Prohibited Items at the 2009 Inauguration

The thought actually crossed my mind to see if my attending Obama's inauguration would be a possibility. Yes, I despise crowds and hate it when people are in my space. Yes, I know the temperatures are projected to be below freezing, but if flights were open I would seriously consider making the flight over.
I check flights for Tuesday, the day of the event. Wide Open. Its as if I would be flying into a remote destination in Montana. Ok hmm. My interest is piqued.
So I go to google to see what time the event actually happens (this was the link I found)
Since the 20th amendment states that the term of the presidency expires at noon on the twentieth, that is when the swearing in will be happening.
This was when I noticed the list of prohibited items which was listed directly below this information...

Prohibited Items

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Firearms and ammunition (either real or simulated)
• Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
• Knives, blades, or sharp objects (of any length)
• Mace and/or pepper spray
• Sticks or poles
• Pocket or hand tools, such as “Leatherman”
• Packages
• Backpacks
• Large bags
• Duffel bags
• Suitcases
• Thermoses
• Coolers
• Strollers
• Umbrellas
• Laser pointers
• Signs
• Posters
• Animals (other than service animals)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners

I had no idea that it would be easier to get on the plane to get to the event (with all the excessive screening issues faced there), than to be one of the millions of people situated in a crowd, probably so far away you couldnt even see what is going on. I can understand a majority of the items, but no bags? No backpacks? It says to expect to be standing/waiting for at least 3 hours and you are not allowed to bring anything with you? Its supposed to be almost freezing but you are not allowed to bring a thermose with something to keep you warm from the inside? No strollers for children? Umbrellas? Pray it doesnt rain. Or do the no-rain dance before heading over.

What's next? In four years is clothing going to be banned? Who knows what a person could be holding in their jacket, or in the back of those fitted jeans. And in the million man crowd, I think that my space issues may pose to be a true problem if everyone is forced to stand around in their skivvies. Or better yet, nothing.

Who says that Politics and Government doesn't have a sense of humor?

If you don't vote you have no right to complain.

There has been talk in the political spectrum about what is considered patriotic and what is considered non patriotic. Supposedly, there are different parts of the country that are more "American" than others, and being that I live in a metropolis my America is not the "Real America". But even the "fake American" that I am, I decided to exercise my patriotic right last night: I mailed in my ballot and cast my vote.
I received it about a week or so ago and after loosing it twice I decided to not press my luck again so I filled it out, deciphered what to do with the special little envelopes and sealant flaps, signed it, flipped it over and wrote in my name in the return to sender box and then I saw my problem. Postage was required.
Its been ages since I sent a letter.
I pay all my bills online, and who sends real cards anymore? (maybe this is just in fake America, right?)
So after attempting to look online for the current price of a stamp, to which all I could find was the price to send a large envelope, I decided to call my mom. She still pays all her bills the old fashioned way! She informed me that the current price of a stamp was 42 cents, but this was after I told her what I needed it for, and since she is a staunch republican I hate to admit it, but I had some doubts. It was too late in the game to be fooled by the other side at this point, so back to the internet I went and this time I was able to find the price of a roll of 100 stamps.. after a little math (you see, contrary to what some believe, math IS transferable to the real world) I found the price (and I already knew from prior experience that the postal service is pretty much the only place where you do not get a discount for buying in bulk).
Now, the only stamps that I have are these flag stamps that I bought to send out bridal shower invitations for my sisters wedding over a year ago, and they did not have a price on them anywhere... fearing that it would be sent back to me due to insufficient postage I decided to put two post card stamps (I always have these on hand), at 24 cents each, on the damn thing and called it good. Its worth the extra 6 cents for the peace of mind, and let me tell you, it felt good actually contributing the the cause and letting my voice be heard :)
Now, let the countdown to the celebration party begin!
T minus four days...

Obama Waffles

Some people just cannot take a joke, as can be clearly seen in the case of Obama Waffles. Has it really come down to the fact that America has become so overtly sensitive that satirical pieces will someday be something we tell our children about with a sentimental overture? "Back when free speech meant free speech..... when I walked to school up hill in the snow both ways during a blizzard... and when people were able to take a joke."
How can this comment not make you chuckle? Point box towards mecca for better tasting waffles.. lol. Also, on the back of the box Obama is fully clad in mexican dress (including a sombrero) stating "Open Border Fiesta Waffles" that says it can serve "4 or more illegal aliens." The recipe includes a tip: "While waiting for these zesty treats to invade your home, why not learn a foreign language?"
Come on, its funny!
Nevermind.