I grew up in washington, d.c., and attended many, many thingies on the mall: the smoke-in. no nukes. rock against racism. rock against reagan. a number of women’s rights marches and various other political protests. I even attended the nixon (!!) and carter inaugurations (the former not being my idea as I was but a wee thing). and this year is the most excited I’ve ever been in my entire life about a new president, administration, and era, but because of the huge crowds expected, the freeeeeezing weather forecast, the lack of proper transportation (meaning you’re going to have to walk — a lot) and this, the fourth and final reason (just like a horrible rock festival!), I shan’t be going much as I really wish I could be there in theory. out with the old, in with the new!