Returning from my interview on Fox & Friends at the National Mall, all I can say is that the excitement and optimism that flows out of Washington is surreal. I saw the children from the Ron Clark Academy singing songs of hope, and I must say it almost seems too good to be true. The whole world is waiting for this moment. Literally, the entire globe is anxiously anticipating the inaugural events.
It makes me wonder, what kind of global unity can be achieved through the person and presidency of Barack Obama. If there’s one thing I do know, it’s that I do not envy his position. My thoughts and prayers are with the Obama family right now. I can’t imagine the pressure that they are feeling.
I’m an individual who looks at events like the shooting of Oscar Grant a few weeks back as evidence that racism is still alive and well. I do not doubt that Barack’s presidency means something for this country, but what that thing is still up in the air.
There’s not much time left before I leave to unite with other riders. As for the numbers, I have no idea how many will show. The anticipation is exciting…its truly unprecidented..I guess only time will tell!!
Departing December 2, 2008
Arrival: January 20, 2009
on Jan 18th, 2009 at 9:12 am
I’m very proud that you have completed this epic journey, Ryan. I know that it was enormously difficult and there were many obstacles along the way. But your determination, stamina and courage were clearly evident and you achieved your historic goal.
Congratulations!
Hope to see you back in Cali,
Bryan Bowen
Pasadena, CA
on Jan 18th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Pressure is not necessarily unknown to Mr. Obama and his family. In fact, the insistent prodding of those closest to him during his first few years in college, were the incendiary sparks which inspired his passion for change to first ignite.
My doubts and fears reside far more within the realms of congressional oversight and fiscal responsibility (or lack thereof), which have consistently betrayed the working people of this nation, and the fundamental tenets of our Constitution.
There is no one to blame but ourselves. We as a collective people have not tethered the powerful few who hold legislative, executive, and judicial sway over our nation, and that is our own failing.
As Mr. Chomsky has so clearly pointed out, the United States is, under the definition of its own State Department’s terminology, nothing less than a “failed state.” When the policies of our own government continue to fail to reflect the will and wishes of the people, it becomes our inherent duty to organize and create these changes by seeking redress for our greivances.
MR. OBAMA WILL NOT SUCCEED IF WE REMAIN A PASSIVE, UNORGANIZED AUDIENCE COMATOSE IN RAPT SILENCE AND INACTION, HUDDLING AROUND OUR TELEVISIONS WHILE WE CONTEMPLATE ORDERING A BARACK OBAMA COMMEMORATIVE COIN SET!
This presidency depends on the fundamental revival of participatory democracy. No more excuses… No more fear… No more denial of our fundamental responsibility to be the very ones for whom we have been waiting!
We can either save ourselves… or watch helplessly as our treasury is looted, our Constitution is shredded, and the economic and environmental stability of our planet are brought to the brink of collapse. Changing none of that is part of Mr. Obama’s job description… that is the duty of the American citizen.
on Jan 19th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Amen to that!
on Jan 21st, 2009 at 12:13 am
YOU ARE AWESOME!
on Jan 23rd, 2009 at 1:37 pm
All I can say is you’re my hero Ryan!! I am happy to hear that you made to DC safely, and kudos to your team for supporting you. I am an American and proud to say we as a nation have chosen the right man to be our President Barack Obama Rocks!
Take Care,
Margaret Quiroz
Monterey Park, CA