Two Million People & Not A Single Arrest!

Perhaps the lesson of speaking with ones vote has hit home. It does make me wonder how many thought there would be trouble. The fact that the participants took pride in their country speaks volumes. I remember much of the violence of the past and also remembered it solved nothing.

As a long time former resident of nearby Maryland I was struck by the difference in the mood and the attitude of the city yesterday. There is always an *element* that seeks to take advantage of any large gathering...usually a demonstration...but that element was missing all day and into the night, which was when I was sure it would rear it's ugly head. So many people from so many different backgrounds, so close together for so many hours and not one problem. How cool is that?

I heard that this morning too and I thought, "WOW!" I have to admit to being a sentimental idiot - WAY past being a sentimental fool...lol - so it actually brought tears to my eyes like a lot of things have done these past few days! It's not about being an "Obamite" or one of his "minions", in fact I hope we don't have to read those expressions too often anymore, but it was about pride and unity and hope. Yes, HOPE, there's that word again! It's just seeing all those people, people from every state in the nation and many foreign countries, people of all ages and nationalities gathered together in that huge throng of people, seeing all those flags being waved, hearing all those thunderous cheers...it was all very touching. You're right, they all GOT it, those who traveled to Washington in this freezing cold weather went there for the right reasons, not to cause trouble! The went to witness history and that they certainly did. You know what? Anyone is welcome to take this any way they choose, but I've never been PROUDER to be an American! Annie

I'm older also and truly never thought this would happen in my lifetime.It's truly amazing that no one was arrested,but some posted here that they believe we're over the hump of racism and protests violence,My heart wishes it were so but my gut says we still have along way to go.Ive truly learned in my life to never say never and that was a hard lesson to learn.I'm from the Detroit area and racist whites are very prominent there,believe it or not especially the Veterans of this country.I feel sorry for them but still am worried about the future of this country! tdemex

The use of violence and terror to civil right struggle by those racists power crazy officials are no where in sight, time has changed and hope has arrived, the next four years will be a test of this first African American president resolve.

I have to say its an amazing thing. I like so many others never thought that an African American would hold the office of president in my time. I am so proud of my country right now. It shows to me that we have finally moved on from the days of old and can finally stop looking at a man for the color of his skin and start looking for instead what he can do for our country to make it a better place. I think it really shows how much it means to all of us as United States Citizens with no arrests for crowd related disturbance during the inauguration. All I know for sure is Times they are A changing.

This was an awesome innagriation, and I am sure many Great things will come from this day. I know it may shock others that there were no arrests with all of the people there, but people were there showing their respect for something they thought they would never see. This was truly an important day in History and only great things will continue to happen from here.

Amazing, isn't it. It does show you that not only was security was well-enforced, but also that folks had an optimistic outlook for our future and were there to witness history, not argue with it.

There was not one arrest which means that people totally understand. Well, I went to a school where we were taught about the struggle. Many of my teachers lived through it all, and they told us about the sacrifices that they made. My mother lived through that movement and helped out with it. She knows first hand what racism and discrimination is like.

I'm very glad that no one got arrested at the inauguration yesterday. I think that goes to indicate how much Obama is a man of the people. People weren't there to make a ruckus as they've been at the last two Bush inaugurations. They were there to celebrate. It was a historic moment, and no one I feel wanted to defame that.

I was pointed to a live, online police scanner stream feed from the DC police scanner. I listened on and off throughout the day. Pretty interesting stuff. I did not in fact hear any arrests or indications of disturbance or anyone acting out of line in any big way. I did hear a lot of lost kids, lots of "suspicious packages", some reports of unidentified powder, some hypothermia cases, people fainting and a few minor injuries and a lot of coordination in moving crowds of people.

Wasn't that amazing? Yes, I'm from the "older" generation and grew up hearing about the whole Civil Rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King and unfortunately all the riots as well that took place during those years...so to have so many people at Obama's inauguration and for it to be so peaceful like that I think is a very good sign of how, if we all really tried, we really can all get along no matter what race, religion or ethnic group we belong to. I have to admit I did get a bit antsy though and apprehensive when later, Obama and his wife decided to get out of their limo and actually walk down the parade route...

Wow! that's absolutely fantastic. Obama might have literally changed people not only friends but also those who oppose him and given him that day to a success. I would give credit also to the security and the organizers that ensured the Historic Inauguration, a day of unity and peace. Looking forward to a better United States of America.