The Counter-Inaugural was planned by many groups in a show of opposition to the policies of the current Administration. Many "actions" took place in the vicinity of the Inaugural Parade route, which included participants from around the country.

A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) succeeded in getting a permitted space along the Inaugural Parade route, just north of 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Bleachers were even erected here. It was estimated that over 10,000 protestors converged here to hear spreakers and "make their peace" with the President as his motorcade passed by.

D.A.W.N. (DC Anti-War Network) assisted in many planned actions for the week of the Presidential Inauguration, including a large rally and march on Inauguration day. The rally was held at Meridian Hill (Malcolm X) Park and included speakers such as Amy Goodman among others. Following the rally, a march consiting of thousands of demonstrators, proceeded from Meridian Hill down 16th Street toward the White House. Upon completion of the march, participants proceeded to other planned actions or attempted to get on the Inaugural Parade route at venues where the general public was allowed.

As was reported, security was very tight for the Inauguration. Two perimeter barricades had been established along the entire Inaugural Parade route. Somewhere between a dozen and two dozen gates existed for access to Inaugural Parade venues for pass holders, ticket holders and the general public. Military personnel were charged with conducting searches at the gates. DC and National Park Service Police were charged with maintaining order at the gates and in the streets. Snipers and lookouts were positioned on many of the Federal buildings.

Demonstrators were present in large numbers at every gate that I came across. Many were attempting to get in, some waiting hours in line only to have the gate unexpectedly close. Tensions rose when it became apparent to some demonstrators that they were not going to gain access to the parade route prior to the passing of the President's motorcade.

Although I would have to give credit to the major news outlets for having made mention of the protestors at the Presidential Inauguration, footage of the event gave the impression that, aside for a couple of aberrant incidents, everthing was fairly copasetic. But this is hardly the experience that anyone that attended the Inaugural Parade (either pro or con) would have had as the unrest and dissent in the streets was both unmistakable and unavoidable. The pictures in this gallery help tell a different story ... the "ugly side" of Inauguration Day.

These are challenging times. The road ahead looks very rocky to say the least. And, unfortunately, it appears that things are going to get worse for us here in America before they get better ...