Philly event this Saturday is apparently "invitation only"

[AyanEva]

One of my co-workers just came in and told me that the police said it over the radio. He was pretty upset because he wanted to go. You can only come if you have an invitation. :( I thought that it was open to the public! I'll be there as a volunteer Team Captain but that sucks for a lot of people I know who were looking forward to going. It might be worth a shot to come and stand outside anyway because he still has to drive in and walk through whatever door. I'm sure a lot of people will do just that.

I was wondering why the email that the Inaugural Committee sent to everyone said to join the train in Wilmington. I was like, "what about Philly?" Evidently that's why.

[T Wolf]

1. Logistics matter. It will be enough of a traffic/commuter jam without thousands showing up to look.

Add in the security issues and it makes sense.

For myself, I never have seen the appeal of merely being present to "see" a politician or any celebrity. Now, if a real engagement with conversation could occur, that would be worthwhile. But America, and the entire world, is "star-struck" whenever one of our "betters" is around. So precautions like this are necessary.

[TTUBatfan2008]

2. What about sports?

Granted, you pay money usually to watch them. I'm a huge Tiger Woods fan. I've never seen him play but I have been to one PGA Tour event and got to watch the likes of Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. It is very impressive to watch them in person, far more than on TV. On TV you don't get to see the trajectory of their shots.

[T Wolf]

4. Watching a game is actually seeing the athlete perform. Would you go to the airport to watch them

walk through the concourse? That is the difference.

Now, seeing them accidentally is another matter. Years ago, at a hotel for a conference, I passed by (under?) Patrick Ewing in a narrow hallway. That was cool, and more than a little intimidating.

[AyanEva]

3. Yes I know.

I figured it was for security and logistics (since the trains leave from underground) but I'm just saying that a lot of people are going to be disappointed because this might have been the last chance for them to see him in person for quite some time.

And I don't begrudge anyone for wanting to see the President-Elect. I mean, wasn't that sort of the point of the rallies? We'd heard the speeches a million times but people wanted to give their respects by showing up. Also, many (myself included) find him inspiring and even a small glimpse brings those feelings to the forefront. What's the harm in that? Is inspiration suddenly bad? I've run into so many elderly Blacks who were so proud of Obama and to call someone like that "star struck" is rather cold. Sorry to sound a bit harsh but I can't rag on someone for wanting to see, in the flesh, the proof of the triumph over a long, hard struggle. Especially when I share their sentiments.

Sorry if I've taken your post the wrong way but the "star struck" comment really gets to me.

[firedupdem]

5. There's no harm at all. I think it's great that people want to be a

part of this historical moment. I wish I could be anyplace close! I'm glad you are volunteering your time to this effort. Enjoy the day!!!