People, Parties and a taste of Power: #inauguration2017

I saw the bandstands being folded up just hours after the parade was over. One million people packed up and went home, having witnessed the proud, democratic transfer of power. It’s not Obama’s trite ‘change’ slogan, but a palpable feeling that something is going to happen. Like it or not, change is in the air.

View from our seats

My fellow women, or rather – angry marchers on Saturday, couldn’t dampen the spirits of those now in charge, getting a taste of parties before sitting down to the real work. Their messages were mixed and the purpose was lost on most. Readers of this blog will already be familiar with the main side of things, the spirited balls we attended, feeling not like strangers but more as players in a drama that has yet to unfold. Protesters were long and far between – and creepy, with masks and death chants.

People of all shapes and sizes converged together. Imagine how it feels to walk among fellow fans to the football stadium, pouring out of the Metro and making your way, jostled and smiling excitedly, anticipating the win. This win was a sure thing, which makes it even more tangible, despite the cold winds and long security lines. No one around us seemed to care about having umbrellas and selfie sticks confiscated as potential weapons and tossed in a growing pile, as long as our coveted tickets were in hand and the Capitol was in sight.

And then came the parties. Inaugural balls for the lucky ones who landed tickets and proudly selfied their way through the wait, as Trump and company took their time getting there. Certainly worth the wait though. We added two more balls – the clientele was younger and much more hip, sorry oldies – Western states & North Carolina, where the dance floor was full and the house was rocking. Mingling with Congressional leaders and party powerhouses, our conversation rarely turned to business – enough time for that after the clock struck midnight.

Barbie and Ken dress up for the ball:)

So now, with the flags packed up and the people returned to their respective states (and us to our country!), we turn to the power. Power that was won with trepidation by some and excitement by so many. Opportunity to exert power in a positive way, to ensure constitutional democracy is followed to the letter of the law. With ‘all three houses’ as I like to call them – the White House and both sides of the Capitol – in Republican hands, now’s the time to see what they can do.

Jerusalem, Israel’s united capital, seems to be first on the agenda. The embassy is just one of many issues of concern, and we hope that our US allies will do the right thing. We look to a bicameral Congress to legislate laws to protect the world from Iran. And we hope for economic growth for the nation that affects all others – and one that we hold dear as well.

I was proud to wear that Israel-US lapel pin, and hope that the country will give at least the 100 day grace period despite the insane rhetoric of superstars and media. Elections: fought, won and done. Now let the people who have been chosen to lead, get down to the business of power for goodness sake.