Security Means Some Backing Out Of Inauguration: Strollers, Tents On Forbidden List

WISC-TV / The Associated Press ^ | December 20, 2008

[2ndDivisionVet]

WASHINGTON -- No strollers near the U.S. Capitol. No tents on the National Mall. None of that Silly String on the parade route.

That's just a sample of the items forbidden from President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration for security reasons.

And while many say the inconvenience is a small price to pay to witness history, others are trying to figure out how they'll sit, snack, carry diapers or transport tired tots.

Some seniors are backing out of their inaugural plans, partly because of a no-chair rule for the parade route.

Parenting blogs are abuzz with complaints about the less-than-kid-friendly restrictions. Thermoses, coolers and backpacks are out at both the Capitol and the parade route.

[2ndDivisionVet]

I guarded presidents and vice presidents in my younger days as a civilian special police officer at an Air Guard base, and I don't remember this level of security. Not even close. Yet some media idiot in a Middle Eastern country is able to toss two items at our current president before a fellow journalist (not a Secret Service agent) tackles him.

[trisham]

This should be interesting.

[Gaffer]

The media, liberals, and transition people for Zero are bragging about the extra security, decidedly overwhelming presence of ‘real Americans’ that are going to see the Messiah crowned. The idiots don’t even realize that they are broadcasting the very weaknesses that they will have should some foreign terrorist group decide to act on their promises.

[al baby]

I think Obama is one big chicken shit

[boomop1]

How about chitlings and fried chicken?

[trisham]

No thanks. :)

[Cicero]

Sounds like fun! Stuck in a crowd of 4, 5, or 6 million, with no place to sit down all day and nothing to drink.

Kinda cool!

Now all we need is a blizzard.

[kbennkc]

They should keep bow hunters away too . They have been known to spill skunk scent at much less historic events than this .

[LostInBayport]

Tents On Forbidden List

Is it wrong of me to hope for rain, sleet, ice and snow in Washington D.C. on January 20th? The symbolism and entertainment value would be priceless!

[boomop1]

OK mountain oyster's and watermelon?

[trisham]

I don’t think so. :)

[boomop1]

Newport Cigarette's.

[boomop1]

Whatever, it will be a ordorous place.

[Venturer]

I have been hearing of all of these crowd estimates, Yesterday I was told by a County officer that police from 600 jurisdictions would be used for security, and they dont know yet where these officers will be barracked.Comunications among these officers should be fun.

I asked a Hotel manager at one of the higher priced hotels, in Alexandria how they would handle the crowds and he stated he had plenty of rooms, no crowds.Alexandria is just across the river with easy Metro access, and is safer than DC, so I thought they would be booked up.

Not allowing backpacks or large handbags should be a great boon to Vendors., be prepared to pay big time for drinks and food.

It would seem the crowd estimates are dropping almost as fast as Obama’s support amongst the left wingers ,homosexuals, and anti-war crowd.

[goodnesswins]

LOL...I’m predicting it’ll be zero degrees on Jan 20th, in DC

[BGHater]

This is sad.

This is the sign of a weak country.

You have a higher chance of choking on a peanut at the event than a terrorist attacking it.

[trisham]

As the old saying goes, I “wouldn’t be caught dead there”.

[fortunate sun]

I heard the “0” One will be administering the Oath of Office to himself.

[2ndDivisionVet]

Will he also place the crown on his own head, as Napoleon did?

[vietvet67]

Look out for that stroller!