Almost Georgetown Print Story

January 20, 2009, 10:03 pm

America Inaugurates A President

As the Bush administration came to a close, and President-elect Obama was sworn in as President of the United States, a frigid Washington erupted with cheers and excitement at the first African American to hold the post.

I, like many Americans, watched the event on television rather than venturing down to the Mall personally. The cold, the crowds and the security were incentives enough to remain at home, and instead to watch it from the comfortable confines of my pastor's Northwest DC condominium. Still, the feeling of history permeated all of Washington, and it was an amazing feeling to watch history unfolding - history that I could have watched from the roof of my apartment with a very big pair of binoculars.

The inauguration was not without some final swipes at President Bush, most notably the crowd booing his announcement, and the massive singing of "good bye" to the chopper as it departed. Still, the event's pomp and custom was not interrupted, and everyone was kept safe, which is a massive accomplishment considering that almost 2 million people descended on the city for the event.

As locals prepare to get their city back, this tradition continues, with 56 separate inaugurations, and 44 transitions of power without war, strife, or death. Though it's not always peaceful, and it's not always easy, it is the American way.

Oh, and let me be the first to say: welcome home, Obama family. We're glad to have you as neighbors.