First come fist serve seems like kindergarten etiquette – the way that things have always been done. Unfortunately so is sharing and it may affect your chance of getting inauguration tickets.
Washington is a place where relationships play a major factor in getting things done. With tickets being distributed through Congressional offices some worry that legislators will begin dolling out tickets to friends, family, colleagues, retired officials and notable figures before the general public has a shot. Congressman are not required to disclose who the tickets are given to.
240,000 free tickets will be distributed to the 535 members of Congress with each office receiving between 200 and 500 tickets. Hotel rooms within 150 miles of Washington are booked, the stages are in construction, and officials are preparing for upwards of 4 million people to pack the length of the National Mall. But considering Washingtonian culture it will be difficult for many to receive tickets – and being first may be meaningless as some offices are considering lotteries. Others may reduce the five ticket maximum per family. Some have stopped taking requests all together including D.C. Congressman Eleanor Holmes Norton.
And don’t even think you’ll get close to the festivities. 1,600 of the 240,000 tickets will allow access to the areas closest the stage. According to the Washington Post power figures like Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, Medal of Honor winners, and federal judges will be filling these seats. Others will line the Mall and watch the swearing in over giant screens.
-Jesse Regis
No comments:
Post a Comment