Daily Archives: 01/21/2009

(Community Matters) My good friend Mark Nathan wrote me to say neither he nor Lee have had anything to do with the draft Lee movement. I know and like both Mark & Lee and trust their word, so apologize for saying otherwise.

I want to clarify. I consider councilmember Lee Leffingwell a friend, hold him in much regard. He’s an outstanding council member. My support for another candidate is in no way opposition to Lee.

I am supporting Brewster McCracken for mayor because he is a tireless worker with much vision and ambition. He’s got the energy to work even longer hours than most men of his even relatively young age, and he connects with voters in the progressive, business, youth, minority, LGBT and suburban communities. We don’t always agree on all issues, but he explains his thoughts and his decision process always sounds fair. We especially need a hands on mayor as well as a visionary at this challenging time. For this and many other reasons, Brewster is the right man in the right place. Posted from my blackberry

(Community Matters) The magical first 100 days. Will Barack’s defacto national stage reign since Nov 5 eat into his 100 day honeymoon? Let’s hope not. Love seeing his inclusion of the GOP/Washington elite.

First dinner party out at the home of conservative pundit George Will.

Monday night’s bipartisan candlelight dinners – especially the one honoring McCain which drew many of Texas’ elites including GOP stalwarts. I hear even Pat Buchanan is calling the One a class act.

And, while we’ve been lamenting a country in chaos inherited by the vessel of our dreams, maybe the economic meltdown, wars and tattered, global American standing represent unprecedented opportunities rather than obstacles. A little cover to reassess campaign pledges, the context for urging sacrifice & lowered expectations (not to mention a chance in hell we’ll actually comply) and how hard will it be to improve our international standing. We’ve already been taken to rock bottom by shrub and darth vader. The One finds us lined up to follow him out of hell. Posted from my blackberry. (from Washington DC’s National Airport, can we finally drop the Reagan tag?)

(Community Matters)
Still waiting to hear what pardons GWB issued in his final hours. Fortunately, O’s admonistration and the courts immediately to work stopping egregious environmental regs approved final weeks. Posted from my blackberry.

(Community Matters)

Happy happy birthday to one of my best friends.

(Community Matters) Today’s inauguration. Hard to describe, though that sure isn’t limited to those who attended. I read Facebook postings this afternoon which showed those watching on tv got everybit those of us in the audience felt. Hope, inclusion, diversity, competence. We were lucky arriving and getting through security. Long story but we arrived very leisurely and late relative to others. Lucky for us the back of the orange line became the beginning of the orange line when they opened that checkpoint, so I think we only waited 15 minutes. We emerged to shouts of “hey, the orange line is A LIE.” See a Meredith for other telling orange line stories. Being actually there was of course an extraordinary privilege. And, as expected, the sun warmed us up (not to mention several layers, some thermol). Ran into friends on the grounds. Observed one of my best friends, Kirk Rudy, on the platform just behind the podium. Eight national finance committee members were selected to sit on stage, Kirk – very appropriately – represented those of us from Texas & Oklahoma. .Steven visited with Kirk & Coop Watson and Juan Sepulveda & Teresa Nino all queueing for the potty. Kirk & Coop stood earlier with Tom Hanks.

Mickey & Jeanne Klein

Merediths

Suzanne Winkelman & family

Bruce Springstein was seated behind the Winks for a while but had been ushered to even cusher digs by the time I found them.

Meredith women (though sans Abby)

As they were showing various politicians entering the platform, the crowd responded enthusiastically to Powell, Gore, the Clintons and especially Jimmy Carter. They stayed mostly silent during the introduction of GWH Bush, a little (thankfully not much) booing during 43’s introducing. Though, earlier twice when Senator Lieberman was shown on the screen, very loud boos – deserved?

I thought President Obama gave an excellent inaugural speech – including that we reject as false the choice between the safety of our country and ideas and how we will lead again. Many other important points as well, though a very long day. I’m looking forward to reading the full text tomorrow.

What most stood out today was everyone’s great spirits. Even though roads were blocked, people were having to walk far in the cold, were bumping into each other, sometimes cutting off one another, spirits remained high and folks (nearly 2mm) extraordinarily cordial and respectful. That so many African Americans participated which such enthusiasm, this signals a huge milestone in our nation’s history.

Steven and I had a wonderful meal tonight with the Merediths/Winkelmans and their guests. We decided against the Southern Inaugration Ball and gave away our tickets. We couldn’t top today, Denver and Grant Park, especially after such a warm, intimate dinner where we discussed what today means and how it impacts us and those we love.

Happy President Barack Hussein Obama Day.

much love,

there’s an album of even more photos 

on my facebook page – Obama’s Inauguration