Inauguration tales.

I skipped class to watch the inauguration of Barack Obama. Should be no surprise to anyone who knows me... this is the third time I've skipped this year for presidential reasons, lol. Definitely, definitely worth it though.

The Marshall Center was holding an inauguration party in the Ballroom, with big screens, food, etc. Me, Theresa, Cici, Kim, Heather S, Lauren A, and Leo all ended up watching it together. It was an amazing experience. I got there about an hour early, in time to watch everyone arriving on stage. It was really, really exciting. I was just in awe of it all. I had my camera (well, really it was Jordan's camera) and as soon as I can get my computer to read this stupid SD card, I'll post pics. I shot a movie of his swearing-in, too, and I'll post it as soon as possible.

Being there with so many people watching Obama's inauguration was almost as good as watching it in DC... maybe even better, since we weren't in a sea of 2 million people out in 20 degree weather, lol. All eyes in the room were fixed on the screen. Hundreds and hundreds of people were there, and every news station around (including Telemundo!) brought a news crew. Cameras were lined up around the perimeter of the room. We all stood when they asked everyone to please rise, we bowed our heads together to pray, everyone laughed after Rick Warren's pronounciation of "SASHA!" and Obama's stumbling of words as he took the oath... and as he was declared president, the room ERUPTED in cheers, yelling, jumping, and shouting. Watching the millions celebrating in DC over the giant screen gave us a second wind, and we cheered and cheered some more. I was so happy, and so proud to be a part of this moment in history. We were filled with hope and anticipation as we all listened attentively to his speech, and I'll never forget the feeling. I feel like I was a part of something very special.

Now, I'm not delusional. I know Obama does not hold the answer to all the problems of the world. I know that he is only human, and like any other human, he will have failures along with his successes. But I am so overjoyed at having even a tiny share in electing the first black president of the United States, and I am really in awe of the ability he has shown so far to inspire hope through his words. I pray that he and our other leaders will be kept safe, and that he will make wise, humble, and honest choices as he leads our country in a new direction.

But wait, there's more. I know what you're asking... on top of all this, what could have possibly made the day any better?

That's right. 20 cent tacos at Taco Bell. Me and Ryan waited a half hour for our 10 tacos, which cost a total of $2.14, because... well... we really had nothing better to do, and I love people-watching. The packed Taco Bell on the outskirts of Suitcase City is just something that I will always remember as the cherry on top of a simply wonderful day.

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Biden' my time... har har

Just got back from the Sundome, after standing in the front row for the Biden rally. What a great speech. I was very impressed with the turnout, as well.

Joe seems to be honest, intelligent, and respectable. I enjoyed listening to what he had to say, and I think he's right on. What a great choice for VP!

I got to shake his hand after, too... hehe.

Unfortunately, my camera is busted, so I couldn't take any pics. They would have been awesome... literally, front row. *sigh* But I got the names of some people around me with cameras, and they're gonna post pics on Facebook. As soon as I can get a hold of them, I'll post 'em on here!

Don't knock "community organizers..."

Lauren found this, and I just had to share it.

(Adapted from a blog posted by "BonnieSchlitz")

After watching the malicious speeches last night mocking Senator Obama, and by proxy, cynically attacking all of us who support our local communities, I thought it would be prudent to educate the Republican Party on the historical role of community organizers. For a quick reminder, let's recap Giuliani's snark:

He worked as a community organizer. (Laughter) What?...Barack Obama has never led anything, nothing, nada.

And Palin's vacuous follow-up:

This world of threats and dangers, it's not just a community and it doesn't just need an organizer. (Laughter.)

That these bastions of the GOP would denigrate the importance of community organizers on the same night their party nominates its first female vice presidential candidate shows an utter disrespect for the people of this country and a laughable ignorance of the power we wield. This is what community organizers do...

They change the world. Block by block, city by city, state by state, nation by nation...

So, GOP, meet community organizer Susan B. Anthony. She helped guarantee women's suffrage in the United States by giving public speeches and uniting with fellow advocates of change.

Meet community organizer Martin Luther King Jr. He helped end racial segregation and discrimination by inspiring a nation to come together and realize their dreams.

"Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love."

Meet community organizer Cesar Chavez. He helped farm workers secure labor rights and fair wages. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy called him "one of the heroic figures of our time."

Meet community organizer Dorothy Day. She helped found the Catholic Worker movement to help the poor and homeless, and promote social justice.

Meet community organizer Jane Jacobs. She helped rebuild and revitalize city neighborhoods and made people consider the wide-ranging benefits of supporting our urban cultures.

Meet community organizer Mohandas Gandhi. He peacefully led the people of India in efforts to acquire labor fairness, women's rights, and ethnic tolerance, and he helped secure the freedom of a nation.

Then there's this guy. Meet community organizer Jesus of Nazareth. He advocated for the poor, for the sick, for the socially excluded...and continues to help provide people solace during their "quiet storms." His community helped found the religion known as Christianity. He said "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

When you disparage community organizers, Republicans, you evince a complete ignorance of the fact that organizers do more with their words than just speak them. They remind people of their shared humanity, of their responsibilities, and of their power as a unified force to face injustice, and oppression, and inspire them to be the change they've been waiting for.

And now meet community organizer Senator Barack Obama. He worked with congregations and registered voters on the South side of Chicago to help them improve their neighborhoods and hold politicians accountable for their actions. Along with Senator Joe Biden, he currently leads the largest movement for change in the history of American politics.

If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress.

So you see, Republicans, it's never really about the organizer, it's about the community...

Remember that on November 4th. Remember the power of the people.

WOW

Anyone who knows me knows that Thursdays are crazy busy (classes, leadership meetings and Common Ground!), especially this first Thursday of the semester. So I was, of course, not watching Obama's acceptance speech at the Dem Convention.

Me and Ryan watched it tonight online (we actually began watching the Rep Convention on TV, and couldn't stand it any longer... lol). All I can say is... WOW. What a speech. What a leader. The speech was close to an hour long, and we watched the whole thing.

Listening to him made me very excited to see where this country can go. I need to look into his platforms more carefully to see details of where he stands, but I could clearly tell from his speech that I agree with the majority of his values. He would be a fantastic leader for this nation. I can see it now... He made me really excited about the upcoming election. I can't believe it's only 2 months away!!

If you haven't seen his speech, and you've got some time on your hands, check it out.