Free at last

Say what you want about his, or anyone else's politics, today was an historic day, and I was there to witness it. With at least 5 layers of clothes, snacks in my pockets, and 3 million of my closest friends, nothing could keep me from the National Mall.

I had the forethought to stay at Fancy's house in the city Monday night, so that I wouldn't have to get up at 3 or 4 AM. Instead, two other girls and I were up by 6:45 and out the door by 7:15. We wound around lines and random city blocks and made our way onto the Mall, around 13th St., by 8:30.


And we waited.


They replayed a concert from a previous day and then we watched as celebrities and every dignitary you could imagine arrived and took their place on the Capitol lawn and steps.

Finally, shortly after 11:30, President-elect Obama arrived, and the ceremony began. To be a citizen of a country where such a peaceful transition of power can occur, where so many people from so many different backgrounds can find common ground, and where one person can grow up to be whatever they want, even if it's something no one initially expected, is truly an awesome thing.


The prayers, the speakers, even the cordial greetings we witnessed between former and current leaders, were inspiring. President Obama gave a rousing speech, which I found myself completely agreeing with.

I hope he can accomplish everything he wants to. As he said, it won't happen immediately. Our country cannot be fixed in a day. Should, however, he fail, we can't solely blame it on him. In our country, the way our government is set up, one man cannot be the only responsible party for either the failure or success of our nation. Even if we don't like the man, we must have respect for the office.

I'm excited that I was able to be a part of this. I look forward to the possibility of change, as long as it truly is for the better.