Too Many Hopes

The period of rising expectations is dangerous, whether for nations or individuals. People who have been waiting for so much for so long see a narrow window into which great hopes and anxiety must flow.

Not everything can be done the first week. I worked for years in demography and international birth control programs, yet I do not savage the new administration for excluding it from the economic bill. There are priorities, and priorities by definition mean that everyone does not get all the goodies they want right away.

I see this same struggle in microcosm in the blogosphere, and quite frankly, here. We are tearing each other apart trying to be first through the door. We have been starving and food is right there...so close. We want so much, right now, and it is tantalizing that much is possible. IF we can manage the process properly.

*****

Obama Inauguration Parade

President Obama and his family are in their American-manufactured limo proceeding slowly along the parade route.

It's a cool license plate: USA1

They're near Fourth Street. If memory serves, this is very close to the federal courthouse where Fitzgerald prosecuted Libby not so long ago.

Cabinet: 7 confirmations from the Senate, not including Clinton.

Stupendous crowds causing delays even for people with tickets. Marcy reported on the crowds this morning and we will have more from Spencer and Gregg.

Somber reporting because of the scare with Senators Kennedy and Byrd being taken away, ill, from the Senate lunch. 

Updates for both Senators affirm they are in better condition than originally feared. 

Parade order in this Elliott diary - much appreciated.

Sample of participants:

* Representatives from the US Army, United States Military Academy & US Army Reserve
* Punahou School JROTC
* Punahou School Marching Band
* Whitney M. Young Magnet High School Navy JROTC
* Isiserettes Drill and Drum Corps
* Jesse White Tumbling Team
* Florida A&M University Marching 100 Band
* Crow Nation of Montana
* Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School Marching Band
* Illinois Home State Float
* Brooklyn Music and Arts Program
* Theodore Roosevelt High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard and Drill Team
* Colts Drum and Bugle Corps
* Klein Collins High School Air Force JROTC
* Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums

The schedule is something like an hour late, with participants along the parade route wondering why there is a delay.

Heavy cheers from the crowds as the President's car goes slowly forward.

Very visible and heavy security.

Will be riding until 15th Street, then walking. There is a different level of security check for people who are permitted in that area. Had some experience there.

Obama is getting out of the car by the Navy Memorial. Michelle and Barack walking now - way ahead of schedule - up Pennsylvania Avenue.

Walking by the National Archives. Our beloved Constitution. The Bill of Rights.

Crowds screaming with joy as the Obamas walk by.

Muevete - Let's Move!

New physical fitness project for the DC schools. One of those folks looks mighty familiar.

*****

crossposted at firedoglake 15 january 2009

Mothers' Manifesto

We have — at minimum — two [unrelated] people among our commenters at Firedoglake who were involved in the resolution of the Irish struggles who are engaged with trying to bring the current situation in Gaza to the attention of the world.

After a certain number of decades/centuries of enmity both sides must agree to pull back and say, no more orphans.

No more children with arms and legs blown off.

No more people dying from stupid reasons like lack of medical supplies.

No more bombing hospitals and universities.

No more taking 18 year olds and throwing them into the furnace of war. It is wrong. It is immoral. The mothers of the world will tolerate it no longer.

*****

crossposted at firedoglake oxdown 1 jan 2009