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Show Sorry, the inauguration is full unless you 're a celebrity Too many 'ordinary people' did not make it into Obama's inauguration Greg Wilcox Opinions writer Going to the inauguration was exciting, to say the least. Being part of that crowd of thousands all stoked to be at the historic event was an amazing experience. But there is one thing about the event that is still unsettling: many ordinary people who traveled from all over the U.S., and even had tickets, did not make it in. The huge crowds made everyone packed like sardines, and it become impossible for many except- the exceptionally astute to make their way in. Many more that managed to make their way in were told that the event was full once they finally made it to the gate. For celebrities, however, it seemed to be far less difficult. A star-studded cast ornamented the ceremony, more so than any previous one. Now, I won't attempt to deny the importance of the inauguration to such figures as P Diddy. Still, it makes one wonder if these celebrities were able to simply say "hey, I think I want to go to the inauguration... I'll have my agent set it up!" The truth is that the inauguration was profoundly important to many other people who ended up being turned away. Don't get me wrong here. I'm quick to defend celebrities voicing their political views, whether it's Bruce Willis on Bill O'Reilly or Al Franken's political ambitions. Anyone who thinks that the arts -theatrical, musical, or otherwise -- should be separate from political discourse is naive. What I do see a problem with is celebrities getting preferential Those denied entery included, "prominent Washingtonians such as Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children's Defense Fund, and campaign volunteers who had come from 3,000 miles away," Washington Post treatment at such events as a president's inauguration. While it may be true that Leonardo DiCaprio donated thousands of dollars (which is seriously not a big sacrifice) to Obama's campaign, what about the hundreds of people who volunteered many hours canvassing for Obama, yet were denied entry into the inauguration? It smells of some sort of invisible caste system. Seeing some celebrities up close in seats to watch Obama take the Presidential Oath, such as Oprah or Bono, is very understandable. Such celebrities may be extraordinarily famous but also have dedicated special concerted effort overtime in causes that merit a good seat at inauguration. But Jon Bon Jovi? The Jonas Brothers? They should have had to go through the crowds like everybody else. The Washington Post re.ported' several instances of well-deserving people who missed out on the historic inauguration. Those denied entry included "prominent Washingtonians such as Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children's Defense Fund, and campaign volunteers who had come from 3,000 miles away," reported the Post. Others stood outside of the gates and, in the case of one middle aged African-American man, wept once they realized that it was too late to get in. The poor planning and execution of the inauguration and the preferential treatment of celebrities contradicts the responsible and inclusive tone of the Obama campaign. I realize some celebrities merited special spots at Obama's inauguration, but the fact that so many were denied entry for whom the event held just as much (if not much more) significance is unfortunate. WHO GOT A SEAT: Photo courtesy Greg Wilcox Masses of people braved bitterly cold conditions to attend the historic inauguration. Not everyone was admitted. UN's lasting squabbles "The UN is a world forum that allows for a marketplace of ideas. Even though it seems tedious, all 192-member countries have the opportunity to have their voices heard, and are able to decide, after hearing all opinions, where they stand; alignment is a key word in the UN. Spencer Shell Opinions writer Photo courtesy unmullimedia.org The United Nations Security Council, NY Spanish artist, Jose Vela Zanetti's mural titled, "Mankind's Struggle for a Lasting Peace," displayed within the United Nation's General Headquarters, NY Photo courtesy flickr.com At first glance, the United Nations is nothing more than a bunch of narcissistic, ethnocentric diplomats who sit around and read their prepared texts, which all basically say the same thing. Even if a resolution is passed after many hours of discussion, it's not binding because the UN does not have any real way to enforce the resolutions that they pass; they are more like strong suggestions. The thing about diplomacy is that no one wins, because for there to be a winner, there has to be a loser. "Anybody can' win, unless there happens to be a second entry," said American playwright and author George Ade, and in this case there just so happens to be 192 entries. The UN is a world forum that allows for a marketplace of ideas. Even though it seems tedious, all 192-memWhat the resolution did ber countries have the op- do, however, was open doors portunity to have their voices that allowed leaders from heard, and are able to decide, countries like France and after hearing all opinions, Egypt to go in and eventualwhere they stand; alignment ly help the negotiations that is a key word in the UN. led to a ceasefire because the It is impossible for all world was of a general concountries to get along. The sensus that the fighting there belief systems, upbringing should stop. of the citizens and history of Generally, it may seem each country are far too di- the UN is all talk and little verse for the world to ever action, but at least all of that be harmonious. Even though talking may hold back unfaconflict in the world will in- vorable action and create a evitably continue to exist, starting point for the preventhe UN tries to make sure tion and resolution of conthat those conflicts do not flicts. get blown too far out of proportion and turn into another world war. Spencer Shell is curTake the most recent rently working as an intern conflict in the Gaza Strip. for the Permanent Mission The' UN held an emergency of the Czech Republic to the security council that passed United Nations during their a resolution calling for an six month presidency of the immediate, durable, fully European Union. respected ceasefire in Gaza. He is a member of the Did that happen? Not at all ~ European Union Presidency, the Israelis and Palestinians Press and General Assembly just seemed to laugh at it and Coordinator Teams. keep fighting. BYjORDYKIRKMAN WWW.DAILYDEMONS.COM UNDECLARED You busy on Saturday? mean thank you. I m think I'm going on break. And that's when It sounds like she totally wants you! |