Thoughts about Washington, DC, and Comment about Rev. Lowery's Inaugural Benediction

We watched and listened to the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, amazed at just how many people had descended from all reaches of the globe to be part of the action. Of course, that brought back memories of the dozen years I worked in DC back in the 80's and took every mode of transporation to work: commuted 130 miles round trip each day for almost 2 years, moved closer and carpool commuted 60 miles round trip for awhile, moved closer still, took the Metro, carpooled or rode my bike, and then moved farther away and took a commuter bus. I LOVED working in DC...the culture and history there is so rich. So much to do, so much to see. Impossible to do it all in one visit. I was there over 11 years, and didn't even touch the tip.

Of course watching the crowds reminded me of several times we were amongst the crowds there: 4th of July for outside concerts on the Mall and fireworks, women's rights demonstrations, parades for various events, Cherry Blossom parade, and more! It was always exciting and good to be in the mix.

But then, it was CROWDED when extra tourists came to town. Sometimes it was a pain in the A**!! Even in the summer, when more tourists were on the metro, it was inconvenient for the rest of us "regulars". They wouldn't always know where to go or what to do, and sometimes they'd just resolve the problem by "standing there" looking stupid. Those of us regulars tried to be helpful, and it was often fun to do so. Help a stranger, get to know a little more about another part of the country, help spread some culture from the nation's capital. All in a good day. But sometimes...they just wouldn't move or get out of the way! And the rest of us would almost miss our exits on the train, because we couldn't get on or off in time, because they just STOOD THERE. And when there are crowds, like what's happening now -- but understanding that this week in DC is probably unprecedented in the volume of visitors to the capital -- the transportation options are just insane. Trains are loaded down, you may find yourself waiting for a long time to get on a train car. One time, for the 4th of July, we had gone downtown with some friends. The trains were so crowded, we were armpit to armpit holding onto the overhead bars. The guys in our group started to press their cheeks to the doors so that when we would arrive at a new station, the people there would see us arrive with the car so "packed" that the guys were pressed up against the window, literally, and they didn't dare to try to squeeze another soul on with us. If they did, then they were quite bold, and we'd squeeze back more to make more room. The truth is: not many tried to squeeze on, and we just laughed and laughed about this. We were also probably a little more than tipsy at the time, which made it even funnier.

All this to say, I cannot even imagine being part of the crowds this week! It makes me claustrophobic just thinking about it! Kudos to those who did and who survived. We hear that at least one woman was hit by a train, not so lucky for her.

I do have one comment to make about the speeches given, at least, I will confine my comments to just one:

Comment about Reverend Lowery's Inauguration Benediction

I was informed this evening that this benediction was an old one that was originally used in the 60's. I say that the Reverend should have known better than try to use it again today without making some updates to it. 2009 is nothing like 1963.

When someone is called to make public statements or addresses, it is his/her responsibility to "do the right thing". When statements are made that alienate or disrespect any group of people that are undeserving of such comments, that that is NOT doing the right thing.

My comments: The Rev. was doing a pretty good job on his benediction, which came soon after the President's swearing in. At one point, he even says: "And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance."

Sounding pretty good, huh?

THEN, he HAS to go down the "color road": "Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around -- (laughter) -- when yellow will be mellow -- (laughter) -- when the red man can get ahead, man -- (laughter) -- and when white will embrace what is right."

Now, I'm not stupid! I do know that a lot about this election revolved around race, even when it should have never been an issue, not for Obama, not for anyone. It's really ignorant that our nation still feels the need to make race an issue. I look forward to the day when this isn't so. Perhaps Rev. Lowery was trying to make that point, but if you read what he says, what he is actually doing -- as are so many other leaders and preachers and movie producers -- he is making comments that are automatically divisive. By listing the "colors" as he has, with the comments he makes, he makes it sound like all the black, brown, yellow and red men are in a bad way or "less than" way, and the white man has to learn to "embrace what is right". How arrogant and insulting to EVERYONE, to EVERY RACE!!! I know plenty of people from all races that (1) do the right thing and (2) do NOT do the right thing. Color is really not the driver. People are people. Sure, where you come from may influence how you react to situations and color your reactions or acceptance, but we all need to break those nasty habits and learn to make our decisions based on what is fair and right. AND, that does not mean that ALL of any race are to be labeled, for ANY reason. By doing this, we are all equally bad and continuing the stagnation of all that is good and fair. It was unfair and irresponsible of the Reverend to include these statements in his benediction.

I know that I was born to a white family...and I am not a racist! AND, I did not do any wrong to any other race or culture, AND I DO "embrace what is right". AND I did not need a Reverend Lowery to tell me I had to do this at an Inaugural benediction, as though I didn't already know. By wording this benediction the way he did...he offered up an inflamatory and hostile suggestion...and perhaps a racist statement of his own. Why else?

Perhaps he could have spoken a more appropriate benediction to say something like:
"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when ALL men and women are equal, no matter what their gender, race, nationality or religion, that they will ALL embrace what is right. Starting now."

THAT is more appropriate.

Each of us REALLY needs to let go of the race issue at some point. Don't get me wrong, I DO appreciate how all our ancestors behaved, whether they were free or not free, poor or rich, religious or pagan. BUT...YOU AND I did not do those things. At some point, we need to work together and stop promoting racism in the passive/aggressive venues such as Reverent Lowery did earlier today. It's a shame, really. Makes my heart cry. For, WHEN will PEOPLE stop blaming ALL people of any particular race for the transgressions of those in the past? Let the past be the past, let us learn from the past. Let Us Move Forward In The Present and The Future.

Addendum:

Apparently I am not the only one who noticed these comments. See here.