People, Power and Promise

If you have been watching any TV, you already have seen the impressive crowds and the inspiring monuments neither of which require any more amplification. But in spite of all the talking heads talk, the energy and excitement is so indescribable. Cynics may say the "love in the air will soon be replaced by the old acrimony", but if our new young President has anything to say, I doubt it.

Standing in the crowd during yesterday's fee Lincoln Memorial concert, it was hard not to strike up conversation with a fellow American. The talk was not only about the size of the crowd but the cheerfulness and pleasantness of the people. We decided that we people have been starved for smart, powerful leaders, and we are all just in awe (and holding our breath) with the possibilities of promise.

Last night at Ohio's Ball, over 900 people partied at the Mayflower Hotel. When the ENTIRE Ohio State University Marching Band-all 225 of them dressed in full uniform-marched into the ballroom, there were plenty of surprised faces and dropped jaws as the world's largest brass and percussion band entertained the crowd for 30 minutes! Watch for OSU Band marching in tomorrow's inaugural parade. Seen in the crowd were two of  the Democratic wannabe Senatorial candidates: Lee Fisher and Tim Ryan. (Last week, Ohio's Senator George Voinovich announced he will not run for re-election-leaving an open seat to attract a lot of attention) Lots of speculation...

Sadly Sherrod Brown, our great US Senator, was detained back home in Ohio, as his mom is not well. We wish her well.  Ohio's Governor Ted Strickland: Missing. Ted, Where were you?

Pictures will be posted later.