Inauguration Blog
Current and former State News reporters blog about their preparation and coverage of President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
Recent posts
-
'History is here'
Washington – I realized today how much the election meant to people.
Not only because Barack Obama is black, not only because George W. Bush was an unpopular president, not only because Obama has promised to revive America’s downward spiraling economy.
-
Inauguration crowds are no hype
Washington – My prediction that the inauguration crowds were a little over-hyped was off — by a long shot.
-
Lansing pastor visits with future congregation in D.C.
Washington – Sunday morning, before heading out into the crazy crowds of Washington, D.C., we decided to head over to Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ in northwestern D.C., to catch up with the Rev. Michael Murphy.
Murphy, the founding pastor of St. Stephen’s, in Lansing, will become the ninth pastor of the 118-year-old church in February.
Inauguration activities not limited to Washington D.C.
If you’ve been keeping up on Inauguration news, it may seem like everybody and their roommate is expected to make the trip to Washington, D.C., to watch President-elect Barack Obama officially drop the “elect” from his title. But, while 3 or so million people is a lot, that still leaves about 300 million Americans whose best bet at witnessing the event is watching it on TV.
So, you’re one of the vast majority of people not going to the inauguration? Not to worry. Organizers have promised to “open up the inauguration” to make it accessible to the masses. There’s a lot you can do to be a part of the inaugural weekend without leaving East Lansing.
- The Obama team has stressed using the Inauguration as an opportunity for community service. Last week, Colin Powell held a press conference to raise awareness for a nationwide day of service on Martin Luther King, Jr. day. Visit the President-elect’s newly-formed volunteering Web site, usaservice.org, to find opportunities in and around East Lansing, or visit www.servicelearning.msu.edu to find events on and around campus.
- If the Inauguration is just a big party to you, there’s no need to miss out because you’re stuck in Michigan. Visit the Inauguration Web site, pic2009.org, to schedule your own ball. Or just invite a bunch of friends over to toast to democracy.
- Obama’s team also has set up a citizens’ briefing book, on which citizens can deliver messages regarding their stances on major issues and how they believe Obama should prioritize his first months in the White House. The most popular issues will be included in a briefing book which the Obama will receive after taking office. Visit citizensbriefingbook.change.gov to share your thoughts.
- For up-to-the-minute updates on inaugural events, text “open” to 56333. You’ll receive information on national and local activities, road closures and other Inauguration-related news.
Comments
Jennifer Sals
01/15/09 @ 7:44pm
Take a look at that Briefing Book. Go when you have some time to really sort through it and think about what’s important to you and you can vote ideas up or down. There’s a really sad story about the state of lung cancer today and a woman’s personal story. Why doesn’t anyone know this stuff? Sad case.