Inauguration 2009

Waiting for the Parade at the Newseum

Yesterday’s Inauguration of our 44th President was, of course, historic for many reasons, but it was extra special to me for one reason in particular. Seeing the 2 mile span of The Mall covered with a million people eager to participate in that historic event was awe inspiring.

Now it’s the morning of the first full day, and the real world requirements of the position must now weigh heavily on our new President’s shoulders, as they should. The burden looks especially heavy to me in light of the previous Administration’s lackluster performance. My blog, my opinion.

Yesterday, the market hit 14-year lows, which sets up the potential for strong gains for long term investors’ new investments  by virtue of the lower starting point. Or not. I mention this because of the parallel between the Bush and Obama administrations. The previous one was such a cumulative disaster that the comparative performance the new one has a strong shot at out-performance given its low starting base. Again, my blog, my opinion.

All the best to you, President Obama.  I hope that you and the market knock our socks off with solid upside performance that exceeds our collective expectations and hopes.

The Obama Inauguration – Hottest Ticket In Town

This screen shot from Congresswoman Elanor Holmes Norton’s webpage tells the tale about the hottest ticket in DC – Inauguration Tickets.  Just a day after it was announced that the best way for schmucks to get Inauguration Tickets was to contact the Inauguration Committee or your congress person, and politely request to have your name added to the list of potential recipients, Congresswoman Norton’s office was absolutely swamped with requests.

The demand for the hottest ticket in town (which hasn’t even been released yet!) was so great that this is what I found when I pulled up Congresswoman Norton’s site:  “Inauguration Tickets Not Available.  Please do not call or email.”

DC is going to be filled to the brim for this Inauguration.  I’ve been here for a few events, including Clinton’s first inauguration and the Million Man March.  The whispered word going around town points to Obama’s first inauguration drawing a very large crowd indeed.  Judging by the listings on Craigslist for housing during Inauguration week, like this $10,000/week condo in Kalorama this should be some party!  With my house near U Street, maybe I should consider engaging in a little opportunisitc capitalism myself.  Things that make you go “Hmmm” indeed!