Thu
Jan 8 2009
08:40 am
Knox Dem inaugural event canceled
By: R. Neal

Statement from the Knox County Democratic Party:

The Democratic Party of Knox County had previously announced a local celebratory event for the Inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama to be held at Rothchildʼs on Kingston Pike on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

That event has been cancelled, according to DPKC Chairperson Sylvia Woods. "On reflection, while it is appropriate to celebrate the end of a disastrous eight years of a Bush Presidency with the swearing in of a Democrat, Barack Obama, who promises to bring needed change to our country, the type of glittery, glitzy, carefree celebration we envisioned may not be appropriate."

"Our economic system teeters on the brink. Hundreds of our brothers and sisters are losing their jobs daily as local companies fail in the face of unwavering economic pressure. We continue at the mercy of greedy oil interests, foreign and domestic, even here in our own hometown. Our Nation and new President face monumental problems. Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continue to burden us economically and our precious, beloved, brave troops continue to die or suffer wounds," Woods continued.

"We decided to marshal all our efforts toward the fight President Obama will lead to repair that fabric of our Nation which has been torn, just as so many great Democratic Presidents have done in the past. We apologize for any untoward interruption or inconvenience this cancellation may cause; but as we have explained, under these circumstances, this is the right thing to do," Woods said.

Topics:
earlnemo's picture

Pot-luck at the Longbranch?

Submitted by earlnemo on Thu, 2009/01/08 - 10:19am.

So the local Democratic Party will not be publicly acknowledging the Inauguration of Barak Obama?

Tess's picture

Earl, the mantle has been

Submitted by Tess on Thu, 2009/01/08 - 10:25am.

Earl, the mantle has been placed on your shoulders, to have a Party party.

earlnemo's picture

Where is the 'statement'?

Submitted by earlnemo on Thu, 2009/01/08 - 10:47am.

(link...)

I also called their message line (540-4001). I don't think this is canceled. I think some sour-pus Republican is pulling your leg, Randy.

But if it is cancelled, I will host the party at my dear friend Tess's Estate in Rocky Hill.

Rachel's picture

I got an email the other day

Submitted by Rachel on Thu, 2009/01/08 - 2:49pm.

I got an email the other day about buying tickets to this thing.

Bbeanster's picture

Translation: Tickets weren't

Submitted by Bbeanster on Thu, 2009/01/08 - 3:19pm.

Translation:
Tickets weren't selling.

Ragsdale2010's picture

What if they had a party and nobody attended? better to cancel

Submitted by Ragsdale2010 (not verified) on Thu, 2009/01/08 - 4:26pm.

than to be embarrassed by empty tables, empty glasses, and an empty celebration.

The crowd in Washington will not be the crowd that elected P.E. Obama, they can't afford the trip, can't justify the trip, and can't run the risk of missing workd and losing their job(s).

The special interest crowds, agenda hawks, tour operator's, and trinked and bobble salemen will have a field day at the innauguration.

Obama is not accomplished in anything and the media is begining to figure that out. He is not Tiger Woods.

lovable liberal's picture

You're semi-literate. Why

Submitted by lovable liberal on Fri, 2009/01/09 - 2:44am.

You're semi-literate. Why would I listen to you?

Liberty and justice for all.

My home

Sylvia S. Woods's picture

Democratic Celebration

Submitted by Sylvia S. Woods (not verified) on Thu, 2009/01/08 - 5:38pm.

The Democratic Party suggestion is to encourage everyone to participate in an alternate event. The Yes We Did Ball in the Square Room at #4 Market Square. The tickets are $15 plus canned food for Second Harvest Food Bank and/or cash donations to be shared with Project HELP (a local heating program celebrating its 20th year). There will be food, music, big screens to watch the Washington events, and celebrating. This will not be as elegant or glitzy, but it will be more in line with the economic situation in which Knoxville now finds itself with all our brothers and sisters losing their jobs. It is the right thing to do. Thanks, Sylvia Woods, Chair, Democratic Party of Knox County
P.S. Tickets were not the issue

StaceyDiamond's picture

Tickets, Party

Submitted by StaceyDiamond on Thu, 2009/01/08 - 7:06pm.

Sylvia's husband is a retiree from ALCOA who is still very involved with their issues, which may be why folks aren't in the mood. Since I am laid off I can't afford a 50$ ticket and I bet many people can't. I was considering going to the thing on Market Square when I thought the admission was cans only. I would still like to have some cheap beers on Obama's behalf, but not for 15$ just to get in.

sugarfatpie's picture

Obama Ball: Market Square: Square Room: appetizer and band incl

Submitted by sugarfatpie on Fri, 2009/01/09 - 1:05pm.

This is going to be a ton of fun, and well worth the $15.
There will be food and the band kicks.

Band: Royal Avenue
These guys are a local six piece R&B/Funk powerhouse.
I saw them at the TVA&I Fair and was blown away.
They do everything from Mustang Sally to P-Funk and they do it well.
Dudes are in the ZONE!!

But don't just come for the band.
Come to PARTY!!!!!!

I will be there wearing a silly hat.

-Sugarfatpie (AKA Alex Pulsipher)

"X-Rays are a hoax."-Lord Kelvin

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.

TN Progressive

TN Politics

Knox TN Today

Local TV News

News Sentinel

    State News

    Wire Reports

    Lost Medicaid Funding

    To date, the failure to expand Medicaid/TennCare has cost the State of Tennessee ? in lost federal funding. (Source)

    Search and Archives