Carole Wakefield
Stevenson: 'How do you feel about the inauguration of Barack Obama?'
I am Lea, and this commentary is about Inauguration Day from my perspective.
First of all, I'd like to thank Senator Russ Feingold for giving my family tickets! Thanks a bunch. Second, I want to make it clear that getting into the stands when you have tickets is not as easy as pie! There were not clear directions whatsoever to get to the gates. It was confusing and very crowded! My parents and I had to hold each others hands very tightly.
But to tell about getting in would just be painful to read, or in my case, to write, so we will skip to when we got into the stands. To our happiness and surprise, we got a terrific view for getting there later than we had hoped. Musicians played songs that had something to do with history. But while that was going on, I had problems of my own.
Problem one: I am cold! Problem two: I am not the tallest kid around, and I couldn't see the screen or the stage. The first problem is answered by John, my dad, as he rubs his hand on me. They must have heaters in them -- they are so warm! The second problem was again answered by John: He lifts me up to see the screen.
The music is over and out come senators and other important people like past presidents. I can't remember all their names, but I do remember there was applause for Ted Kennedy, Bill Clinton, and obviously, Barack Obama.
It was surprising that so, so, so many people booed the Bushes. When the swearing-in happened, peopled cried, looked serious, and smiled, but George Bush didn't do any of those things. He looked serious and annoyed, not to put the heat on him.
Readers, I ask you to close your eyes, and imagine being there. How would you feel? Would you feel happy, sad, shocked, angry, afraid, inspired or hopeful? I ask you, how do you feel about the inauguration of Barack Obama? After the swearing-in, President Obama made a long speech that if you'd like to hear you could try looking up online. [Here is the transcript provided by The New York Times.]
At the end everyone cheered!!! It was all exciting, but around half the time also boring, so I advise parents in the future that if you bring your child to an inauguration, bring something small for them to do. Well, that about wraps up my commentary.
Lea Stevenson is in 4th grade at Marquette Elementary School in Madison.
