Inauguration Feels Special to Many in Washington

[Hissyspit]

Source: New York Times

Inauguration Feels Special to Many in Washington

By IAN URBINA
Published: January 2, 2009
WASHINGTON — Presidents come and go from this city. Hosting inaugurations is nothing new. But for Washington residents, over 92 percent of whom voted for President-elect Barack Obama, his inauguration this month is special. “Voters are not looking for categories. They’re looking for results,” said Adrian M. Fenty, the mayor of Washington, a predominantly black city. Mr. Fenty, like President-elect Barack Obama, won an election as a more liberal bi-racial candidate who relied on a populist message.

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“For D.C., this inauguration is less like hosting a visiting official and more like throwing a homecoming party for a family member,” said Ronald Walters, a professor of government and politics at the University of Maryland. Dr. Walters added that normally the inauguration was an exclusive black-tie affair. “This time,” he said, “it feels like the city has taken ownership of what is becoming a people’s party.”

At Ben’s Chili Bowl, one of the city’s oldest and most famous restaurants, the inauguration offers a certain historical reconciliation. “It took about 40 years,” said Kamal Ali, the owner and son of the restaurant’s founder, Ben Ali. “But in terms of race relations, the celebration that day will bring this neighborhood, this city, full circle.” In April 1968, four days of race riots here after the King assassination left 12 people dead. Huge swaths of what was then called Black Broadway for its concentration of black-owned clubs and theaters were destroyed. Ben’s Chili Bowl was one of the few restaurants along U Street that was not burned or ransacked.

“What happened here along U Street on election night when Obama won was the exact inverse of those race riots,” said Mr. Ali, recounting how on Nov. 4 the streets filled with racially diverse crowds who were initially kept out of traffic by a large and somewhat jittery police force. Eventually, he said, the police opted to close down the area and let the partyers celebrate freely. Across the Anacostia River, in one of the city’s poorest sections, Thomas Thorton, 82, sat waiting for a bus. “For us, for this side of the river, the inauguration is personal,” Mr. Thorton said, standing in front of the hilltop Washington View Apartments, not far from the former home of the abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/03/us/03washington.html?hp

[Shardik]

1. I don't think they are the only ones feeling that way.

I live a long way away from DC and I feel this is going to be a very special inauguration.

K&R

[midnight]

2. Does this mean Washington gave Obama a mandate?

"over 92 percent of whom voted for President-elect Barack Obama, his inauguration this month is special."

[defendandprotect]

3. This should be a wonderful, magical time for everyone --

especially for those who have suffered racist oppression.

They’re looking for results,” said Adrian M. Fenty, the mayor of Washington, a predominantly black city. Mr. Fenty, like President-elect Barack Obama, won an election as a more liberal bi-racial candidate who relied on a populist message.

and I hope that we will see that populist message come to fruition ---