Polianiac

It is now official: The District of Columbia and adjacent Maryland and Virginia counties are now projecting an existential “State of Emergency” to secure Federal funding for security needs for next week’s Inaugural activities. According to reports in this morning’s Washington Post, this declaration is based on anticipated crowd estimates which vary from 1.5 – 2 million energetic citizens. Let me offer this one piece of advice: Bring your Sense of Humor!

This morning’s Post  also announced a new service: Inauguration Survival Alerts. You can sign up for the latest, “closures, traffic jams, escape routes (yeah, I loved that one), mass transit issues, and more…” These alerts can be sent via email or mobile device. Another important link is to Washington Area Mass Transit Authority.  Once again, I will state on the record: These people are saints. In the case of the Inaugural, they are also your best hope. I did notice yesterday an increased state of seriousness within metro stations – especially as one agent demonstrated the difference between the “in-bound” and “out-bound” lanes to train platforms. For the record, it works just like any other intersection: a red arrow means “Wrong way –Stop!” Green signals “Keep moving forward!” Please don’t get in a hurry. It accomplishes only complete frustration.

500,000 are expected at the Lincoln Sunday for the free pre-inaugural concert featuring Bono, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and almost every other major music star in the universe. Honestly, this is going to be an incredible party and for those young enough to party down –go for it! I want pictures and video…

Enjoy!

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