Not only did we rock out for my old housemate Jessica’s birthday, but she also got a letter of hers published in the New York Times:

To the Editor:

While President Bush was on the podium using the word “free” and “freedom” repeatedly, protesters outside the gate were corralled by police lines.

The president said that when people stand for freedom, the United States would stand with them, but when I tried to stand peaceably and alone, holding a sign that said “Zero Tolerance for Torture,” I was told by a police officer to stay on the sidewalk. I asked, “Why do I have to move?,” since the street had been opened for pedestrian traffic. In response, he took my arm and pushed me to the curb, where a police line of 10 officers held me there.

It was evident that my freedom of expression and movement does not hold the same importance as that of those affiliated with the administration, who were allowed to walk and talk freely.

Jessica Corsi
Washington, Jan. 21, 2005

After talking with my ex-girlfriend tonight, it turns out that her mom Jeanne picked up two protest signs when she came to DC last week. She said her mom got snarls from people! So now the story reads, “Husband marches in Inaugural band, while wife protests nearby,” not exactly, but somewhat true! I wish I could have met up with her sometime during the day, she called me three times and I even waited for her at Union station, but instead I lose one of the gloves she gave me two Christmas’ ago. Weird. Nonetheless, I am proud Jeanne got to relive some of her youth over again :-)