***(Editor’s Note:  Josh McGrath is a Columnist and Collegiate Commentator for “The Thirsty Quill.”  Although he is currently a student at Wingate University, Josh will be reporting for ‘The Quill’ from Washington, DC over the next few days, site of Tuesday’s Presidential Inauguration. As always, we appreciate Josh’s commitment and service to “The Thirsty Quill.”)***

“Inauguration Update #5″

By: Josh McGrath, Columnist

(Monday night)

I am on the Metro, heading toward the van to take me back to Camp Fraiser, where we are staying. 

After our breakfast (consisting of a Pop Tart and Capri-Sun), we headed on our way to DC. On the Train, we heard from countless Democrats who supported Obama and the “change” they believe he will bring. As if I were the laughing stock of the nation, simply saying “I’m a Republican” sent most in the Metro into an uproar. But nonetheless, everyone on the Metro (no matter which side of the political aisle they stood on) were quite friendly. 

In fact, as a whole, I found the citizens and tourists both extremely cordial today. The positive attitude certainly made the day much more enjoyable.

One of my firsts stops in DC was The National Mall. When I arrived, I saw CNN, NBC, CBS and numerous international news agencies filming, interviewing, and broadcasting all over the world. As we were walking around the Washington Monument, a Belgium cable news reporter interviewed us. They only asked general questions such as “Where are you from?”, “how long are you here for?”, etc.

After our interviews, we ventured off to the World War II Memorial. Although this memorial does not compare to the emotion I felt above the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, it was touching and moving in its own right. It was at the WWII Memorial when I heard a woman exclaim “Obama is a descendant from God!”

Shortly thereafter, I realized that while around 4 million people are expected to be present at tomorrow’s inauguration, hardly anyone was exploring DC today. My guess is that they stayed away due to the chilling weather. I wore 2 socks, 3 pants, 3 shirts and my heaviest coat…and I was just barely warm enough.

Due to our minuscule breakfast, we needed to eat shortly after arriving in DC. After our long, unfulfilled lunch at a place which shall remain anonymous, we had to begin our trek back to the Metro station. Unfortunately, due to an incoming snow and ice storm, we were forced to shorten our “field trip” to DC. 

As I ride on the Metro, returning “home” I am able to reflect on many of the things I noticed today. For instance, I found it rather upsetting that while we have an incoming president, all of DC seems to have forgotten about the 8 years of service by President Bush. 

I also paid close attention to the countless vendors lining both sides of the roads selling Obama items, ranging from a pen with Obama’s seal on it, to the American Flag with Obama’s face printed over the stripes. Even more popular than those items were t-shirts that placed half of MLK’s face on the right side of the shirt, while the other half was of Obama’s face. Together, they made one face. I also saw vendors who were selling CDs of bands that were singing songs of praise to Obama.

I heard speakers all day speaking on the importance of Obama’s inauguration. Most compared this inauguration with MLK, Lincoln, and JFK. Perhaps I am closed-minded, but I see little or no comparison between these 3 great men in America’s history to Obama.  

I came to DC to show unity, and my respect, for our newest President. However, I did not come here to worship Obama. I can only imagine how out-of-hand tomorrow will be in regard to people linking Obama to God.  

Tonight, we are scheduled to be in group discussions until 11:30pm, then wake up at 2:30am in order to get The National Mall on time. I think I’m going to suck it up and just pull an all nighter.