New Models Added to #Car2Go Fleet

Mercedes-Benz GLA Car2Go

Yesterday Car2Go DC added a couple of new cars to their fleet. Now instead of a smart car (For a little more money each minute) you can hop in a Mercedes-Benz GLA or CLA and get to your destination in style.

Not too long ago, Car2Go added the new smart cars to their existing fleet of the older models. I though that was a significant improvement because the new ones have a much better ride and turning radius. But now that they have added some luxury cars to their fleet, I am not sure I will be able to go back. I was able to snag a GLA (the small SUV version) yesterday for a thrilling drive to the grocery store. Okay, so it was just an excuse to drive the thing. It was exactly what I thought a Mercedes should be. Nice comfortable leather seats, plenty of space inside, high-end stereo (for NPR of course), and great pickup, which was noticeably lacking in the smart cars.

I would highly recommend checking one out soon if you have the chance. Both of the Mercedes go for $0.45 per minute, $19 per hour, or $79 per day. For more information on Car2Go or to sign up, click here for a link to their page.

#NoBanNoWall Protest in DC

Protesters on the east side of the White House

On Sunday, I heard about a protest that was supposed to start in front of the White House to show the president that we are not in support of a Muslim Ban or a Mexican border wall. I thought it would not be too big of a deal and I could swing by and check it out easily. I was wrong. It was packed. I have no idea what the actual number of people was, but it was difficult to move around and I started to get claustrophobic.

After hanging out by the White House for a while chanting things like “He Can’t build a wall, his hands are too small” the protesters started marching down 15th to Pennsylvania, then past the Trump International Hotel and continued on to the Capitol. There was no violence during the protest, and from what I could tell, there were no arrests. DC’s Metropolitan Police were escorting the group and closing off streets to ensure the safety of all involved. See below for more pictures from the event.

 

The Washington Auto Show

Yesterday I attended the Washington Auto Show held at the Walter E. Washington convention center. In years past, I have been somewhat less than impressed with the show, but this time around they did a much better job with the show. There was a bit more space to move around while looking at each car. They moved the exotics and super luxury cars up to another floor above to give more room on the two main floors for the show. Also automakers like Porsche, who have not shown up for years were present this year.

If you have a chance to make it down to the show today, I would recommend attending as it is the best it has been in many years. For tickets or more show information, please refer to the event’s website by clicking here.

Today’s #MarchForLife in DC

Tour bus for March for Life parked on the National Mall

It was a cool and windy day for another march down on the National Mall. A fairly large group was gathered around the Washington Monument and the surrounding area. The crowds were very peaceful and the march headed east on Constitution Avenue towards the Capitol.

While the size of the crowd was no comparison to either of the events last weekend, there were still a fair number of people gathered. See below for more pictures.

 

Inauguration Aftermath

Downtown DC is starting to turn back to its normal self now that the inauguration and the women’s march are over. Streets have opened back up and everyone is back at work again. Work is still going on to break down all of the staging in front of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. All of the bleachers and viewing booths are coming down and eventually the street will be open once again to walkers and bikers, but still not cars, of course.

Did anyone get to view the inauguration parade from this location? From what I saw on TV, it looked like there were some very talented performers, but sadly, the stands were far from full. If you were able to attend, please share your experiences.

Below, please see more pictures of the break down process.

Women’s March in DC

Women’s March on Washington

On Saturday, I walked down to the Women’s March in DC to stand up for equal rights. The event was  amazing. For the number of people involved (in DC and across the world!) I was stunned at how calm and peaceful the event was. Estimates of the number of people involved just in DC were around 1 million! Congratulations to all that were involved in making this such a successful event with zero violence and even zero arrests. This just proves that it is possible to have a peaceful, successful protest to demand equal rights.

I personally don’t particularly like large crowds and as I have gotten older, I tend to avoid them more and more (college me is laughing at current me right now). However, I never felt uncomfortable on Saturday, even though at some points it was hard to move.

Overall I thought it was a very successful event and hope that everyone that attended had a great time. Click here for more information about the event and what you can do now. Below are some pictures from the event.

Republican Lawmakers are meddling with our rights once again

Even before Trump has taken office, House and Senate Republicans are trying to add riders to legislation that will counteract laws that have been passed in the District of Columbia. This old practice is just another way the residents of the colony of DC are disadvantaged by not having a voting voice in the federal government. This is a topic that really burns me up and I will be releasing a full-blown research paper discussing the issue in the near future.

The three items that people are trying to slip into legislation would try to gut the gun control laws in DC, block us from using funding for anything relating to abortions, and  block us from implementing the death with dignity bill.

The Inauguration and Women’s March

From the Jefferson Memorial, looking across the Tidal Basin

Are you planning to go down to any of the events this weekend? There are going to be a great number of street closures and no parking zones starting today and continuing through Inauguration Day and even into the weekend. When living in the city that is the seat of the nation’s government, we sometimes have to deal with some inconveniences like hosting the nation for large events such as this one. Luckily our city is used to it and has the resources to handle the crowds.

If you are looking to get around this weekend, I have included some links below to useful information and maps that will help you get around and know where to be and where to avoid.

I am not a lawyer, and you should not consider this website as legal advice, but here are some helpful tips. If you are going out for any of the events, remember to be safe and remember your rights. In general the police are there to protect and serve. If you find yourself on the wrong end of the law, only give the required information (name and address). If you are being held or placed under arrest, recite these key words “I wish to remain silent. I want a lawyer” All of which must be clearly articulated. Remember that you do not need to give any statement without a lawyer.

Most importantly, stay safe and keep it legal. If you are stopped by the police, stay calm and follow directions. Do NOT make any sudden movements. Ask if you are being detained or if you are under arrest. If they say that you are not, ask to leave.

Links:

Here is the official DC government’s Inauguration website, it has useful information and maps that will help you get around this weekend
https://inauguration.dc.gov

Know your rights, the ACLU has a website that is the perfect cheat sheet for weekends like this. Check this information before heading our so that you know what to do if something goes wrong.
https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/what-do-if-your-rights-are-violated-demonstration-or-protest

For Those Visiting DC This Week, Please Read

I pulled this article from my Twitter feed @The64Bus. It does a good job of explaining to visitors that there are real people that live in this town and that you shouldn’t believe everything you hear about DC on TV or the news.

We always want to welcome our visitors with open arms, they are a vital part of our economy, we just ask that they treat the residents of DC as they would any other town they visit.

https://medium.com/@brittevergreen/we-live-here-24fdbc5b326#.3hteu13hx4

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Engraving at the location where Dr. King gave his speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial

Today I took a walk around the Tidal Basin to see the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and to reflect on all of the progress this country has made in recent years towards equality for all. I believe Dr. King would be proud of the advances this country has made, although there is still much more work to be done.

According to official literature from the National Park Service, the memorial was dedicated on August 28, 2011, 48 years after the March on Washington. The Memorial is located on the northwest side of the tidal basin and if you follow the path around the waters edge, you can also visit the FDR Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. For more information about The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, please click here to see the website from the National Park Service.