Crowds

NDP Crowd at the Capitol
Originally uploaded by nodigio

See, this is why we have YouTube, streaming video, and TV – so we don’t have to be jammed into crowds unable to see or hear what’s happening.

I have long ago (during the massive outdoor concerts of the Woodstock Era) come to terms with avoiding crowds just for the sake of “being there” unless I’m part of the action everybody’s come to see. This is the real reason I volunteer – so I can get front row seats to the real action.

Otherwise, I’d rather be in the comfort of my own office or home, warm and with easy access to the restrooms and food of my choice, watching events unfold on a computer or TV screen because I’ll see more of the historic action.

Sure, I’ll miss the sub-freezing weather, the people who insist on stepping on my feet (that always amazes me since I have such small feet – how do they always manage to step on them?), the shouting and social chatter that blocks out all sound from the main event, the lack of access to restrooms, the cold, the lack of comfy seating, the inability to see over the heads of taller people blocking my view (and, let’s face it, all y’all are taller, or at least it seems that way), the cold, and even if I could see the main event, all I’d see were teeny specks – and then only of they were dressed in highly visible colors.

I don’t suppose we can ask the President-elect to wear International Orange so we can all spot him during the ceremonies, can we? After all, that would make him a glaring target for snipers, assuming they can get close enough in those crowds.

Now, if I were invited to be on or near the main platform/stage/whatever, as a volunteer, part of the camera crew, or even as the waterboy, I’d be there in a heartbeat.

Since I am not among the lowly volunteers who get to be up close or among hte dignitaries sharing the work of the event, I’m happy enough watching it on a screen in warmth and comfort.

See, around here, our crowds are pitiful and paltry compared to the camera pans and photos I’ve seen of the huge crowds of people currently in Washington, D.C. It’s amazing that the whole country isn’t tilting down under that awesome mass of flesh and coats. Mostly coats.