The day before inauguration
It's the day before inauguration.
The roads are blocked and security in place. Washingtonians see it as an invasion. The President-Elect may be moving into town, but he is doing so under the reproachful eye of his neighbours.
It is hard not to feel sorry for the liberal professionals who reside in Washington. The inauguration of Trump in their hometown leaves a sour aftertaste in a state that was so invested in the election. Washington residents lives are dominated by the institutions that dwell in their city. Interest- or at least conversation- in politics is unavoidable and now they are going to be living and functioning under a man whom they despise. But their resentment is more than just a dislike for this man. It is coupled with a fear and an uncertainty. People here work for the government, the media, lobbying firms and NGOs. The fate of some grows increasingly uncertain as time draws closer to the swearing in of the new president.
Washington is on edge, and an eerie stillness has descended over the city. I can't help but feel as though we are witnessing a façade of calm before the incoming storm.
Shop windows proudly display posters advertising the upcoming Women's March on Washington. These have replaced the 'Hillary for President' signs which were solemnly withdrawn after the election result. It makes me wonder how much 2017 contrasts with the inauguration eight years previously. I imagine the mood was entirely different. I imagine there was excitement, elation, and a feeling that change was coming and that is was going to be good. Not this year, or at least not among Washingtonians. The city is desperately hanging onto the final hours where control over one of the most powerful countries in the world rests in the hands of a man who many have come to admire over the past 8 years. I think it is fair to say that Obama has done a good job, and Trump has some pretty big shoes to fill.
If the storm comes tomorrow, the general mood here in D.C. is that the hurricane is coming on Saturday. The Women's March is going to be quite an event. A lot of pent up anger has been festering over the course of this election cycle- will this be the tipping point?
Honestly, I don't know what to expect tomorrow. I don't know whether there will be clashes, violence, protest and chaos, or whether America is still in shock. Perhaps the whole thing will be a lot calmer than expected and go smoothly and to plan. Who knows.
See you on the other side I guess.
