It’s wonderful being with my family, but a trip to Washington always has a bittersweet side. For me, the city represents the road not taken.
I love our nation’s capital: the sense of history, the proximity to power, the international flavor, the beauty of the city’s design, the museums and the monuments. Before I made a permanent detour to California, this is where I imagined living. For a political junkie there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.
Now this is true more than ever. In a different life, I’d have my application in for a chance to participate. The preparations and construction for inauguration day are barely visible yet, but you can sense it in the air. Change is coming. Washington is ground zero for hope.
In the middle of Obamamania, I thought I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. I went back to be sure it wasn’t a bad dream. No, this was real.
I could get this. The Republicans haven’t pulled up stakes yet. Maybe they’re sentimental.
They’re even on sale. So I asked the guy who ran the shop whether he’s selling many McCain/Palin items lately. Since election day, he said, not a one.
A few die-hards in my neighborhood have not pulled up their McCain-Palin yard signs yet. I don’t know if: a) they left them behind when they packed up and moved to Canada immediately after the election; b) they are waiting for the Electoral College results later this month; or c) they stuck their heads in the sand when the election results starting going the wrong way (by their lights) and haven’t yet extracted them or suffocated from sand inhalation. Whatever the case, I respect their right to free expression even if I don’t understand what they are expressing.
I completely agree! What a great country where you can express your opinion so freely. If those signs are still standing, then you must live in a very friendly neighborhood.