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An inaugural irony

If Inauguration Day is the people's party, then the "people" have been redefined as those Americans with money and Republican connections. Virtually every block along the 55th Inaugural Parade route was reserved for those holding tickets. There were also some spots where protesters were herded, but the general public - those who just wanted to watch a piece of history unfolding - were pretty much left out in the cold.

If someone without a donor ticket did try to attend the parade along Pennsylvania Avenue, first they had to wait to be thoroughly searched at one of 12 checkpoints, as did all attendees. It was part of an impenetrable security ring reinforced by 13,000 law enforcement officers and military troops. Then they found that, unlike in years past when the public had places to stand along the parade route, no real provision had been made for them. The Washington Post quoted an FBI official who stated flatly, "There are no places on the parade route that are not already assigned or ticketed seating."

Certainly, with this being the first post-9/11 inauguration, an increase in protective measures was justified. But a lockdown of this magnitude has never been seen before, even in 1965 when Lyndon Johnson was sworn in while John F. Kennedy's assassination was fresh in the public's mind. Security was not the only concern. The inaugural's by-invitation-only approach mirrored that of President Bush's campaign. Almost every Bush political rally was a ticketed event where only those who were donors or supporters were allowed in.

Bush spent much of his inaugural address talking about freedom around the world, but anyone viewing the inaugural event on Thursday saw a celebration not of freedom but of wealth and privilege.

[Last modified January 23, 2005, 00:13:14]