According to the Washington Post (which is quoting an internal congressional staffer email), purple (blue and silver) ticket holders who were denied access on Jan. 20, 2009 should not only email the JCCIC @ feedback@jccic.senate.gov with your stories and information to assist in the investigation, but also need to include your name and address if you would like to receive whatever “compensatory” items that the Committee decides to bestow upon us (if any).
Be sure to keep an eye on the official website early next week for more (official) details.
My wife and I were directed on Louisana and 1st to follow a path at 6:45 am which led to the 3rd ave tunnel. It was approx. 3/4 full at that time. We moved at 30 step per 30 minutes. At 10:30 we finally reached the exit of the tunnel with no one to direct us. I call 911 due to seeing an empty back pack by the trash. The call was recieve yet not one came to investigate. The tunnel was paced full of people with out any directs from others, no toilet facilities. It could have been a very very bad situation. The purple ticket holders found their way to 2 gates that were closed without an indication about why. I listened to Obama via radio and reported to my fellow detainees. Sad that we came from Chicago, worked hard on the campaign and denied the moments we fought for .
Although I didn’t get to see the inauguration I did get to experience the peace and good will of thousands of people from all over the country who had great hope in the new administration. There was not a single arrest or even the threat that a problem would erupt. I never felt that my safety was threatened. There was no feeling of a police state. This country is filled with wonderful people. I will always remember all the smiles while in D.C.
I agree with Barb. I will never forget Brian and his son, Nate (Move that bus!), Steve who kept me calm because he was calm, Jeff and his nationally-ranked swimmer daughter and her friend as they studied for their AP American History exam, and their friend Dan from England and my very special friend with the heated vest from LA who walked with me and stood with me through the tunnel. We were all united for one reason: to witness Barack Obama take the oath of office of President of the United States. A man we so believe in that we took time of work, time from our lives, flew in or drove in from all over this country…from other countries…for this historic moment. The day did not end tragically because of all the compassionate, kind and just plain good people who were there for this unprecedented occasion. For my kindred spirits in the lines and in the tunnel, I am forever grateful.
I too had a very possitive experience where everyone I came in contact was polite and just happy to be with all the other people. Yes, I was disappointed but DC was not ready or neither did they expect so many dedicated Americans to show up.There are more good people in the world than bad. So we will all take a positve outlook and will help others back home. Margie from Arizona.