More Inaugural Week Video: Pelosi Meet Up

This was recorded at the brunch thrown by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi for California constituents who were still in town the day after the Inauguration. It's a little choppy in parts because I was dodging other people who were moving in and out of position. She relays a a funny moment about seeing #43 off in the helicopter and her enthusiasm for #44 is evident. I do remember that she is politician though and take all that charm with a grain of salt. Studying how people attain and wield power and influence should be required learning for all of us!

Here are some photos from the event. 

We still need more of the pols to sign up for Twitter accounts and join TweetCongress! Even if it's being monitored by interns we need a direct point of contact.

My Big Fat Inauguration Recap Part One

Sorry Folks: My internet access has been very spotty and I haven't been able to update anything!

I’m sure for many it was a day of tears. Tears of joy, frustration, sadness or intimidation but definitely memorable. I for one was very happy not just for a Black man getting elected, but definitely getting a qualified person for the office of President. I’m especially proud of having our first Black First Lady and who doesn’t think their daughters are absolutely precious!

DC traffic was tightly micromanaged and the public transportation slowed to a trickle as the transit authority tried to manage the crowds. One woman fell onto the tracks at a station and would’ve gotten run over if not for the quick thinking of an officer who pushed her into the space under the platform.

Many people camped outside overnight away from the perimeter zone by the National Mall in order to be the first ones on the scene. They didn’t care whether they had tickets or access – they just had to be there. The official count totaled 1.8M people but I can guarantee there were probably a minimum 500K additional people vying to get in. Factoring in the wind chill it felt as if it was 12 degrees or less, but that didn't deter people from participating. Crowds flowed and swelled to the point where you couldn’t move your arms as people tried to push their way to the checkpoints.

Those who received Swearing-In tickets felt like the million dollar jackpot winners. Tickets were color-coordinated with a designated Metro stop and gate entrance. When I went to Nancy Pelosi’s office to claim mine the bulk of the remaining people milling around were stragglers begging for unclaimed tickets. Yes, some people actually did not show up! The ticket has a map on the back but there was some confusion amongst Silver ticket holders who went to the Purple Gate, which had a better viewing area.

I heard from other attendees (and apparently some of Pelosi's staff) despite being in line at the time of the Gate opening (and having waited for 3-4 hours prior) they were turned away because so many others had tried to bum rush the wrong access points. Let me tell you, I would've been furious to have flown here and not get in because the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies did not plan well. That's on Dianne Feinstein, who I thought was hamming it up to the nth degree and needed to remember it wasn't her election, it was the Obama's. Plus, I was informed by someone I met in passing he got a seated ticket from her office after requesting on November 5th and he's not from California! If things are truly going to change in government we have to do something about patronage.

I saw the craziness from afar {magnify that crowd by 10K} and decided to leave for the comfort of an office party. I have a really bad cough right now so that decision was as much a health preservation as much as anything else. I was 2 blocks from the White House, warm and fed! I'm glad I left because I very well may not have gotten in and I promised I wouldn't write another angry post like the one about Denver, but it's the same problems for the same reasons. Don't these committees PLAN for anything? Did they really expect people to honor the fact they didn't have tickets and would stay away from the ceremony?! Ha! There has never been this level of interest in an election.

While at the party I was on Twitter and reading the real time messages out loud had many of us cracking up. Bill Clinton looked mad and I saw Hillary nudging him to perk up and be happy for the cameras. Jimmy Carter was beaming. Dick Cheney gets zero sympathy for his wheelchair antics and scowl. Shrub looked like he wanted to bolt. I also noticed how he and Laura were oh-so-firmly being guided to the plane to get the h-e-l-l out!!

We had a collective sigh of relief that Aretha Franklin stayed fully covered but I was surprised she wasn’t wearing one of her many furs. Rick Warren was a big bore – but he had to be chill. Jeff Lowery was hilarious - and no offense - very elderly! I loved that he tacked on a portion of the Negro National Anthem to his Benediction. Elizabeth Alexander's poem was like a great piece of art: beautiful but over the heads of a lot of people. Reading the text later made it much more palatable.

Who didn’t notice how Chief Justice Roberts messed up the Oath? You know our new President AND First lady both had it memorized. Some pundits tried to claim he was nervous – yeah right! It was hugely disrespectful. I can’t wait for him to be neutered when Obama starts appointing new members to the Supreme Court. I also think it’s time to revisit this lifetime appointment nonsense. **So now Roberts contacted the President to redo the Oath after receiving much derision. Idiot!

Our new President’s speech is also being panned in some circles. Fox News is just mad that they’ve been ignored at every conference and put in the dunce corner! That’s what they get for calling our First Lady a Baby Mama. I am happy to report that after collapsing during the Inaugural luncheon Ted Kennedy has been released from the hospital. Poor Robert Byrd also needed assistance but nobody’s talking about him. How likely was it for a former Klan member to support a Black man for the office of President?

President Obama (I won’t ever tire of writing that) proved that he could run for office without the expressed approval of the old guard Civil Rights appropriators or the so-called but doing little Black elite. Speaking of, I noticed 4-5 members of the Congressional Black Caucus on the dais with the Obamas and everyone else. So we know that Donna Edwards is cool and truly progressive, but does this indicate a shift in their relevance?

Thanks to white supremacy we tend to focus on race disproportionately. There are definite class differences amongst Blacks that are not acknowledged. Part of the issue with lack of advancement opportunities has a little something to do with that. The portion of his speech where he spoke about overcoming barriers and freedom to pursue our bliss was very poignant for me.

Michelle wore a lemongrass Isabel Toledo sheath dress with overcoat, Jimmy Choos and leather gloves in a great shade of green during the Swearing-In and a Jason Wu gown for the Balls. I see that begging on television incessantly paid off for Beyonce who got to serenade the First Couple for their First Dance at the Neighborhood Ball. Where was Jennifer Hudson? She decided to perform at the Super Bowl so why not the Inauguration? Oh well. Psst. I'm gonna put it out there with fingers crossed behind my back: I'm wondering if Michelle has not been working out as much as she usually does.....or if she might possibly be pregnant {dodging thrown shoes}.

I did manage to watch the Colbert Report Tuesday and he touched on some of the things a few of us were grumbling about: like why the focus was on asking Black people if they ever thought they’d see the day we’d have a Black President. He also did some other things that were funny...but gross! This ignores bigger issues - for as powerful as that symbolism is and how happy this election makes some of us feel - it still doesn’t address core issues of personal responsibility and correctly wielding political clout. I want the Obama Presidency to be considered one of the great times in our history. There can be no denying how he and the family really move people and have touched us in a profound way. He may the exception but I also want Black people reevaluate our priorities and not rely on that. I especially want Black women to know better and do better. Our futures will depend on it. This is a wonderful time for reflection, renewal and making small but lasting changes.

I have much more to say but I needed to attend a breakfast being thrown by Speaker Pelosi for California constituents. I’ll report more on that later.

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Stephen's Inauguration Breakdown

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

Obama photos: AP/Check out my Flickr stream for the rest.

I'm Goin' to D.C.

Well wouldn't you just know that when you think you're going in one direction, life throws you a curveball. I had considered and rejected the idea of going to D.C. for the Inauguration due to logistics, crowds and money. Monday afternoon I received a phone call from my representative that my ticket request had been processed. I have unused airline mileage I can redeem and a friend who lives in the vicinity so there's no reason why I can't go. 

I do tend to be sensitive to weather as my giant rant about Denver would show. I'll keep any frustrations to myself this time! I didn't need the tickets to go, but I think the Universe is trying to assure me going has validity. I haven't made any resolutions per se but I've been stuck in a rut, questioning myself and this is just the boost I needed. I told a few people and their reactions were so positive and encouraging that I am even more grateful for this opportunity. This is the continuation of my awakening, an unfolding of the best parts of myself that until now could not bloom. 

2008 was a time of reflection, upheaval and a shifting of thought. There are a few things I want to accomplish in 2009 and I must confess I was starting to falter. I want to make the "right" choices to yield the best results. So why would going to an open air event in the freezing cold help? Well, it's the energy and the people I am certain to meet. I started blogging after contemplating it for months once I attended a blogger conference and met some awesome women. I don't have access to the elite events or unlimited funds to attend the Inaugural Balls. I'm just your average citizen on a tight budget. 

You have to understand I went to Denver for the Nomination at the last minute. I'd emailed a fellow commenter at a blog we both frequented and asked if they had a spare badge - and it worked out. I stayed with a volunteer. I didn't meet either person until after my arrival. I certainly am not lacking in daring. Was it just something meant to be, did I create an outcome or was it pure dumb luck? I still wonder because I have other things that I value much more that haven't come together that easily. I want to bottle it's essence in the hopes I can recreate the process. 

For some people being part of the glitterai is a regular aspect of their lives. The Inauguration is just the beginning of their social calendar for the year. They may know world leaders and this is a little bit special but it won't be the pinnacle of their lives. Others will watch on television millions of miles away with awe and joy. This is just the kick in the pants I need. Well, perhaps it's more like the hug that I really needed. What are the odds for an unconnected, unknown person getting to Denver and D.C. for both events? I am very humbled right now. 

I will be certain to blog about this. Perhaps I might be persuaded to exchange my ticket for some, eh renumeration. (I hear they're going for thousands).

P.S. I'd really like to go to Sundance next!

Photo Source

Real-Life Dress-Up!

Be your own stylist. Oooh oooh me me! Have you ever wanted to be picked first for something really fun? Well the Star-Telegram has this cool interactive guide that let's you pick gowns for Michelle Obama. It's a little Photoshop on speed but what female hasn't tried on clothes or played with dolls and enjoyed it! Now if you're really creative with HTML you can insert yourself into the mix instead! Out of all the choices I'd pick the Reem Acra strapless gown in nude crepe with the jeweled strap. It's so reminiscent of the pins and brooches that Michelle favors. The Carmen Mark Valvo is gorgeous as well but green is Oprah's preferred color. These are from each designer's Spring 2009 collections.

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Photo: Imaxtree

Inauguration Countdown 29 Days or Bust!

Well we know some of the participants may not be everyone's cup of tea and the activities planned may not be as exciting as other Inaugurations for some, there are plenty of people who are looking forward to having a cause for celebration. I am so looking forward to the words: "Your Next President Barack Hussein Obama". 

The organizers have prepared for millions of people who will brave the elements to stand at the National Mall to watch the Swearing-In Ceremony live on a jumbo-tron.  A few lucky or well-connected folks actually got the tickets at the Capitol steps (I tried!). There are numerous Balls being given by organizations aside from the 'Official' first Ball. Tickets and invitations are required for these as well as other events such as the Parades. One very nice businessman/philanthropist is throwing the People's Ball for the working class and homeless - even including clothing and beauty services! The theme is "A New Birth of Freedom" which means the universe is not without a sense of irony.

Washington, D.C. is going to be a much colder but livelier Denver Convention experience I am certain. Restaurants and bars are planning on being open 24/7 and the Inauguration is the day after the MLK Holiday. Pretty much every hotel has long been sold out! 

The deadline for requesting Media Credentials is today. A lot of us will just be glad to say it's the official end to the Bush/Cheney years! The surviving students who integrated public schools in Little Rock, AR and the Tuskegee Airmen will be in attendance. Be aware cell phone service might be a little spotty - unless you're watching from the comfort of your home.

Here's the schedule per the Washington Post:

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies announced today the schedule for the swearing in of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joseph Biden on Jan. 20. The ceremony traditionally begins around 10 a.m. and lasts for about two hours. Obama must be sworn in by noon. 

Musical Selection
The United States Marine Band

Musical Selection
The San Francisco Boys & San Francisco Girls Chorus  - yeah San Fran!!

Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein              - could be our next Governor

Invocation
Dr. Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA   - Boo!

Musical Selection
Aretha Franklin               - we are hoping for a tasteful presentation

Oath of Office Administered to Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
By Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
The Honorable John Paul Stevens

Musical Selection: John Williams, composer/arranger
Itzhak Perlman, Violin
Yo-Yo Ma, Cello
Gabriela Montero, Piano
Anthony McGill, Clarinet

Oath of Office Administered to President-elect Barack H. Obama
By the Chief Justice of the United States
The Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr.

Inaugural Address
The President of the United States, The Honorable Barack H. Obama

Poem
Elizabeth Alexander    - Black Woman Poetess Extraordinaire!

Benediction
The Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery          - yeah!

The National Anthem
The United States Navy Band “Sea Chanter"

photo credit: 2001 Inauguration Wally McNamee

Can Everyone Just Take A Chill Pill- Please!!!

OPEN LETTER TO THE USA

Primary Agent Saboteur Rick Warren is giving the Inauguration Invocation and the blogosphere has flewn into a tizzy. Yawn. He's not totally down with teh gay, but he's also not calling for a torch....or a noose. Unlike some other self-appointed religious 'leaders'. One could just go ahead and label him the Purpose Driven False Prophet but that would piss off a few million sheep. Baaah! Obama supposedly hasn't hired enough blue insects that mate once every three years. Or grandmothers who make flan. Or purple people. Or insert your own cause/group and more identity politic. 

We have far too many who've drawn a definitive line in the sand when it comes to forcing people to see things their way. Under the threat of retaliation. That's not the same thing as structured activism and fighting for justice. It's having standards versus being unyielding and close-minded. People fall too easily into disarray, anger and spiral into the distraction pit. Where's the agenda building, the focus, the seeing the big picture? 

We've got some white gays and their water carriers still playing the "we are victims" song instead of admitting areas where they've benefited from all the /isms. Try doing some soul searching! We've got the so-called liberal media and progressives ready to drop a dime on Obama for not meeting their unrealistic expectations of perfection and trying to tie him to every political lowlife who isn't Bush or Cheney. That is, when they're not running their never-ending "satires" that would get a compliment from the "real" racists. 

We've got those who've been burned by false religion give up on any spiritual practice but reacting negatively to those that haven't. We've got a lot of people in those Red States who are still skeptical that Obama must reach out to. People are being so reactive because they did little during the Bush years. You can't go back and change history. You can only learn from it and move forward. If everyone doesn't calm down how will we make it through the next 4-8 years?

I think it's time for a refresher of his Presidential acceptance speech. Write it down if you must because too many have already forgotten what he said:

"Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long."

"And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too."

Do we want to revert back to the Bush Administration and all of its secrets and lies, corruption and incompetence?  Heck no! We also can't club people over the head to jockey for a more favorable position. Legit concerns are ok, griping is not. 

Updated to add that in the brouhaha it seems no one is discussing that Joseph Lowery will also be speaking at the Inauguration, giving the Benediction. He is also a Gay Rights advocate and Civil Rights supporter and will have a much longer speech than Warren's opener, but that goes against the Obama + Warren = BAD argument. So is this about bigotry or is this about the few trying to call the shots as they see it? Like I stated above, I don't defend Warren or follow him but because a lot of people feel he represents them I'd prefer him to Dobson or some of the other right-wing aggressors. I just read a great piece by blog host Genia at Sistertalk asking if the religious right are being more tolerant than gays.

What Will Our First Lady Wear to the Ball?

The design world is all aflutter over the coronation of its King & Queen & Princesses also known as Swearing In Ceremony. Then it's on to the real showstopper - the Inaugural Ball. The 'official' one that most of us will be reading about the next day but lots of other people will be throwing 'lesser' parties as well. If there was ever a time to be in the know this would've been the moment to cash in your chips. When has there ever been so much interest?

By the way Lady O is going to be in D.C. for an entire week taping episodes of her show. Ticket info will be released next week. This is the time to not just to get your party on but I'd be networking like crazy and trying to secure employment because everyone who's anyone will be there. 

Mr. O can easily get by in a tux (but I hope he mixes it up) and the dimple darlings will be certain to look cute. It's Mrs. O who will be heavily scrutinized and skewered if she strays too far off the safe path like she did for Election Night. No worries though. She'll look ravishing dahlings. 

Women's Wear Daily discusses the designers who've submitted sketches for the Obama's (and ours) consideration. Famous names like Rodarte, de la Renta and Reese are hoping to be the chosen one this go-around. Not to worry though - they've got at least 4 years and lots and lots of events to design for. I'm going to post a few below and you can go back to the site for the complete list. Now because Mrs. O likes to throw a few curve balls she might go with a newer designer like she did for the Barbara Walters' Special when she chose Jason Wu.

Mirroring that sentiment:

"This isn't a fashion decision to take lightly", says Bridget Foley, executive editor of W magazine and Women's Wear Daily, recommending Obama try on many looks before making her final choice.

"The dress will live in perpetuity and it will go into the Smithsonian," Foley says.

"I'd like to see Michelle Obama take the elegant route — and push it," she adds. "There are so many wonderful clothes out there but so often people in the public arena think they have to play it safe. I think she should really look around and try something long and curvy — with color. That would work."

I've kinda fallen out of the high fashion loop in the past couple of years. I think living in San Francisco has been horrible for my sense of fashion because it's either hippie or hoochie depending on which crowd you go for. The weather here has three steps: pre/during/post fog so I wear jeans and sensible shoes a lot. It's more functional than frivolous. Trust me you don't want to be in 'car' shoes trying to walk up a hill with a 60 degree incline or some cute frilly top when the temperature goes from 70 to 50 in a matter of hours. I still love accessories and bags though. 

When I was younger - and lived in New York City I don't even think I owned a pair of jeans. I was like a living Jackson Pollack painting, mixing vintage with thrift shop, crazy shoes, different textures, hats and wackiness. I had to be completely original and with just the right amount of attitude it got me access to clubs and meeting all sorts of interesting people. It's time for me to reclaim that and watching Michelle Obama get the white glove treatment is fun!

Designers by Order of Appearance:

Lhuiller

Herrera

DVF

de la Renta (just wanted to show something with Michelle and the weeMichelles)

Tuleh

DVF (this suit is fab-u-lous but not for the Ball I just had to add it though)

la Croix