interesting story Jackie!

I made the right decision to take the day off and stay home and enjoy the happenings of the day! Even though I'm a bunch of miles away from DC, I felt the energy strong as ever!

And enjoyed a break from the coverage for a great episode of Idol, too!

meb said...

We had snow in NC today. Snowed all night last night and all day today. It was beautiful to wake up to even tho it was no fun for those who had to be on the road. I think our road crews did ok, but lets face it, NC is considered the south and it shouldn't be snowing like this. Love it tho as long as I don't have to be out in it, and I didn't.

So, I was able to watch the day unfold for Obama. He made us all proud and I'm looking forward to seeing how he does. Hope his hair doesn't turn as gray as Bushes did as he carries out his duties.

Laurie said...

Great post, Jackie. I had planned to watch it at work on my computer but we were told Monday night that we couldn't do that due to the strain on our servers. Well, nobody was going to stop me from seeing this event so I put in for a few hours of vacation and watched it all unfold on my tv screen. I thought it was a magnificent morning (it was 9 am here) and that everyone who was a part of it did a magnificent job. I loved the address President Obama gave. Next to that I loved the music and then the shots of the crowd. So much pride and emotion and relief in the faces we saw, from very young to very old.

I would invite you to read my blog if you have time for my feelings about this morning's events. Several of us wrote about today and we all have interesting things to say! http://sassysilver.blogspot.com/

Thanks for being the glue that holds us together, Jackie!

PDX Granny said...

Just popping in to say a quick hi! I've been working insane hours and haven't had a chance to catch up here in ages. I hope all is well with everyone!

They put up TV's in 4 of the conference rooms today so we could watch the inauguration. It's wonderful to be a part of such great history.

Delee said...

Are you talking about the last young man, Jackie? Adam? He has stage training and that may be good or bad as they are not big on Broadway stylr singer!

DO NOT FORGET """"LOST"""" tonight!!!

Has anyone caught on yet, I think not!

Anonymous said...

Voting age in 1972 was 18 Jackie.

Donna in Alabama said...

I remember those buttons! My dad collected them for awhile. I wish he had kept them.
I just watched bits and pieces of the inauguration and events. I took the time away from regular programming to watch the movie "Mr. Brooks" with my son. I will watch AI when they get to Hollywood.

Delee, I heard last night LOST is a repeat of the season finale from last year and the season premiere is next Wednesday. Did I hear wrong again?

RBennie said...

Great post Jackie. I watched the inauguration in the lounge at work with a mob of my coworkers. The energy was practically coming through the screen and it really felt like I was right there. I watched parts of several of the balls last night and got to see President Obama shake his groove thing!

RBennie said...

Oops, almost forgot. Happy Birthday to Sydney. Hope you have a great day.

Anonymous said...

Donna-

LOST is a 1 hour recap type I think and followed by the season premiere tonight.

Margo

Sydney said...

Great post Jackie -- I broke out into spontaneous 15 second bouts of tears several times... especially when I saw Bush and Barak side by side. It's a BEAUTIFUL DAY!

Delee said...

Here is the breakdown for LOST tonight:

8-9 E
Destiny Calls"
Exploring the mysteries of the island and its inhabitants; Oceanic 6; Charles Widmore; questions that have been answered, and those that remain.

9-11 E totally new

Because You Left; The Lie"
Despite the discord among them, Jack and Ben urge the rest of the Oceanic 6 to return to the island to save those left behind; the survivors left behind on the island come under attack by unknown forces; an old friend has shocking advice for Kate.

Donna in Alabama said...

Thanks Margo and Delee. My guide on DirecTV has not been showing the word "rerun" or "repeat" and it has been difficult deciding what shows are new! I had just gone to the TV Guide online and found out about the two hour premiere at 8 (central). Guess I will have three hours of LOST tonight!

Happy Birthday again, Sydney. I do not think you can tell a person too many times!!

Anonymous said...

Good story Jackie. I have had so many entertaining hours here with you through the years. I was thinking that some of your posters might be wondering why the so many Kale photos beside our names. Coincidence? No.

Sydney wrote a very nice piece on her blog about Jackie and her importance to her readers. Looky Here

After reading that, I went out to find a Kale to photograph and added it to my profile. So did others. Kale are pretty, come in many varieties and seemed like a good way to say "Thank You" to Jackie for keeping us informed about TV, Roofus, and for sharing your beautiful photos with all of us.

I hope seeing the many decorations in your comments made you feel good, entertained you a little, and put a smile on your face, Jackie.

Thanks!

Jackie S. said...

Sizzie - I noticed that. I posted a comment on Sydney's blog. You guys make me smile and give me warm fuzzies on a freezing day!

Delee - I liked that last one, but I was talking about the one with the plastered-to-head David Cook kind of haircut. No one rocked my world last night.