Heh. It also corresponds with Obama’s approval rating in the US. So, I’d guess that anyone who already supports him probably wouldn’t be alienated by repleaing DADT. And he needs to go ahead and repeal DOMA while he’s at it.

“We finally got into DC, marvelled at their lovely metro — no one pushes! everyone lets people out of the cars before they try to get in! there’s carpet! the seats are padded! reader boards tell you what time the next train is coming! it doesn’t smell like pee! — and headed out to my sister’s place.”

Yes, this. Arguably the best metro system in the US. Whenever I go to New York, I realize how spoiled I was by living in the DC area. Also, when I lived in Montreal. I can’t imagine the system quite as pleasant as usual on the actual day (when you all got held there for hours on end), but usually, yeah… Love the DC metro.

Anyway, I had really wanted to go. Definitely feel like I missed out on something, as much as it sounds like getting around was a huge pain in the ass. I keep hearing from friends who live there that DC really dropped the ball on transportation and efficiency in helping people get around. My sister saw several people (who had come from the West coast and who actually had tickets) crying when they were turned away because of overcrowding. Thing is, though… I’m not really sure *how* DC could have prepared for that kind of mass of people or if they have the kind of infranstructure in place to deal with it. DC is really quite a lot smaller than New York… In any case, it sounds like you had a great time in spite of all of the annoyances. Thanks for the post about it!

A-freakin’-men, and pass the vegan abortion donut. That’s exactly right. Great report.

Jealous of the Dean hug, though he shouldn’t be wearing that jacket. Great color on you.

Kate: Hi. Can I have a free abortion donut please?

Krispy Kreme Dude: Uh… a what?

Kate: A free abortion donut. I heard you were giving them out.

Krispy Kreme Dude: Abortion donuts?

Kate: Yeah. For the inauguration. Free abortion donuts.

Krispy Kreme Dude: Abortion donuts? Did you have an abortion?

Kate: No. But I think if I did, I would probably want a donut.

Krispy Kreme Dude: I have no idea what you’re talking about.

That this was an actual conversation makes me feel… like dancing on air. That was HILARIOUS.

Krispy Kreme Dude: Abortion donuts? Did you have an abortion?
Kate: No. But I think if I did, I would probably want a donut.

HAHAHAHAHA. :)

Loved the whole story, but just as a dumb little note… That’s not necessarily smart. The NYT did a story on NYC subway escalators failing in similar circumstances, and people being seriously injured.

I’m a 66 year old white man that read your article through a Yahoo newsgroup. Wow! First you gave me a clear feeling of what DC was like on this historic week. That in itself was a remarkable piece of writing but has been duplicated by countless others. But your political perspective was even better. Some of my friends are unrepentant Socialists — a few even voted for Nader which in my opinion was like pissing into the wind. But one in particular actually got excited on inauguration day, especially by the speech and by the benediction (one of the greatest prayers I’ve ever heard). She and I have different leanings politically (I’m much more of a pragmatist) but we agree with you — Obama and his administration will not be perfect but we have an opportunity to shape policy and move forward — he will listen and then decide and that’s a damn site better than what we’ve had in the past many years. My own personal take is that we elected the best person for the job, he just happens to be black (actually he’s a self proclaimed Mutt — a mix of a lot of various heritages….just like the vast majority of the people in our country). Finally you close the piece discussing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and again I find myself pumping my fist in 100% agreement.

Great bit of writing and thanks for doing it.