If you’re like me, you couldn’t help but have an interest in the historical impact of yesterday’s Inauguration of our 44th President. Although he wasn’t sworn in until just past noon, Barack did in fact become “President Barack Obama” the very minute the clock struck twelve.

As I was getting the kids ready for school yesterday morning, I was somewhat shocked at the amount of people who were already starting to gather. Even more so when I realized that the temperature was just as cold at the National Mall as it was here in Atlanta. (23 frigid degrees, but far from the record of minus 2 degrees at Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985.) Reports I read said that some 510,000 people had entered Washington’s Metro transit system by 11 a.m. Huge lines formed outside subway stations; many parking lots filled up and had to be closed.

None of that stopped more than 1 million people (some reports claim 2 million) who crammed onto the National Mall and along the Pennsylvania Avenue inauguration parade route yesterday to witness the swearing-in of the nation’s first black president. Weather you’ve heard 1 million or 2 million, it should be noted that crowd counting has long been a controversial issue. The National Park Service says Congress ordered it to stop doing crowd counts in 1997 after the agency was accused of underestimating numbers for the 1995 Million Man March.

People stood shoulder-to-shoulder at the Washington Monument, about 14 blocks away from the Capitol. Further away, people surrounded the Reflecting Pool, watching the inauguration of Barack Obama on large TV screens.

And while I don’t have all the details at the moment, it is my understanding that the ADI trip that was set up for this Inauguration went off without a hitch. I received a message late last night about it and I’m sure there will be more details to come later, but from what I’ve been told, it was a very busy and jammed packed day. The experience of a lifetime thanks to these YTB Agents and ADI.

Here’s an interesting little tid-bit that should tell you how important a role the internet plays in our lives. 7.7 million people watched video streams carried by a company called Akamai, which is hired by many news sites to handle video delivery. Another 2.5 million people watched the inauguration on sites that use Limelight for delivery, with most of the viewers staying for Obama’s entire speech.

And for one of those “are you kidding me?” moments yesterday, CNN.com had to place some viewers on a “wait list” for a while before they could view the live stream.

All four major cellular carriers — Verizon Wireless, AT&T Wireless, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile — had spent millions of dollars trucking in temporary cell-phone towers to Washington, D.C., to handle the huge strain inauguration attendees were expected to put on their networks.

AT&T customers said that some text messages had been arriving an hour after they’d been sent. Verizon Wireless spokesman John Johnson told the Boston Herald, “It could be the busiest day that anyone has ever seen.”

Something else I did not know until yesterday was the fact that like cruise ships, the Whitehouse was totally turned over in a 6 hour period of time. Some 90 White house staffers packed up and moved out the Busch family, and moved in the Obama family during the inauguration ceremonies. If you’ve ever been on a cruise you are in awe of how a ship can disembark 3000 people, and then embark 3000 new passengers, complete with luggage, food and fuel in a very short amount of time. I wonder if I could suggest that like the White house, our cloths and are personal belongings are put away for us like they did for the incoming President yesterday? Can you imagine? Packing up and moving out one family, and then moving in another family so that it looked like they had been living there for weeks in only 6 hours time?

In one of the more comical moments yesterday a clearly anxious President was ready to get underway. President Obama stepped on Chief Justice John Roberts’ administration of the oath, starting to repeat the lines before the justice finished his first sentence. But then the roles reversed when Obama detected that Roberts had recited the next line in the 35-word oath in the wrong order.

For the record the phrase is “that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States,” but Roberts attached “faithfully” after saying “president of the United States.” I did hear joking all day about this mishap, and some even teased that the President may not in fact BE President because the oath was not correctly given or spoken. (Not the case by the way.)

I also heard some rumbling about the $150 million being spent for this Inauguration. Most don’t realize that this $150 million was financed with private funds, not public. Critics also can’t seem to grasp the countless millions that the 1 to 2 million people who witnessed this Inauguration generated back into the economy by purchasing travel, food, souvenirs, and other necessities. That’s exactly what this economy needs to get us out of this mess we’re in.

One of the most refreshing events I’ve been able to witness since the election however, is a willingness to accept and support our new President. “President Barack H. Obama” may not have been you’re choice for leading this country the next four years, but most I’ve seen, (not all) have a clear understanding that he is our President none the less. It’s been said time and time again from many that we need to pray for and support this peaceful transition and new leadership. If you recall, Democrats never gave now former President George W. Busch a shot from the word go. (Hanging chads anyone?)

The next 100 days will be critical and looked upon under a microscope as our new Leader makes his way into his new roll. Change has come, and it’s yet to be seen if this change is either good or bad. It has certainly started out to be a one for the ages.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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TSO #588629

I spent the last two days listening to the radio and watching news channels with a keen eye and ear on the Election. I normally don’t like to mix Politics with just about anything I do. However, what transpired on Tuesday evening was an historic event in our Country.

What we witnessed was a true triumph of the American story. An American first, and it gives me, as it should you, hope that we can be, do, and have anything our hearts desire in this great country of ours. A first generation American, (as his father came from Kenya) and the first African American as President. A true product of good education, dedication and commitment to achieve the highest, most prominent position is the world today.

I really don’t care which political party you cater to, I believe what happened on Tuesday was monumental in our countries history. While I was only a child when the Civil Rights Movement was gaining steam in the 60’s, I do have a slight memory of a very sad birthday when I was young, April 4, 1968. More recently I claim a special connection with Tony Dungy, the first African American Head Coach to win a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts. Although my “special connection” is tied to Tony being a defensive back for my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers back in the 70’s.

I had a considerable interest in just how conservative proponents were going to respond to the election. I’ve been so use to bickering and finger pointing over the last two elections, (do I really have to bring up the hanging chads in Florida?) I have to admit; initially I was somewhat surprised over how some actually responded. They were gracious and like me feel that this was indeed an historic event in this countries history and needs to be recognized as such.

It was very comforting to see and hear how people could put aside their political differences and recognize the significance of this election when you consider what our founding fathers put in writing when they laid the foundation of this country stating that “All men are created equal”.

I heard a story on the radio about a 109 year old woman, the daughter of slaves, who voted for President Elect Obama. For those who were taught that this Nation would never elect an African American as President, how happy and overjoyed they must be to realize that what they were told or once believed was wrong. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that many of them have no problem being wrong, just this once.

I have to wonder how many people never gave the President Elect a chance because it’s “never been done”. How many let “odds” persuade them. How many thought the “facts” would prevent this African American from reaching his dream of the highest office in world.

The words “never”, “odds”, and “facts” are extremely overrated, only used by those that cater to the status quo.

When the nation was first introduced to the Jr. Senator from Illinois during the 2004 Presidential Election, I remember how intelligent and well spoken the man was. I knew nothing about his background, his family, or his political views. Now that he’s been elected as the next President of the United States I will add disciplined and focused to the list of qualities that make him qualified for the position that’s been set before him.

I can’t tell you how proud I am to be an American. We are a nation of achievers and dreamers. (Most of us anyway.) The true American spirit of triumph has been documented once again for every one of us to stand up and feel proud that the foundation of democracy is still very much alive and well in the 21^st century.

I wish the new President Elect success in his newly elected position. I remember when the exiting President came into office, many claimed they never believed he won as President and when he came into office they never accepted him as President. I never understood that type of thinking and I’m pleased to see that many of the people that I agree with, while disappointed in loosing this election, are wishing the new President Elect success and celebrating the momentous historical significance of our first African American President.

What a country.

Congratulations to those who voted for the Jr. Senator and our next President of the United States.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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Do You ZamZuu?

TSO #588629