St. Bonaventure University 2009 Presidential Inauguration Trip » Kari Tarnowski

The Inauguration of our 44th President!

Kari Tarnowski — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 02:56:28 +0000

I have never been so awake, waking up at quite possibly the earliest time I have ever awakened. Waking up knowing that you will be sacrificing your comfort level greatly to witness history and a turning stone in American history is a very easy choice to make. Mindy, Duffs, Adam, TJ and I made our way (unchecked by security) into the first block of the National Mall, about as close as we possibly could have gotten without tickets. We actually were not that far away from first tier of inauguration tickets that stood just after the reflecting pool in front of the capitol. We were probably 400 yards away from where it all happened. As for the lack of security on the mall, I was a little shocked and dismayed by the potential danger poised to our new President.

Upon arrival, there were hundreds of people camped out and sleeping on cardboard boxes and in sleeping bags. We actually moved quite a bit closer once everyone actually stood up. By the way, I think that anyone over 12-years-old should respectfully stand up so that the crowd can move smoothly and comfortably in the same exact temperature that the rest were enduring, but overall, things smoothed out. By 9:30 AM, they decided to play a repeat of the Inaugural concert which really helped pass the time and kept everyone moving and warm. Thank goodness for Garth Brooks’ exciting performance =). At around 10 AM, we started to see clips on the teleprompter of various public figures arriving to the Capitol. It was actually relieving to see the arrival of Arnold Arnold Schwarzenegger because it meant the show would be on the road soon. By that time, my toes felt like they were going to fall off but I knew it would be worth the while. I mean, it was better than standing in three feet of snow in Buffalo.

At 11 AM, the House members, the state senators and the state governors started to arrive. We saw John Kerry, John McCain, Ted Kennedy and others as they arrived. We also saw the arrival of Martin Luther King III and Muhammad Ali. The excitement on everyone’s face, especially our well-known leaders really lifted my optimism for the future of our country in the hands of the Obama administration above and beyond an already rather optimistic view. It was really nice to see everyone come together was Americans, young, old, rich, poor, black, white, Christian, Muslim, etc. All party labels diminished in this focus of transition chosen by the American people. The excitement of the millions of people around me was just overwhelming and created one of the most memorable atmospheres of my life.

The swearing in of Obama really just became a sweet strike from reality. It finally happened. Hope, renewal and optimism for America. Obama’s passion for what is truly American will make us grow together as a people and make us a prominent force globally once again. For once, cheers for someone meant a lot, because it was for the leader of our country for whom we support.

Obama’s speech was absolutely breathtaking and could not be any more perfect for the time in which he has arrived. Government is not against us like previously felt, but with us and for us. After walking away after the speech to go home, the shared calmness and appreciation felt by everyone around made it feel great to be an American again. For once, I can really say, yes, we are one.

The three mile trek back to the hotel actually went pretty quickly, considering we had to walk through brush, over barriers, through masses of people crammed on small streets going the opposite direction, up hills and over bridges. What an exciting, cold, optimistic and uniting day. I am so grateful that I was able to spend this historic moment in Washington, DC with my fellow St. Bonaventure friends and that I was able to share this experience with my family and my community, as well.

Thank you Dr. Brickman, St. Bonaventure University and the Washington Center for all your hard work to give us this unforgettable opportunity!

Here is a link to the satellite image of the Presidential Inauguration crowd on the National Mall and beyond provided by CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/44.president/inauguration/mall.satellite/

Standing on the National Mall at 4 AM

Right before the swearing-in ceremony

Mr. President has arrived!

People walking on the highway out of the city.

Presidential Inauguration Eve

Kari Tarnowski — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:20:16 +0000

After (trying) to sleep in, Mindy and I decide to venture out into the new madhouse of Washington, DC. First stop, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. We entered into the cafeteria and bought a subtle lunch and searched for a seat. After, we fought our way through the crowd and had to turn our museum visit into a mission instead of a peaceful wandering. It was really cool to see the various animals and the evolution of the human being physically and culturally. I also saw the Hope Diamond after fighting through a resisting crowd to take a picture.

Then, we pretty much ran through the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum with most of the Bonas group. Unfortunately, most of the space travel exhibits were closed for unknown reasons (the exhibits that I actually wanted to see). The best thing that I saw was the Wright Brother’s first airplane flown in Kitty Hawk. I am so glad that I have been able to finally witness the extent of our great history. I can not believe this experience is almost over and that the greatly anticipated inauguration is in 12 hours. I am sooo excited to see our country finally switch gears towards hope, especially when we need it the most. We will be leaving at 4 AM sharp to try to secure a close spot!

A much needed rest

Kari Tarnowski — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:16:36 +0000

Today marked the first day in weeks that we actually slept in, a.k.a. until 9 AM. While some people in our group decided to venture out early to the Inaugural concert, me, Mindy, Adam, Matt and Duffs went to Capitol City Brewery for lunch. What a fantastic place to eat and try their custom brewed beers (yes, I am 21). They offered really nice commemorative Inauguration glasses that were very cheap. I am glad I actually found a worthwhile souvenir.

After, we came back to our hotel and peacefully and restfully watched the Inaugural concert on HBO. From the aerial views of the National Mall, we probably were not that far away from the concert. Garth Brooks and U2 absolutely blew me away with their songs. I may not be a country fan or a U2 fan but I actually liked their performances much more than my personal anticipated artists (Beyonce & Shakira). I feel like Garth Brooks entirely encompassed America and its ideals with his performances. I was very disappointed by the timing of Joe Biden’s speech because it caught everyone off guard therefore it lost a lot of its value. Barack Obama’s speech gave us much anticipation for the inauguration Tuesday. I am so excited to see Obama address the nation as the official president of the United States. Finally, we have entered a new age and I am so happy that my first election vote meant so much to our currently toiled nation.

Ohh Saturday

Kari Tarnowski — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 14:44:33 +0000

Yesterday, I had a very productive sight visiting day. First, we visited the Newseum as a group and saw some very interesting and moving exhibits. My favorite exhibit was the portion where there was newspaper headlines/front pages dating back over 300 years. I saw a headline that read, “A New Constitution” signifying the American transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution that we know today. It became a reality for me that our nation is in reality very, very young, especially if we were reporting this switch on newspaper that we still turn to today for much of our news. The World Trade Center exhibit really engulfed your attention and emotion as reporters recounted running for their lives but still trying to give a first-hand experience of the awful day. The hundreds of headlines from throughout the United States surrounding a piece of rubble took me over as I entered the exhibit.

After the Newseum, a few of us headed over to the Holocaust museum. After going in the wrong direction for 20 minutes, we finally made it there and arrived to a rather large line also waiting to get in, in the freezing cold. It took us a while to understand where to actually find the exhibits but after 30 minutes, we were able to take elevators up to the top floors that were FILLED with so many pictures and actual objects from the victims of the Holocaust. There were 3 major sections to the museum, the rise of Hitler and the Nazis, the deportation and concentration camps and after the rescue. The reality surrounding you made you feel anxious and sick to see the atrocities before your eyes that you could not do anything about. The extent of their terror on surrounding nations such as Poland, Italy, Romania, etc. just inflated a reality that only felt like a minuscule amount on paper. The pictures and the tools used to classify the “superior race” on display made me think about how my very Polish features with my dark brown hair and dark brown eyes set me in the same category of the pictures presented of the “inferior race” exterminated by Hitler. This realization absolutely blew me away. The final emotional blow came was we passed two piles of shoes from the actual victims, not only could you see them but you could smell them. You could smell the reality that the shoes once belonged to these people. I could not and still can not believe how I can look at these objects and pictures that are over 60 years old and feel sick that innocent humans were being humiliated and murdered without a care of their human value while those actually in the moment ignored this reality.

The Smithsonian

Kari Tarnowski — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:40:16 +0000

Yesterday morning, we heard Sam Donaldson and a Congressional Panel of previous congressmen from throughout the country speak to us in very interesting and diverse perspectives. Steve Bell wrapped up the entire section with video clips signifying the discrepancies within the media that held heavily in favor of president-elect, Barack Obama. This experience really shaped my knowledge of the United States government and its new transition modified by the media. We are the innovators and I am greatly appreciative to have been in the presence of some of the greatest that passionately shared their experiences and successes with us as young students.

Later in the afternoon, we visited the Smithsonian Museum of American History. It felt like I was in a Disneyland for adults. I was absolutely fascinated by the artifacts that came together to represent us as a nation. It is amazing to see the belongings and actual clothing some of the most influential people in America wore. We actually got to see Abraham Lincoln’s famous top hat on display. It was also interesting to actually see reference to my hometown, Brocton or “Brockton”, New York in the railroad funeral taken during Abraham Lincoln’s funeral. I also noticed a polling machine used in Jamestown, New York in the major general display outside of the exhibits.

I also enjoyed seeing the entertainment and science exhibits. I was very excited to see Roberto Clemente’s Pittsburgh Pirates uniform, Judy Garlands ruby slippers from Wizard of Oz and Julia Child’s kitchen. I also found it rather interesting to see the large birth control exhibit symbolizing a new way of life for Americans. It was really weird to see a larger cell phone from probably 2004 on display as a spectacle because of its size. Technology is amazing if it five years is considered historical =).

We also ate lunch at the Smithsonian café. It was rather fascinating to see all the “American” foods on display especially in context of ethnic food such as we view Chinese food, Thai food, Mexican food, etc. I have never thought as my every day cuisine as: “Can I have a #1 hotdog platter with macaroni and cheese and a Pepsi?”

Thursday

Kari Tarnowski — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:43:21 +0000

We started off the day listening to Ross Baker, a Congressional scholar. His complex insight on the most complex form of United States government could only slightly touch on the more broad picture of the subject. I appreciated his honest analysis of the partisanship that hinders the original intention of the U.S. government by the Framers. Unfortunately, his presentation was too complex of a subject to present in a mere hour time frame.

Michael Genovese interestly categorized the American presidency as a different beast. His timeline of evolution of presidential grandeur and power were supported by various instances that have expanded the dominance of the president. The word phrase Genovese used, “constitution dictatorship” frighteningly is the correct classification of this evolved presidency. The most recent and evident example of this was through current president, George W. Bush. In times of crises, 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, he expoited the Constitution to gain more power in which still lingers today.

Pakistan ambassador, Hussain Haqqani, appropriately deserved his standing ovation. Its unimaginable that the American government has ignored such a simple and thoughful approach to Islamic extremism. An analysis of Islamic history, culture and evolution is the most important aspect that could reach peace within the Middle East. In underdeveloped Islamic counrties, his analogy as Islamic extremists being like 3-year-old kids using the biting strategy to fight their opposition is very true. It is impossible for the world to truly be on the same page but peace can be achieved by a respect and appreciation of another’s diversity.

Our site visit to Capitol Hill was interesting for its short lived experience. The art and architecture is beautiful but I really wished that we could view more of what we were allowed. The aesthetics are interesting but the whole soul of the Capitol is the representation of the people. Actually viewing the congressional chambers would have totally won the Capitol over as the best visit but it really lacked the substance for me.

From Dana Perino to GEORGETOWN/SYRACUSE

Kari Tarnowski — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:27:26 +0000

We started the day on national television with C-SPAN and White House Press Secretary, Dana Perino. Even though listening to someone reinforce and defend George Bush’s policies sounds excruciating, it actually provided me with an opportunity to view the reality inside the White House walls. This opposite spectrum actually benefited my understanding of media relations and the executive branch. Many people have mentioned media as the “fourth” branch of American government and Perino’s presentation on C-SPAN really made me believe these accusations rather strongly. It is important to be informed but people must look at the perspective of the news media with a critical eye in order to depart from embellishment.

After C-SPAN, the greatly anticipated speaker Ted Koppel answered various questions regarding his observations and predictions related to the media, the presidency and politics. I was greatly disappointed by Koppel’s lack of connection and personality while speaking. Even though some of his predictions and analysis proved to be very insightful, overall, I became turned off very quickly due to the lack of life encompassing his words.

Fortunately, Clarence Page went above and beyond my already high expectations. Page is very charismatic, very insightful and humorous. Page’s interesting discussion on the evolution of colored people to Negros to blacks to African Americans to people of color proved to be an unspoken reality. Even though he meant to deliver this idea through humor, it really made me contemplate the next stage of “titles” Americans love to designate. I really hope that the election of Barack Obama, whether he is titled black, mulatto, half white, etc., finally erases the racial lines in American society. I hope that one day, my children will be color blind of race and these titles will be things of the past. We only hinder and regress the collective good when we discriminate, label and alienate.

Our visit to the Algerian embassy was very interesting and a nice change in direction. I love to hear perspectives of American government and politics from the outside. The most beneficial and crucial comments always come from those that do not live in the biased culture. It is unfortunate that the news media does not cover more regarding up and coming Arabic nations like Algeria. For the Algerian embassy to open up their doors for 13 young American students really shows me that the world really is not such a horrible place, as often perceived. Instead of CNN and NBC merely covering negative stories regarding Arabic countries, they should supplement them with positive stories regarding their participation in peace treaties and humanitarian efforts.

NOW for the exciting moment. Mindy, and I attended the Georgetown/Syracuse NCAA Mens Basketball rivalry game. First, we rushed out the door, only to take the wrong metro train which ended up working out better than originally planned. Then, we could not find the box office and thought the huge line that spanned at least 4 blocks signified our doom that we would not get tickets. Thankfully, some one graciously informed us that it was actually the student line and that the box office was around the corner where we previously searched. During our trek to the box office, we passed various scalpers and people looking for tickets (AND people that interestingly shouted “Go Bonnies” while commenting on Mindy’s sweatshirt). We really thought we were doomed but a little faith goes a long way because we actually were in luck and could buy tickets. Since we had at least one hour to pass until we could actually be seated, we headed to The Green Turtle, a bar and grill. I highly recommend that our group returns there for appetizers because they smelled absolutely delicious. Ironically, we faced our doom in the nose bleeds ironically right next to a Bona grad. I decided that we should move closer to the court and we all ended up sitting in the first section right next to the Georgetown students behind the basket. We sat behind four Syracuse alumni that talked with us about how great Bonas basketball used to be and one saw our Washington Center group on C-SPAN this morning. We also were in attendance with John McCain, who was not sitting in box seats and actually seemed to be sitting farther back than we were. Ha Ha =).

On our way back home to Rosslyn, we met 2 more Bona grads. I could not believe how many Bonaventure people I met in one day, 300+ miles away.

An Honest Tuesday

Kari Tarnowski — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:47:03 +0000

Quite frankly, today showed me exactly why cutthroat politics only hinders American success. I will begin with “pre-politics.” Today, I finally reached my limit with a group of a majority of students mainly concerned with them. Whether it be a seat in the C-SPAN audience or a question asked merely to be shown on television, many students held little substance regarding their actions. We witnessed some “once in a lifetime” experiences with CEO of C-SPAN, Brian Lamb and various powerful political entities within American society on the program, especially Bob Schieffer..Most students that ventured to the microphone held one concern and one concern only, themselves. Their questions held no societal value to those around them except for their personal pleasure of reaching national television. Even though many applauded for the “common ground” emphasis portrayed by Cal Thomas and Bob Beckel yesterday, I do not fully believe they entirely engage in that philosophy.

Unfortunately, I became unbelievably disappointed in my own generation’s focus on America as a whole and what is right. I will be brutally honest; I only saw a small percentage of students today that passionately expressed their concern for the common good of humanity, the main emphasis of the democratic United States of America. American politics of yesterday and today are STILL filled with individual desire for power and corruption. Obama may have become the stimulus needed to revitalize and renew American interest in its admirable democracy, but we still must focus on the main principles that we rapidly depart from.

What started this rant really was my first live viewing of the White House. I became overwhelmed with the idea that ANY ONE throughout the United States could really achieve the highest position in the great American society, often envied by the majority of the world. It became the first reality check that the first president I could actually vote for became the first African American to hold the highest office. Regardless of Obama’s race, this office is the prize for who can work the hardest to achieve it and who holds the greatest concern for the American people as a WHOLE.

Unfortunately, I must oppose the statements mentioned by various speakers at our seminars regarding dissolution of the focus of political parties in the 21st century. From what I have observed within the past couple of days from my exceptionally educated peers clearly indicates to me, that there is still a long road ahead until “common ground” can really become the main focus of American politics.

A Fascinating Second Day

Kari Tarnowski — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:08:16 +0000

Today’s speakers really kept me awake and interested despite another early morning. Today I respected the absolute honesty presented by each speaker. Secret Service agent, David O’Connor, efficiently presented one of the most interesting first-hand experiences I have ever heard. Not only did he really focus on the complexity of the position but the substance behind it. He explained the Secret Service as a mission to preserve the democratic process, not just the stereotypical “overprotective” presidential bodyguards. The reality of his explanation could not have been worded any better. We the people elect one person to represent us as a people, therefore, when one threatens the life and placement of this individual, they actually threaten our Constitutional right. The respect I hold for these flexible, level headed, brave and incredibly intelligent agents grew immensely as I heard the passion each one holds to protecting the symbol of the United States domestically and globally.

Regardless of the mixed commentary I heard regarding Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Marc Pachter’s presentation, I became entirely encompassed by his fascinating analysis of presidential image and its impact on presidential success and reception. Collectively, the United States is a very visual society. Today, we can watch YouTube videos; create personal avatars and watching thousands of television programs. Beauty, grace, power, trust, etc. are all personally discerned within a unified cultural belief system that is reinforced by the imagery surrounding us. The consistent cultural portrayals certainly have not changed much throughout history, which Pachter strongly suggested by examples of presidential portraits. It is unfortunate that some did not truly intake this philosophy because it is becoming much more prevelant in a modern society that only allots minimal time to actually portray political values and appeal to the public. The most effective way to present these things is through image portrayal, which I think should be called the “picture book phenomena.”

Democrat, Bob Beckel and Republican, Cal Thomas honestly called for the American focus on common ground. The heavily emphasized labels of Democrat and Republican have only become a barrier for much needed change within our country. Many politicians have forgotten their original and constitutional intended purposes: to serve the citizens needs. Instead of a focus on what is right, it has become a glorified position to gain individual and partisan power. Sometimes a completely liberal approach to an economy is not what is needed for the nation, but it could possibly appeal to the gain in individual or party power. Obama’s approach to his presented economic stimulus plan is exactly the example in which Beckel and Thomas are calling for. Obama is not merely trying to make friends to satisfy his own party, he is designing a plan from both spectrums that is neccessary for the well-being of the people. This need for political adaptation is exactly why I am an idependent because in times, especially like these, we do not have time to focus on labels, only the collective good.

I would like the share a quote by Abraham Lincoln that I ironically quoted in a themed pet peeve speech last semester for Public Speaking regarding this call for common ground:

“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”

Our visit with NORML, the advocacy group for the legalization of marijuana truly introduced me to my first experience with an intelligent explanation for such a cause. I am glad that I experienced the passion and pride that lobbyists, such as this group hold when they are fighting for their constitutional rights and beliefs in a government setting. Even though I hope the government does not legalize the “celebration of cannabis” so freely as to the allowance for users to multitask the “celebration of cannabis” and the process of driving, I do agree with the governmental contradictions regarding marijuana in religious and medicinal contexts.

After the seminar, Mindy and I originally intended to visit the Federal Bureau of Printing and Engraving, BUT we took a detour and ended up visiting the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Even though it was not our desired destination, the undesired visits always result into a beneficial mistake, at least through my experiences. The interactive elements and visuals were very interesting and the stamp collection is absolutely fascinating. I definitely recommend others to stop into this museum if you just so happen to pass by it.

First (actual) day in Washington!

Kari Tarnowski — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:07:34 +0000

What a tiring but exciting day! The day started with a 5:45 AM alarm and a 7:15 AM metro ride to the University of the District of Columbia auditorium for orientation. After the long, typical process of orientation, we were introduced to three different speakers: Steve Bell, Michael Genovese and Dana Bash.

Each of these speakers really made the connection for me regarding the high profile evolution of the United States presidency. Even though this explosion of executive popularity may seem very light and inviting, it is actually implicitly complex and often times faulty.

Dana Bash particularly caught my attention through her dynamic experience regarding the John McCain presidential campaign and the presidential primaries and elections through the media outlet, CNN. According to Bash, candidates have evolved into commercialized celebrities instead of keepers of the Constitution. Personally, her experience within the McCain campaign and their regimented focus really highlighted the appeal for so many Americans yearning for a presidential ingenuity that has fizzled out but finally revived through Barack Obama.

As for the lighter portion of the day, the tour of Washington, DC really opened me to a sense of American pride that I have never had the chance to visually experience in person. After seeing the pride Spaniards held in their monuments marking their history as a people when I studied abroad in Spain last spring semester, I felt a void. I had never been able to visit my nation’s capitol which held the visual memory and history of our young country. Today, I feel proud to be an American and to truly appreciate the memorials to some of the most influential and courageous citizens of the United States of America, my home.