Hopeful Signs

Many years ago, before children, we were active in the civil rights struggles of the 60's and early 70's. For us these memories lie just around the last past corner--still fresh in memories. Monumental moments and experiences seem not to lose freshness as time moves on. Some things just seem telescoped in time.

Living in Orange County, California in those days meant that the ultra-conservative, racist John Birch Society and the latent Ku Klus Klan were powerful influences in many civic affairs and political foci of the day. People of color other than provable white were not welcomed. Prejudices and thought of racial superiority were rampant. Crosses were burned in lawns and painted on garages.

Such thoughts and actions were abhorrent to us, leading us to become involved in activities designed to open doors and break barriers. One of the activities which we were particularly committed to and involved in was the concept of Open Housing--where all people are welcome into housing and communities regardless of racial and ethnic identity.

Our first adventure began by meeting with an African-American couple to learn what their experiences had been as they sought housing in the area to which they had just relocated. They were engineers with impressive credentials from prestigious schools. Their company had transferred them to Southern California.

As we talked, they shared their frustrations as apartment manager after manager claimed that advertised units were no longer available. Not for a minute did they or we believe that this was true. The message was clear--people of color were not acceptable neighbors in Orange County. We clearly were living in a defined and carefully maintained segregated area of the country.

We joined a cadre of people who worked together to make change. The routine was that a family seeking a place to live would approach a rental office which advertised available apartments. If they were turned down--which was almost always the case--we would immediately go to that office and inquire about renting.

If we were told that there were available apartments, we would leave and shortly return with the people who had been rejected. Together we would face down the manager. Sometimes this worked and the apartment miraculously was ready and waiting, but, more often the confrontation opened the way to filing complaints with appropriate government authorities. Eventually such efforts resulted in Fair Housing Laws with substantial penalties for discriminatory housing practices.

I was reminded of these days in the past when I read this article last week--Voices Reflect Rising Sense of Racial Optimism. Is it possible that changes are happening outside those that come from the hammer of law? Can the presence of President Obama make a difference in how people see each other? It's a lot to hope for and we must wait to see if this is so. But..we can hope and pray.

Out of the Mouth....

So, here's one of the reasons being a parenting grandparent brings joy--in the form of laughter. Casey was very busy reading Harry Potter last night so asked if I would type his latest writing assignment -- "What Would I Like to Tell President Obama." I promise I typed it exactly as he wrote it. I hope these excerpts cause you to smile as they did me. The first one causes rants and raves every time he hears it. The economic remedies are his own, developed from his fascination with listening to the news as he plays with legos.

*****

If I could tell the President my hopes, I would ask to please stop the inappropriate commercials. When I'm watching TV and a commercial comes on, it says, "Ask your doctor if you are healthy enough for sexual activity." It makes me go crazy. I mean it's right after a kids show: KIDS SHOW!

*****

Another thing I would say is that kids should be able to do more things. It doesn't seem fair to kids; it seems like we can't do anything. I don't like it. But the truth is for me, I get to do most things I want.

*****

One of the other hopes is to go green and use solar power. We really need it to help with global warming. And by that we could enhance our technology for the world's safety. I would really like these hopes to be real.

*****

One other thing is to please save the endangered animals. Some of them we need to survive. Se we need to help them survive.

*****

I also really don't think my school work is that hard; so I would like it to be a little more difficult for seminar/smarter kids like in my class. (My note: I found this to be quite strange as getting him to do his work is not easy.)

*****

We need you also to keep working on the economic problems to help save people from losing their homes. He could keep sending out economic stimuluses so people can have the money to pay their rent and stay in their homes. They also need the money for food and resources to stay alive.

To get money for that he also could raise the taxes for the rich people. Those people do not need that money.

That is the end.

What Could Have Been

There are times of too many coincidences--times that lead to an a-ha moment when you suddenly know that what seemed to be accidental wasn't--that God has intervened in ways you didn't know you needed. As I look back at inauguration day, I know that we experienced such a time.

The Purple Tunnel of Doom.
On inauguration day this tunnel, which in actuality is the 3rd Street vehicular tunnel running under the capitol, was closed to traffic. Holders of ceremony tickets in the purple and silver sections were directed to walk through the tunnel to reach the entrance gates to their sections. It was not possible to walk across the mall due to Pennsylvania Avenue being closed for the later in the day parade.

Unfortunately, thousands of people were stuck from the entrance to the tunnel, through the tunnel and all the way to the security clearance area into the ceremony grounds. These thousands formed one huge, gargantuan crowd. These were people who held tickets to the ceremony--many of whom had worked hard for Obama's election. There were celebrities and non-celebrities in this mass--young and old--people out of the civil rights movement--people who fought for equality and justice much of their lives--people who were rejoicing--congressional aides and just plain people like us.

Sadly, due to reasons not yet explained, these people were still in the tunnel and outside of security at the time gates were closed. Some had been there since early in the morning. It was a disaster that most of us learned about only after the fact as for those of us at the ceremony there was no knowledge that this was happening.

I can not imagine the depth of disappointment and frustration that existed among these people-- lost dreams, lost memories, lost participation in a great historic moment.

So, why do I feel that but for the grace of God, we would have suffered the same end to our great journey?

• I had chosen the Grand Hyatt over the Park Hyatt (using points). After arriving in D.C. we found that the Park Hyatt was just 3 blocks from the capitol and mall. Several times I bemoaned the fact that I had made the wrong hotel choice as we ended up paying lots of taxis drivers, walking blocks and blocks and using crowded metros. The Park Hyatt was better located for us. But... the hotel sits at the beginning of THE tunnel fiasco and, had we been there, we would have set out to access our area by that route.
  

• The directions we were given to get to our entry gate were to "walk through the 3rd street tunnel." This was our plan as taxis were not allowed anywhere near the capitol or mall and the metros were predicted to be super busy. At the very last minute, we decided to use the metro. Using the metro was not easy. When we arrived at our exit station, we were two levels under ground. It took 40 minutes, pressed against other bodies, not moving and then walking up long, turned-off escalators before we reached fresh air. Several people collapsed and emergency medical personnel were required which added to the crowd problem. Casey was panicked and it was scary. Our mantra was "we should have walked." Which, of course, would have taken us through THE tunnel.

• Once on the metro, the exit we were to use was closed due to massive crowds. We then decided, after asking Washingtonian's for advice, to ride two more stops and then exit. But...just as the metro doors were ready to close at the first stop, we, for unknown reasons as we had nary a clue as to what we were doing, decided to get off. Had we not made that decision, we once again would have found ourselves in THE mess; although, at the time finding ourselves with a long walk ahead of us, we once again thought we had "done wrong."

As it turned out, each of these "bad" decisions, for which we were castigating ourselves, turned out to be the only way we could have made it to our entrance gate and into the inauguration. Those in the tunnel could not only not get to their gates, they could not get to the mall at all for the unticketed areas. They never got out of their version of hell.

So, we feel that God was watching out for us--answering our prayers for a safe and good time. Often we are unaware of answered prayer as we don't know what the alternative would have been. But this time we know and we are grateful.

Retrospect

Things I will remember about our inauguration experience:

• The beyond belief crowds of people packed so tightly in the streets and metro that a person didn't walk but instead was part of one moving organism.
  
• The incredible calm of the crowds--no pushing, fights, ugliness, unpleasantness.
• Ninety pound Casey being lifted high on the shoulders of a very tall man, reporting what was ahead, where signs were, providing direction and answers for hundreds of us who had no idea what way to go, where we were, which way the living organism should turn. I so regret not getting a picture of this moment.
• Finally entering through THE GATE and security into the hallowed ground for ticketed witnesses to history. The strange part being that at the end of the "getting there" ordeal, we weren't asked for our tickets. Whether that was unique to us or if anyone could have entered at that gate remains a mystery.
• Taking off my sweatshirt to give Casey another layer as he was so cold. I, miraculously, stayed warm.
  
• Casey's panicked fear of the crowds, tears streaming down his face, pleading to go back to the hotel. Knowing that if we could work through his fear with him, he would be OK and glad that he stuck it out.
  
• Casey's exuberance and joy once the fear left and he focused on the magic of the moment.
• Casey's jumping up and down, wahooing at what was said--sometimes ahead of those around us. He was truly listening.
  
• The oneness of the people as Barack Obama repeated the oath and spoke to the Nation's citizens.
• TheAfrican-American man who beared hugged Casey and me in one great embrace at the end of the oath--or maybe it was the speech--I can't quite recall.
  
• The friendships developed in two minute elevator encounters. There being no such thing as a stranger.
  
• Sharing breakfast, hope and anticipation with other hotel guests in the lounge each morning.
• The movie producer who gave me one of his two treasured copies of the Washington Post on January 21.
• Taxi rides taking long minutes to go 1 mile.
• Walking, walking, walking miles and miles, not needing the gym's treadmill for those days.
• Standing in the mall, watching Bono on the jumbotron, envying those who could see the real thing.
• Casey on his knees at the Vietnam War Memorial, reading notes left for loved ones, sensing the magnitude of the losses in the names there.
• Seeing the two young women in the elevator, dressed in their gowns, excited about the ball where they were going.
• The blocks and blocks of orderly lines as people waited to pass through security on their way to pick up ceremony tickets.
• The magnificent stage at the capitol with its flags and color--majestic!
• Casey's boredom at the Capitol tour.
• The vast numbers of African-Americans who converged on the capitol to witness, savor and know that the truth was real--to witness what had seemed so impossible.
  
• And..most of all...the awe that we were witnessing the culmination of the unexpected moment when the nation decided that the most qualified person to be the President of the United States was a young, brilliant African and American man. It is as if the far future arrived ahead of schedule.
  

Of course, there are many more moments to remember. As this is to be my record for Casey, I'll add to it when new memories surface. In fact, I think I'll ask him for his additions--I'm quite sure he has his own.

Going Home

We are packed--well, almost because as always I brought many more clothes than needed--and watching Hillary speaking at the State Department. She is speaking well and looking good. I am certain that the employees are feeling hopeful about her as she emotes humor, talent and commitment.

The hotel is feeling empty and quiet after the exuberance and activity of the last few days. No one was in the lounge this morning. In past mornings it was musical chairs in trying to find a place to eat a danish and drink the java. Quiet, quiet, quiet.

As you may have read there were a couple of major complications on Tuesday in terms of people holding tickets to the ceremony. For some reason two access gates to ticketed areas were closed and thousands of people walking through the vehicular tunnel in order to reach other access gates were stuck in the tunnel for hours--never making it to the ceremony. I can't imagine the disappointment these people experienced as their dreams of being present evaporated. I read today that Tyra Banks and Jesse Jackson were among those stuck in the tunnel. What a disaster!

This is a picture from a friend's son's website. He was in the crowd and, after traveling from California and having tickets, did not see the ceremony. You may want to read his account--Capitol Punishment.

Senator Feinstein announced today that she is launching a major investigation into what happened. This is the announcement regarding this Investigation. I guess it will be good to identify the problem but little consolation to those who were left out.

We are feeling fortunate as we had planned on walking to the ceremony which meant going through the 3rd Street tunnel. At the last minute we changed our minds and embarked on the perilous metro trip I described in an earlier entry. But now, discovering that we would never have made it to the ceremony at all, our ordeal seems well worth it--at least we got there.

The tunnel involved is the same one we walked through after the ceremony on our way back to the hotel. While going through it, I noticed the large amount of trash strewn about and wondered why--now I know.

If you are wondering why people would walk rather than get a taxi, it is because most streets anywhere near the Capitol were closed and there was no vehicular traffic allowed--even taxis and limo services. Walking was the motation of the day--even for the rich and famous.

But--for most of us, we were there, we were mesmerized and our efforts justified. It all continues to seem surreal--even the humor in President Obama needing to retake the oath yesterday after Chief Justice Roberts' flub at the inaugural. All's well that ends well.

Now--time to close up, call the bell captain and return to Dulles for the flight home. Our memories are intact and we're ready to answer the questions that are sure to come.

Inauguration Day

This day has been exhausting, exhilarating, memorable and totally awesome. I am exhausted and we still have dinner to do.I can not imagine needing to go to ball tonight.

We began early--up at 6:30. In the metro at 7:15. Got to the turn stile and were told--along with hundreds of others--that the station was closed and we needed to go to one up the street. We did so. Jammed ourselves into the metro car when it came. And that was the beginning of an almost horrifying experience with crowds. Quickly to say that a number of times Casey was sobbing as he was so frightened by the closeness, crowding and dynamics of the crowds. Which is not to say people were poorly behaved. The calmness and consideration of the thousands of people we found ourselves a part of was amazing. People suffered together and were nice. But...it was still overwhelming to an already tired 10 year old. In the end, he is so happy that he was there and by the time President Obama was speaking, he was cheering at the appropriate places and jumping up and down along with everyone.

Our ticket area was far enough away from the platform that we could not see the people. But we could see the stage and where it was all happening. I guess there is no way to adequately describe the emotions of being here and the sense that time is changing. At the last words of Obama's oath, an African-American man from Pennsylvania shared hugs with Casey and me--what a moment.

So many streets are closed that getting into and out of the capitol area comes close to the definition of impossible. For us to return to our hotel, we had to walk away from the mall for several blocks and then finally to highway 395 which was closed to vehicular traffic. We then walked on the highway, through the 3rd Street tunnel and then several more blocks back to our hotel. However, after the morning metro experience returning that way was not even considered.

Now, we are in the hotel room, watching the parade on TV--just as you are doing where ever you are.

These are some photos from today. They aren't very good. My camera was acting strangely--probably from the cold. But you will be there with us. They aren't in proper order--I'm too tired to do that right now.

Stage from where we were.

Walking on the Interstate

Security HumVee

Hotel Flag

Ken and Casey on 395

Casey at Inauguration

Our View

Another View from Us

Viewing Ground

For my Canadian Friends
Sheena, Janie, BGE, Jerry et. all

What It's Like

At the Rehearsal

What a place to be right now—there is a sense of the surreal no matter where you are or what you are doing. Even in a crowd of strangers at a concert, in a museum, on the metro, wherever, there is a sense of oneness and common purpose and excitement. You talk to strangers, share stories and find an amazing abundance of patience at times when patience would not be the expected. Crowds are considerate and joyful.

Yesterday we spent the morning at the newly reopened American History Museum which is huge and outstanding. We only took in a small portion of it before we were tired of looking and absorbing. I was surprised to see Michelle’s photograph at the end of the long line of first lady portraits.

And Obama has been added to the display of presidents. It seemed like jumping the gun but I guess there wouldn’t be time to do it correctly at 12 pm tomorrow. It was fun to see them there already.

From there we walked down the mall to the We Are One concert with that incredible convergence of talent celebrating the change to come. We didn’t get even close to the Lincoln Memorial but were part of the incredible crowd filling the mall space, straining to see the jumbotron screens. Unfortunately every time we found a line of vision for Casey someone would move in front of him. Eventually we decided to return to the hotel and watch it on TV here—also we needed to get back in time to get ready for the big dinner party with 15 Slow Travel friends.

The dinner was a great evening. Years ago when Slow Travel began, Dean was a moderator for the site and its resident wine expert. Eventually he indulged his complex knowledge and his appreciation of Italian cuisine by opening his restaurant DINO here in D.C. And that is the mecca to which we traveled last night. Many of us had met before at various gatherings and others we were meeting for the first time but as always there was no disappointment when getting together with like-minded people. It is always just a fun, special time. The food was reminiscent of our meals in Italy—burrata flown in from Puglia, grilled orata, gelato with balsamic. Yummy, all.

Dean, Eden, Manny

Today was sort of kick back and recovery—or at least that was our plan. We planned to go to the International Spy Museum (which is quite interesting) and then head on down to our congressman’s office in the Longworth building to pick up our ceremony tickets. Sounds simple? Yes. But, when 240,000 people are picking up tickets at the same time and everyone needs to pass through security before getting into the buildings, there is only one result---long lines. We were in line for 1 hour and 40 minutes before entering the building and then it took 5 minutes to get the tickets once in. For a well planned event, this part was lacking something.

But, as with so many things, there was a silver lining. Casey noticed a camera crew from San Diego and so asked if they would talk with him—which they did. He was interviewed and, if all goes as it is supposed to, will be on the 10 o’clock news back home tonight. Uncle Jeff will tape it for posterity.

So—tonight we are going to dinner and to bed early as the word is that getting to the ceremony area early is important. Again security will need to be cleared which is very cumbersome when everyone is burdened with scarves, coats, hats, gloves, etc. And then we will stand for hours before things actually begin. Fun!?

Speaking of security, even here at the hotel, there seems to be security personnel for every 100 people. In order to enter the elevators we need to show our room key before we are allowed into the area.

So these are days of unique experiences—forever etched into our memories.

It's Sunday Morning

A short update on us so far:

After a rather difficult plane trip--involving being taken off one plane and on to another due to some mechanical problem which meant we did not get to our hotel until 11:30 pm Friday night--we have been swept into the excitement and frenzy of the times. There is a great sense of camaraderie among people who are in reality strangers but all here for one reason--the history of the moment and an admiration for our next president.

Yesterday we were tired and Casey exhausted. We took a capitol tour in the morning and then went to the front of the capital to see the stand and viewing areas. It was fun because they were practicing for the big event. We heard the band and chorus and heard the announcer going through his dress rehearsal for Tuesday. We were able to get some nice pictures of what we won't see on Tuesday as even with tickets we will be far-far away from the stage. But--we will be happy where we are.

After that we went to the Air and Space Museum until Casey could take no more so headed back to the hotel. He fell asleep in the 10 minute cab ride and collapsed on his bed once in the room.

Last night Eirin (Chiocciola) came to the hotel to pick up Casey for their big "date." At the risk of embarrassing her, let me say she is beautiful and delightful. Casey enjoyed being with her as much as he had anticipated. Ken and I had a wonderful dinner at City Zen.

Traffic here is a nightmare due to a multitude of street closures and lots of vehicles. It took 35 minutes last night to go 1 mile in the taxi.

Today we're going to the concert on the mall and then to dinner with several of our friends. It will be fun night. I really am looking forward to it.

I have pictures to share but right now am on the computer in the club lounge in the hotel and can't upload so that will come later. Casey is on the other computer making his blog entry so check it out, too.

More and hopefully a more interesting entry next time. Just wanted to check in now.

Ciao

We're Off to Watch History Made

If all goes as planned, we left San Diego at 7:25 this morning, headed to D.C. via Denver. There is a 2 + hour layover there so we don't get into D.C. until 7:00 pm where a car service will be waiting to whisk us off to the Grand Hyatt--our home for 6 nights. We used miles for the tickets and points for a couple hotel nights and so have saved money to spend on good eating.

This is our itinerary which will be full and wonderful--maybe a little cold but excitement will generate some heat.

• Saturday --We have reservations at the new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center for a tour of the Capitol.
• Saturday Dinner--City Zen--the chef, who came from The French Laundry in Napa, was one of ten chefs receiving the James Beard ‘Best Chefs in America’ title in 2008. It should be a memorable dinner. And...good friend Eirin, sometimes known as Chicciola, is taking Casey out for pizza and a night on the town. What a treat that is going to be.

• Sunday--Plans are up in the air right now--either Mt. Vernon so Casey can visit George Washington or staying in the National Mall at the Lincoln Memorial for the hugely big Inauguration Kickoff event with Obama and entertainers. Which ever we do, friend Vicky is spending the day with us--either driving us to Mt. Vernon or enjoying the concert and then the reopened American History Museum with us.
• Sunday Dinner--a big night! 17 friends from the Slow Travel community are dining at Dino Restaurant which is owned by an original Slow Travel member. It is going to be a very special and fun night.

• Monday--We pick up our actual ceremony tickets from our Congressman's office. Right now we just have a letter telling us where and how to get the tickets. Then to the Air and Space Museum and whatever else grabs us.
• Monday Dinner--Tony Chang's

• Tuesday--THE BIG DAY! We will go to the inauguration ticketed area about 8:30 am and then stand in the cold the rest of the morning. The actual ceremony is at 11:30. This is the ceremony agenda.
  
• Tuesday Dinner--Fogo de Chäo

• Wednesday--The International FBI Spy Museum Casey is excited about this. And other unknown things.
  
• Wednesday Dinner--Oceanaire Seafood Room (no link because they play obnoxious music)

• Thursday--rest, relax and get a 2:30 plane home. Fortunately, this is a direct flight to San Diego.

As you can see this is to be a momentous, busy, exhausting wonderful week. One that we will remember and one that will give Casey something very special to tell his grandchildren.

Obama's Official Portrait

New official portrait released

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 08:13am EST / Posted by Dave Rochelson

Today we are releasing the new official portrait for President Barack Obama.

It was taken by Pete Souza, the newly-announced official White House photographer.

It is the first time that an official presidential portrait was taken with a digital camera.

This is from Obama's Change.Gov site

He's mighty good looking but does have ears!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Well, being a compulsive Type A person who needs to be in the know--I just checked the weather forecast for inauguration day. I'm wondering if it's too late to go to Fry's Electronics, buy a large flatscreen HDTV and just stay home.

Tuesday, Jan 20
High: 33 °F RealFeel®: 18 °F
Cloudy and windy with a little snow

Tuesday Night, Jan 20
Low: 28 °F RealFeel®: 8 °F
Windy with considerable clouds

Thoughts on this?

The Audacity of Our Almost President

...I think about America and those who built it. This nation's founders, who somehow rose above petty ambitions and narrow calculations to imagine a nation unfurling across a continent. ....Lincoln and King, who ultimately laid down their lives in the service of perfecting an imperfect union. And all the faceless, nameless men and women, slaves and soldiers and tailors and butchers constructing lives for themselves and their children and grandchildren, brick by brick, rail by rail, calloused hand by calloused hand, to fill in the landscape of our collective dreams.

It is that process I wish to be a part of.

My heart is filled with love for this country.

--Barack Obama in The Audacity of Hope


In a very short while, our country embarks on a new course heading into uncharted territory--a new president from the 21st century mold, national and world problems so staggering that the way out seems undecipherable and a country seeking to find what its role in the world needs to become.

Knowing who our president is becomes important if we are to have hope and confidence in the way he plans to lead. Is he truly a man of vision, contemplation, deep thoughts--someone greater than his campaign persona and promises? Are his understandings and commitments new to him without previous mental engagement? Is he an opportunist or the real thing?

Obama's book The Audacity of Hope answers some of these questions and should be read by anyone, supporter or detractor, who truly wants to know about this unique man for whom almost 69 million voted and chose as our nation's best hope.

Those who during the campaign denigrated him, his depth and background, did not do their homework and spoke from profound ignorance. Had they the integrity to do their homework, they could have focused on issues and difference in vision rather than innuendos and absurd accusations.

In The Audacity of Hope Obama's incredible knowledge and detailed, complex thoughts about world issues, economic principles, cultural dynamics, ethical responsibilities, faith and race give confidence that we have a man who is not shooting from the hip or needing to develop philosophies in the shadow of decision making. He is ready for the job.

And, he has a vision of what our society should and can be and that a government by, for and of the people has ethical responsibilities to its people.

...our communal values, our sense of mutual responsibility and social solidarity, should express themselves not just in the church or the mosque or the synagogue; not just on the blocks where we live, in the places where we work , or within our own families; but, also, through our government. Like many conservatives, I believe in the power of culture to determine both individual success and social cohesion, and I believe we ignore cultural factors at our peril. But I also believe that our government can play a role in shaping that culture for the better--or for the worse.

It is my hope that a vast number of our population will read this book and begin to know the man.

Been Away--With Family

The last week was a good week--the kind of time that makes us remember just how important family is and why, no matter what, this bond is special and rises above other concerns.

Casey, Ken and I drove 700 miles, give or take a few, to spend time with my brother and his family. They live in one of the special places in this great state of California--well, really, it is all great, isn't it? But their little niche, Grass Valley, really is quite lovely and beautiful and God blessed.

Casey loves going there as it is country--like his beloved Tuscany. My brother, Casey's Great Uncle, takes him exploring in the woods and trees. He comes home with buckeye pods, acorns and other treasures which in true entrepreneur spirit (a vocabulary word he lately learned in school), he offers to sell to me. I bit and bid $2.50 which ultimately became $2.00 as he lost one treasure while using his cousin's slingshot.

Casey blossoms in this environment--glows--and is happy and content. I wish we could give this to him but circumstances prevent it. Life does not always work perfectly. His great wish is to return to Italy and live among the vineyards, visiting the piazza and feeling free--a child's life. But, that's not going to happen.

My brother and I are on opposite ends of the political scale so the best way of being together is to avoid such discussions. There is no way, ever, that either of us is going to change or see the other's viewpoint. And, that is OK as some things trump politics--not much, but some! We do share spiritual beliefs and values--just see the means of achieving some of them in different ways. There is a book titled Is Jesus a Republican or a Democrat?. Clearly, we have different answers where really, the answer is "neither."

But, when I see Casey laughing with glittering eyes as he lines up a paint gun to shoot paper targets hanging on trees and shouting when he hits them, I love my brother for what he shares and gives my boy and all else fades away. Family is good.

Now we are home and tomorrow is a new school day. Casey has his Leonardo da Vinci report typed and almost ready--just the bibliography remaining to be done. Other than at first placing The Last Supper in the Duke of Milan's kitchen, he did a pretty good job. Since he actually saw this master piece last summer and it was on the wall of the refectory in the Santa Maria della Grazie convent, this was a strange point of confusion but one easily corrected. Importantly, through perseverance and 16 point font he has managed to get his 3 page, comprehensive report on the great man of the renaissance, completed. Now, if he and Ken can figure out how to make a model from the paddle boat drawings, Casey will be set. And we can all breath until the next Above and Beyond project is due in a few months.

So now we will get the Christmas decorations from the rafters, survey the wrappings left from last year (and the year before) and figure out what new things are needed--not much, I am sure. The next four weeks will be busy ones and then they will be gone and the new year will begin. I think it will be a good one.

Now..for some good reading: Check out Garrison Keillor's reflections on our new president--it's well said. Wow, America is Cool.

The Wisdom in Obama's Cabinet and Appointments

It has been a fascinating experience to follow President-Elect Obama's selection of the women and men who will advise him and rule over the various departments of our government. I, for one, have been impressed with the quality of people with whom he is surrounding himself and the calculated speed at which he is operating. The knowledge, expertise, background and collective wisdom he is gathering to him as he prepares to lead is reassuring. Recently there have been two opinion pieces which speak to this.

Rosa Brooks offers a cogent defense as to why many of the picks were active in the Clinton or G.H. Bush administrations or are coming from strong political/government backgrounds. Some people have postulated that we are being offered retreads and a trip to time past. They seem to want posts filled with fresh faces. The fact is that we need experience now as there is not time to allow for a learning curve. The task of undoing the damage done by the current administration is too great.

Bush's Landmines for Obama

The second piece is by the left leaning conservative David Brooks. In this he clearly states his wish that he not find himself so impressed with what Obama is accomplishing and the brilliance demonstrated by the choices being made. But Brooks concludes: As a result, the team he has announced so far is more impressive than any other in recent memory.

The article provides hope that this country can get on course towards recovery and can reestablish the confidence other nations have in us.

The Insider's Crusade

This was written before the apparent nominations of heavy weights Hillary Clinton and Timothy Geithner, both of whom will add additional stature to the new administration.

I think we are going to witness and participant in one of the great historical trials of our nation. The ride's going to be bumpy and tragic and difficult, a time that redefines who we are--built from our past and leading to our future. I think that future generations will see it as a time when once again the right leader was chosen and he lead well.

President Elect Obama's Weekly Address

I'll try to post this each Saturday as it may be the easiest way for some of you to see it--that is, if you want to see it.

Who is Barack Obama?

On the trail which hopefully led to her oblivion, SP asked the question--"Who is Barack Obama?" I wonder...was she truly interested in the answer? My best guess being "no." If she were, a good place to begin her search would have been with his impressively written book Dreams from My Father.

To begin to understand this unusual man whom we elected to lead us, I am learning that it is important to understand the forces which shaped him and the personal odyssey he embarked on to find his place in the world--the quintessential search for self. Irrefutably, Obama's life is more unique than most of us can claim. Even those who share with him a biracial background do not share the twists and turns in life experiences that were not of his making and which formed him. His mother, who seems to have been on her own perennial search for self, loved her son enough to sacrifice for him and yet paradoxically abandoned him to her personal whims and odyssey. His father, leaving to fulfill his destiny in Kenya while the boy was still a toddler, sensed his obligation to his child but did not fulfill that obligation--there were other priorities.

To even try to understand this polished man of today, this man who speaks eloquently, who stands tall, who thinks deeply, who believes in conciliation, who has made our nation realize a dream that lay hidden somewhere in the future, his past must be opened. It is important to see the young boy, on the first day in his new and strange home of Indonesia as he watches his stepfather's servant hold the chicken in one hand and with his knife in the other, slice the chicken's throat then watch as it is thrown to the ground for its final death dance. It is important to visualize the education of a child who spends two years in an Indonesian Muslim school followed by two years in a catholic school before being sent, at ten, to live with grandparents in Hawaii. It is important to read of the struggles, experiments and confusions of a young man seeking and finding the world in which he belongs.

Today we listen to a man who exudes confidence, who has an enviable command of the English language, who uses words to draw people into his universe and vision, who is able to turn opponents into believers. Such wordsmithing is artistry that causes people to ponder the combined beauty of chosen words and the depth of creative thought buried within them.

We hear such a marriage in Obama's speeches and wonder about the speech writer; then we read his books and wonder about the ghost writer.* Surely, this talented man can't also have had the time and talent to write lyrical prose as he engaged the reader in the search for and success in finding self. But, the words are his as he takes us through the experience of exploring his dual heritage--white and black, American and Kenyan.

If SP really wanted to know who Barack Obama is, she should have read his book..and then she might have smothered the question as she admitted to herself that he is a man to admire and far beyond her reaches. She would have had her answer. And, along the way, she would have discovered what the "community organizer" did and just maybe she would have developed a touch of humility.

*Bizarrely, there are far right of right whackos who claim that Ayers was the ghost.

In an opinion piece, WWJD, Joseph J. Ellis writes of Obama's magic with words and a relationship he might have had with Jefferson and Lincoln--were they here today.

Obama: My Highest Priority

If you did not know this already, our media-savvy President-Elect Obama will be posting his Saturday radio addresses on You-Tube. I like this as watching makes listening so much easier, at least for me, a visual/auditory learner.

This is today's where he clearly states his priority on the current economic disaster.

January 20, 2009

....we will be in Washington D.C.. A day that Casey will have forever in his memory--not taken from the TV screen but one that he forms for himself as he participates in one of our most historical days--a day that promises to be filled with the realization that anticipation can lead to dreams comes true.

For Casey, as he has written on his blog, this will be a day that has personal meaning. He sees some of his story in Obama. Perhaps it will be a day that helps him become the man he will be. Minimally, it will be a day that teaches him to dream.

The night before the elections, November 3, I called United--our airline of choice since we have beaucoup miles with them--Casey is even a premier flyer--and put three tickets on hold--figuring that if Obama won, tickets would go fast. We were lucky and able to get business class tickets using miles. So far, so good.

With the election behind us, first thing Wednesday morning, November 5, I made hotel reservations at the Grand Hyatt, a couple blocks from the White House and parade central. Rooms were pretty pricey but we had a free night and points for another night, so we only pay for 4. With free travel and two free nights, we are OK--it averages out not too badly.

Now, the challenge is to get tickets to the inaugural ceremony. Googleing brings up many sites selling tickets upward of $2,000. But, when the fine print is read, one finds that these sites do not guarantee that there will be tickets. The truth being that tickets are free--providing you can get them.

At this point, I have written both senators, our congressman and e-mailed the official site to obtain tickets. Casey has written a letter to President -Elect Obama and included copies of his blog entries about him. Casey's Letter. Our best hope is a friend who cares deeply about Casey and has some "contacts" in D.C. who may be able to help in the quest. We are all hoping for success.

But, if none of this works out, just being there, watching the parade and being a part of the excitement, spending time in the National Mall, wandering a couple of the Smithsonian museums and seeing the capitol of our country will educate Casey in a way books can't do.

His teacher has already assigned him the job of being a roving reporter, sending daily updates to his class mates. Another teacher suggested contacting a radio station to see if he can do "on the spot" interviews. We shall see.

Tonight when I put him to bed, his last question was: "Gramma, did you ever wonder what it would be like to be a kid in the White House?" It seems as if the dreams have begun. It'll be quite a ride to see where they take him.

Obama Pictures

Obama's Photo Stream

~This is a fun link --Enjoy~
The pictures are great in full screen mode.

And Another

Office of the President Elect