Everyone saw the Inauguration. Everyone saw Obama get sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Everyone saw a historical event. However I wonder how many witnessed the contradiction that took place during this momentous time. America preaches freedom and equality for all but how can this hold true when religion is constantly woven into the very fabric of its existence. Political figures and documentation preach the separation of church and state but it was evident to anyone who watched the Inauguration that this is a blatant lie. From the prayer that took place before the ceremony to Obama's very speech, religious values could be seen taking place side-by-side this political event. Once again the U.S. has contridicted itself with the lie of separating its political actions from religious beliefs.
On a lighter note: the Inauguration was great lol. I had the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C and witness histroy being made. It was a beautiful moment in time that was definitely worth the struggle. I struggled with sleep deprivation, lack of shelter from the brisk cold and hunger pains but when Obama was sworn in and spoke the words of change none of that mattered.
I arrived around 4am in D.C. the day of the ceremony from about a 10/11-hour bus ride. The excitement on the bus grand, eveyone was ecstatic that we finally arrived and that history would be made in less than 24 hours. After miles of walking and temporary relief from shuttles I made it to the National Mall. It was soooooo cold and the ceremony was hours away before it commenced. So a friend and I snuck off into the Smithsonian for relief from the cold, exhaustion and hunger. As my limbs unthawed I perused the exhibits that the museum had to offer such as the The First Ladies exhibit, the African American and Jewish exhibit among various others.
The Smithsonian pratically robbed me by charging $15 for a chicken tender meal but the satisfaction of having a full stomach eased my woes. I walked through the museum again looking for a place to sit but it seemed like everyone decided to come here to seek refuge from standing and the cold. People were scatered everywhere on the four floors that made up the Smithsonian. Every seat was taken and people were lying all over the lobby and exhibit floors attempting to get a moment of sleep. As soon as I found a place to sit and get a quick nap in the meseum made an announcememt that there was no sleeping in the building and guards came by propmtyl to wake me up. I was so sad.
I finally ventured back into the cold...still exhausted but fed and as I pushed through the crowds of the Mall I watched history take place. I clapped, yelled and shouted "Obama!" The feeling of being there, on the National Mall, with millions of people, all supporters of the first African American president of the United States and his plan of change is indescribable. All I can say is that, as I along with millions of others watched President Obama get sworn in and speak, a feeling of hope overcame me and I now look forward to the next four years.
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