Jan 17 2009
Historic Train Ride
Soon to be President Barack Obama is own his way to Washington DC for his inauguration. Starting out in Philadelphia, Obama is traveling by train, the same historic route that Abraham Lincoln took in 1861 to introduce himself to the populace that had elected him. Obama is stopping in cities and small towns along the way to speak to all those willing to come out in the sub-freezing temperatures. In some places, people were waiting for hours, just for a glimpse of America’s 44th President, and more importantly, the first black President. In Baltimore alone, more than 40,000 people were waiting for the Obama train to pass through. That’s devotion.
And what does Washington look like? Well, they’re already starting to close the bridges, the traffic is insane, there are tents and port-a-potties everywhere, all in preparation of the Big Tuesday. DC expects 2 million people in the city. All bridges from over the Potomac will be closed, making traffic into the city impossible, but a necessary step as there won’t be any space in the district for cars, let alone the people. The population of DC is only 600,000. To have four times that many people, and everyone concentrated into the downtown area and the national mall, is going to be a historical crowd. Bush attracted about 300,000 to his inauguration. Not that its a competition, of course.
How many people will brave the cold, the crowds, the security, and the jam-packed metro? I think he’ll attract the millions they’re predicting. Like moths to a flame, this one man has inspired all of us.
