There’s something at the core of my being that can’t stand anything to do with inaugurations, regardless of who’s getting inaugurated. They just seem so “kingly” and offensive to my anarchist sensibilities. There are also the practical, physical aspects of such events that bother me as well. For example, today’s inauguration of President Obama was costly. It was so costly that it was declared a “State of Emergency” by President Bush. This move helped to get some additional taxpayer dollars to pay for the parties and gala balls that will not only attract those seeking to be part of a historical moment, but the lobbyists who seek to influence the Democrats’ decisions over the next four years. Remember the parties at the Democratic National Convention last year?
While the costs were exhorbitant, the thing that bugs me the most about inaugurations is the distraction and disconnect created by such events. Other than a few rogue tweets I received, everyone I know was transfixed by what was going on. Haters of Obama became his most ardent supporters. People were filled with the feeling that they were experiencing something rare, even beyond seeing only the 44th President this country has ever had. While I have been critical of Obama in the past (and will continue to be), I don’t mean to take anything away from one man’s annointment through the mechanisms of the American electoral process. At the end of the day, though, Obama is one man. Repeat after me: ONE MAN. Claiming that “the dream” has been achieved because one man reached a pinnacle is a bit premature. True change on a global scale can only be realized when a whole lot of individuals wake up, make positive individual changes and stick to those changes. Obama might be able to lead others to the well, but the people need to make up their own minds to drink.
I think a lot of opportunities are missed with traditional inaugurations. If I was elected President, I would put my foot down and sternly decline the expensive inaugural festivities. After taking the oath of office, I’d take a few questions as I ran over to the White House for my first official day on the job, even though I’ve been working for the citizens of the country well before deciding to run for public office. And when the one reporter that still doesn’t get it asks me who my designer is, I’ll answer back, “You may have heard of him — JC Penney!” Instead of balls and expensive get-togethers haunted by lobbyists of every ilk, visitors to DC will be able to participate in teach-ins at every public place in the city. I’d be sure to stop by each and every one of them for some feedback on what real Americans want as part of my daily listening tour. No taxpayer money whatsoever will be spent on my inauguration. If private donors (who understand no strings are attached) can’t be found to fund the festivities, they won’t happen. Ehhh, maybe the world’s not ready for that sort of person holding elective office.
But there are questions that are still to be answered from today’s events. Why do I know that Michelle Obama wore a gown by Isabel Toledo? What insidious pet projects are lobbyists pushing for now that Democrats are in power? How does a school get named for a President before he has even taken office? Why is the media re-hashing the same economic policy options from months ago like we’re going to do it all over again? When will people realize that the most pressing forms of slavery aren’t from the distant past, but the one’s we are experiencing today? Forget about that nonsense, Michelle’s gown was really super cute — maybe I need to order one, two or maybe even twenty. You see, thanks to the mainstream media, the nature of politicians and the ease by which we are too easily distracted, even though there’s a new President, the distraction party won’t be over by a long shot. I guess it’s true that the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Entries (RSS)