Swearing-in ceremony will be mayhem

By Kelly House

Created:
01/19/09 9:38pm

Last updated:
01/19/09 9:38pm

No comments

Washington D.C. — Tomorrow’s the big day.

President-elect Barack Obama will assume the presidency in front of a crowd expected to be, by far, the largest gathering ever on the National Mall.

And while part of me is excited to hear what Obama will have to say (with all those people coming just to hear him speak, he better make it good), another part of me is just looking forward to watching the mayhem that will likely ensue when millions of people try to leave the mall after the ceremony.

We got a taste of it after Sunday’s opening celebration, when thousands of people were crowded outside a metro station waiting for trains. After waiting with them for a few minutes, we gave up and called a friend for a car ride back to our home base. But I’d be willing to bet people were waiting there for hours.

And the numbers on Sunday were fewer than half of what is expected for Tuesday.
Anticipating the likelihood of problems arising from the large crowds, the Obama team today issued an advisory for families to develop a planned meeting place in case they become separated.

The Red Cross is planning to have community outreach teams on hand to help reconnect lost children and others with their families. Law enforcement officers and volunteers will also be instructed to be ready to assist with lost individuals.

Hopefully, I won’t be one of them. This city’s confusing, and I don’t know if I could swallow my pride enough to ask for help.

Commentary

Add your $0.02, go to the comment form or follow the comment feed

About Inauguration Blog

Current and former State News reporters blog about their preparation and coverage of President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

Follow this blog in your feed reader

FEATURED CLASSIFIEDS: More classifieds »

In Employment:

In Apts. For Rent:

FALL/SUMMER 1-2 bdrm apt.

In Services:

SEND VOCALISTS to your Valentine.

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK:More reprints »

A firework display shimmers and shines above Cooley Law School Stadium Sunday night after the Lansing ...
Florence Welch, lead singer of London-based indie group Florence and the Machine, throws up a sign of ...
As deconstruction of the MSC smokestack continues, bricks pile up at the foot of the once iconic MSU ...
Paige Triezenberg, a global and area studies senior, uses a small trowel to clear dirt around an animal ...
Bournville, England resident Trevor Workman plays the carillon for the first Muelder Summer Carillon ...