One thousand nine hundred kilometers, eons of media interviews, thirty-six hours and sixty-one blog posts later, I’m home. I’m humbled and I am grateful. It took me a couple days post-trip to really bring my thoughts to some sort of concrete conception. Now, its Friday morning, forty-eight hours later and I think I have some sort of semblance to my random thoughts and feelings.
But first, a few people to thank.
My parents, Michael and Catherine Simunovic, who, through all the ups and downs of planning a trip like this, were motivating, kind and encouraging. In fact, if it weren’t for them, quite surely I would not be here to take part in this event – thank you.
Nona, Jackie DeLuca, for inspiring me to see politics and public service as an opportunity and an obligation from such a young age. She instilled in my a deep sense of commitment to community, to others and to self that without it, I'm not sure who I would be and how I would have appreciated this opportunity today.
My partner in crime, Ethan Plato, who, despite some of the bumps along the road, remained steadfast and determined right through until the end. Our collective excitement and sense of duty is what made this trip truly possible. No one could have accomplished something like this alone – thank you!
To those who we were fortunate enough to share this experience with – those took the trip with us – thank you! All of you had your own story, your own ideas and hopes but it was our desire for a better tomorrow that brought us all together.
The media - from Sun Media to CanWest, from CBC to CTV, from Timmins and Ottawa to Vancouver and Washington, the US to Canada and around the world – thank you to those who took interest in our story. Your support and encouragement of this trip was a factor in making it such a success.
David Constable and David Marventano of Flour Corporation for their help in securing us tickets to the inauguration. Their generosity and kindness is much appreciated. Their help and support made this event that much more powerful and moving. Thank you.
These people were instrumental in making this adventure so vast and powerful for me. While so many more gave it an extra bit of excitement, without these people, there would have been no adventure.
When we arrived in Washington, DC, the power and awe that I expect was simply not there. In fact, there was no traffic and crowds were nonexistent. But by the time we picked up our tickets, the crowds and along with them the momentum, began to build.
We took our spots and prepared for the three-hour wait. In this time we shared stories with those around us, talked and stood breathless as we witnessed the millions of people gathering behind us in the National Mall. Humbled by our luck in scoring tickets, we stood and waited - how lucky, we were only about to find out.
Guests and dignitaries began to arrive, music was played and the formalities of the event attended to. Vice President Biden was sworn in. Then, Barack Obama, recited the oath and took the stage to address the nation – indeed, the entire world was watching and listening.
He delivered what I thought was a perfect balance between hope and action, future and present. He continued the best of traditions – from Lincoln to Kennedy to King – he uttered words that will continue to define a nation and a world.
What struck me most in all of this were a few simple words he said to sum up the reasons for my admiration. When describing his success he said it would be measured by “…our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart…”
It’s not about how government can control our lives or how we can become dependant on government. But, it is about what government should do to make sure every citizen who wishes to achieve success, every citizen who wishes to feel success and every citizen who wishes to work for success, has the same opportunity to grasp and cherish it as any other. It is about making sure government works as a facilitator not as an obstacle. It’s about making sure that our ability to succeed is not measured by who we know or how much we have but how bad we want it and how hard we are willing to work for it.
What Obama stands for is making sure that the purpose of humanity is realized. He understands what it means to seek, listen and learn. He can conceptualize the notion of building from the bottom up. He is a community builder and the movement he started is an extension of that.
But this movement isn’t just about Barack Obama. It is about each and every individual who joined. It is about the small individual acts that we can do that create and define the change we seek. It is about what we can achieve collectively, supported and motivated by an administration and a President that listens, learns and acts. It’s about what we can do with a President on our side, working for us!
The success of this movement will not be defined solely by the accomplishments of the Obama administration but by the achievements of the people. For if one of us fails, we all fail. We are indeed only as good as the weakest among us.
We are all citizens of the world and the world is lead by leaders who now have a new colleague; a man whose compass is the people and whose values and virtues are pure and true. He will be guided by his “ ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart” and that makes me hopeful that our best days are yet to be.
To be part of this event – part of history – was a humbling and deeply deeply motivating experience. To share it with such great friends and all of you in person and through this blog was infact the most rewarding. Because it is us, together, that will shape the future and build our own destinies.
If this whole experience has taught me one thing, it is that the power of the individual is the binding concept of humanity and the summation of our collective success if the definition of progress.
This be the last of my blog posts but hopefully it will in some way have made you think, if even in the smallest way, about your contribution to our collective success - are you a willing heart?
Peace & Love.
Kyle
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Home!
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Oh Canada!
We're back in Canada. Stopping for a bathroom break in 10 mins. and then we're off to Ottawa.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Only in America
Ethan was inquiring about getting a case for his pistol.
As the bus fills up. We wander and shop.
Here we Go!
We're off! Back to Canada.
What an excellent day, an excellent experience. More on the day and my feelings later.
Now, I blog the journey home. It starts now.
What an excellent day, an excellent experience. More on the day and my feelings later.
Now, I blog the journey home. It starts now.
Rest & Wait
The day was long. Many of us are tired and perhaps a bit overwhelmed. Cold might be a good adjective to describe the day to.
Its been a quiet hour or so on the bus and looks like it will remain that way until the rest of our clan arrives. There's about 15 of us on the bus now and we'll wait for the rest.
Then, off we go, back to Canada with a few stops on the way.
Its been a quiet hour or so on the bus and looks like it will remain that way until the rest of our clan arrives. There's about 15 of us on the bus now and we'll wait for the rest.
Then, off we go, back to Canada with a few stops on the way.
Back at the Bus
Today, was a great day for humanity.
The Mass Exit
In additon, there is another 3.5 million people filling the National Mall and surrounding areas.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Exit...
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Here Here
"The ability to extend every opportunity to a willing heart."
President Barack Obama
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Here Here
"The ability to extend every opportunity to a willing heart."
President Barack Obama
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Mr. President, take the stage.
One word: powerful.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Barack Obama is the President!
The President of the United States, Barack Obama. It's official.
Yes We Can! Yes We Did!!!
Amazing. Simply Amazing!
PS - by George.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Barack Obama is the President!
The President of the United States, Barack Obama. It's official.
Yes We Can! Yes We Did!!!
Amazing. Simply Amazing!
PS - by George.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Joe Biden Gets it Done
The Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden. Its official.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Aretha
....People are crying. Powerful.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Invocation
Rick Waren delivers a powerful and diligent blessing.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
The World...
...is watching.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Barack is in the House!!
Here comes the President-elect! .....and, the crowd goes wild.
What a moment.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
We await...
...the arrival of the 43rd President GWB.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
It's all Smiles
Its an upbeat affair here as former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State-designate, Hillary Clinton arrive.
People are happy. There is no doubt.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Enter...
The Chief Justice and associate justices of the supreme court, and the inagural committee have arrived - Michele Obama and Barack are in the building but not out yet....
....And, in comes Obama's cabinet.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Here comes the President...
...the current one that is - GWB, has arrived. Along with Newt and Mrs. Gingwritch and Tom and Mrs. Foley, both former Speakers.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Now, the Senate
In come the US Senators...
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Arriving
The President-elect's motorcade has arrived.... and, much to the crowds pleasure, Ted Kennedy has taken his seat.
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
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Kyle Simunovic
613.889.8332
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
We found our spot!
Millions in the National Mall
Tickets!!!
We have tickets and are headed to the line up.
Summary so Far
The trip has been uneventful thus far. We're picking up our tickets in about 10 minutes a swank restaurant by Union Station.
I've been really surprised at the "lack" of people around. Even getting into DC was smooth as pie, our parking spot was there and ready and the streets fairly open for navigation. We'll see how long the lines are to get to our spots but if what's gone on thus far is any indication it should be smooth sailing.
Off we go now. Cafe was a great break!
I've been really surprised at the "lack" of people around. Even getting into DC was smooth as pie, our parking spot was there and ready and the streets fairly open for navigation. We'll see how long the lines are to get to our spots but if what's gone on thus far is any indication it should be smooth sailing.
Off we go now. Cafe was a great break!
And, we wait.
Found this great quote on the wall.
The day is young. I cannot wait.
I'm Off...
They're Off!
From there, its off to security checkpoints and all the inauguration day brings.
Here we are.
I can see the capital. Two blocks from parking. Running smooth so far.
Traffic not an issue.
Traffic not an issue.
Update...
And here we are. Slightly ahead of schedule. Traffic is surprisingly sparse. We are about 28 miles outside DC and cruising at 110 km.
I slept - 2 hrs. The bus is quite aside from the odd whisper.
More to come. We're only just getting started.
I slept - 2 hrs. The bus is quite aside from the odd whisper.
More to come. We're only just getting started.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Tim Hortons
Get this, their hiring here too.
Don't Stop Believing...
The bus is rolling. V for Vendetta is playing. Kids are off to sleep and its just starting to set in.
This is a bus of 50 Canadians - fifty Canadians going down to Washington, DC for the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States.
But why? Why would fifty Canadians (and many more if you count the 10 other buses crossing the border) drive for almost 24 hrs for an event that will last all of 5 hours?
Hopefully this journey, illustrated on this blog, will help answer that question?
Why Barack? Why now? Why?
This is a bus of 50 Canadians - fifty Canadians going down to Washington, DC for the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States.
But why? Why would fifty Canadians (and many more if you count the 10 other buses crossing the border) drive for almost 24 hrs for an event that will last all of 5 hours?
Hopefully this journey, illustrated on this blog, will help answer that question?
Why Barack? Why now? Why?
Border. Done.
Alright. So we're off.
Despite Tristan being offensive, in french, (as was mentioned on my friend Guy's blog at http://guy-on-obama.blogspot.com), we're all alive, unharmed and through the pre-Obama American Homeland Security department.
It's on. Next stop, a coupe hrs.
Despite Tristan being offensive, in french, (as was mentioned on my friend Guy's blog at http://guy-on-obama.blogspot.com), we're all alive, unharmed and through the pre-Obama American Homeland Security department.
It's on. Next stop, a coupe hrs.
Border...
At the border.
Five of our friends are inside filing some paperwork with some friendly boarder agents. The friendliest ever.
Just a few more minutes.
Five of our friends are inside filing some paperwork with some friendly boarder agents. The friendliest ever.
Just a few more minutes.
Duty Free ....over
The duty free is now behind.
With trailmix and a ginger ale in my hand, we're off.
With trailmix and a ginger ale in my hand, we're off.
Meet Ethan
He's famous - 10 media interviews, two languages, multiple states and provinces in one week. If you know Barack, you should know Ethan.
Ethan, despite being from BC is a pretty cool guy. He is studying International Development and Globalization at the University of Ottawa and is 18 yrs old.
He likes Obama because, "...he's intelligent, worldly, and optimistic about the future. It's very refreshing to hear words like hope rather than those that insight fear."
There you have. And "intelligent" President is almost.
Meet Amalia
She is taking Public Administration at the University of Ottawa.
She likes Obama because: "...he is a good symbol for the change we seek and can see in the near future. As of tomorrow he'll be the most powerful person in the world and with great difficulties lying ahead, he's the one that makes me feel good about the future," she added, "...and he's not George Bush."
Aside from being a student, Amalia likes Greek Salad and reading.
She adds, "watch out Michelle, I'm coming!"
**More to come....we're 1.5 hrs from the border.
Drama.
Bus has 7 seats less than it was supposed.
Bumber. Ethan and I had to ask seven people to get off - the last seven who paid.
Sucks. I know.
Nonetheless we're off now.
And thanks to the mystery girl who volunteered herself. Thank you. Sorry.
Washington. We're off.
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Kyle Simunovic
simunovic.kyle@gmail.com
1.25 Hours...
Bus leaves in just over an hour. We thought we might need food. We're off to Loblaws.... the last of my Canadian money in hand.
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Kyle Simunovic
simunovic.kyle@gmail.com
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Kyle Simunovic
simunovic.kyle@gmail.com
And...we're live.
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