I’m not as excited as some of you may be about all the inaugural activities.  Maybe it is because of that tad bit of “realistic cynicism” that hits us here in Washington after a while.  Having said that, yesterday’s concert at the Lincoln Memorial was an overall delight (poor Marisa Tomei having to quote from the fraudulent promise of Ronald Reagan’s first inauguration notwithstanding).

Two actions though stood out above all others.  The Gay Mens Chorus of Washington (although not identified accurately–no “Gay”– by HBO in its broadcast) was a brilliant addition to the singing by Josh Groban and Heather Headly.  And then the capper, was not just having Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen sing “This Land Is Your Land”.  They sang it complete with the rarely performed verse “I came to a sign that said ‘Private Property’, but on the other side it didn’t say nothing.  That side was made for you and me!”  The ideas of fullblown American integration of the GLBT community and an actual redistribution of wealth at an official inaugural event was a priceless reminder of the diversity of opinion and the radical views about economics that have always been a part of the American conversation.  I know that when these ideas are even articulated, some conservatives go ballistic.  It was probably best on Sunday if those folks were just watching football.

P.S. I loved Marisa Tomei in The Wrestler, and I have nothing against football.