The Earth Shifted Under Our Feet

I have encountered a lot of taxi drivers during my visit to our nation’s capital. Most were foreign born and I embarked on an informal survey to determine their feelings about President Obama. I can report that the support for his presidency is overwhelming. They hailed from India, the Virgin Islands, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. They are all praying for a successful Obama presidency and they expressed that this sentiment is felt worldwide.

I went to Capitol Hill to visit with Hill staffers about local issues and the economic stimulus package. The platform for the inauguration was still in place. Throngs of tourists were taking pictures of the area. And Obama shirts were being worn everywhere. Even when I went to the Environmental Protection Agency for a meeting, some staffers were wearing shirts with pictures of our new President. We scanned the building to see if his picture had replaced that of the previous president to no avail. I guess that will happen before the end of this week. The vendors however were still experiencing brisk sales as shoppers were eagerly seeking inaugural bargains or souvenirs to take home. The town is still brimming with excitement and people.

Senator Diane Feinstein, chairman of the Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies announced an investigation regarding ticketholders being unable to attend the Inaugural ceremony. Something went terribly wrong, but the event was free of incidents. This speaks volumes about the people in attendance especially because Washington saw the largest crowds in the history of any event. Local airports were besieged when people attempted to depart for home forcing many to miss their flights. Again there were no incidents or arrests. The attendees deserve a big pat on the back.

Taylor and I also went to the White House today to snap pictures. When she was younger I told her that every American should know the address of the White House. She proudly recited it to me before I photographed her in front of the new home of the Obamas. Yes, the earth has shifted under our feet.