Welcome Mr. President

Dear Mr. President,

            I like you, I voted for you and I was excited to take part in your historic inauguration day.  I was pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to make our way downtown.  For weeks the local media has been forecasting a giant clusterf**k of people and transportation issues.  But I boarded the metro at 9:15 and was in McPherson square by 10:20; while we had to stand shoulder to shoulder in the car it was no worse than after a Nationals game.  To enter the parade area there was no line and security was a breeze (save the nasty cop who patted me down, but you can’t be blamed for that).  We found a decent spot,  on Pennsylvania and 14^th in the third row back from the barricades,  pretty quickly. And there we stood for the next 5 hours without a bathroom break or compliant.  Yes, it was very crowded, so much so that I could not lift my hands above my head to fix my hat or take a single step to the left or right; but you would be proud, people were friendly, kind and courteous.  Sure it was cold, but I’m a New England girl, I dressed in layers.  Besides with that many people squashed together, there was enough heat.  And while I wished they had provided Jumbotrons on the parade route, I was pleased that least there was an audio broadcast of the ceremony.  Overall, I was happy and excited. 

            Now, if you knew me personally you’d be quite impressed with the above description. I cannot think of another time in my life when I have stood in one place for 5 hours without complaining.  I am not known for my patience, in fact I have a reputation of being very impatient.  I get restless on a 3 hour plane ride and annoyed when waiting 20 minutes to ride a log flume.  I do not like sitting, or in this case standing, and doing nothing.  I get bored easily, and am very vocal when bored or impatient.  However, yesterday I waited for you.  But you were late- very late!  I understand tardiness (especially in light of the medical emergencies I found out about later), punctuality is not one of my strengthens either.  Yet, I try very hard to communicate with people when I’m running late. I inform them of the reason for my delay and expected time of arrival.  I was sorely disappointed that you did not give us the same consideration.  Many people, including lots of children, who had been standing in the cold for hours waiting for a glimpse for you, gave up and left when you were over an hour late.  I felt really bad for the children who were so tired and cold yet were so eager to see you.

            I stood strong though.  So, I hope you’ll understand my anger with you about your decision to remain in the car.  I know you got out and walked a few times.  In my opinion you should have walked the whole route,  it is only 1.5 miles.  And security was very tight; three snipers on every rooftop, police or military personal every foot, not to mention the 9 huge SUV’s surrounding your car, and that is just the security I saw.   I know someone on your campaign staff must have mentioned first impressions to you, how important they are and how you only have once chance to make a good one.   Well, the first presidential impression you left with me was one of  rudeness, inconsideration and elitism.  

            While I was disappointed I didn’t get to see you stroll by, I am still glad I made the effort to participate in this special day.  Seeing your smiling face and waving hand behind 5 inches of glass as your limo passed by is still more than most people will ever experience.  It was a memorable event. 

            Now, please go repeal “No Child Left  Behind” so that I can forgive you and we can move on from this disappointing episode quickly.

                        Sincerely,

                                    Leigh

 

PS- We made it home without trouble too.  We even got seats on the metro.  

***if you look quickly and closely, you can see him behind the heavly tinted window.