Update: My packet ended up arriving on March 6, 2009.
According to two local Washington, DC media outlets (WTOP / WJLA), the JCCIC has begun to mail out the promised official apology / commemorative Inauguration packets to rejected (purple, blue, and silver) ticket holders. The mailings apparently began to arrive as early as this past Monday (I’ve yet to receive mine, how about you?). It includes signed photos of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, commemorative inaugural invitations and programs, and an apology letter from Senator Feinstein (D-CA) stating:
The Members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies realize the importance of this day for you and so many other people who braved the cold and waiting in long lines for hours. We deeply regret that you were unable to witness this historic event and offer our sincerest apology.
As I’ve stated all along, it was never about receiving “compensation” for being denied access to this historic event, but more about getting to the bottom of the problems and trying to help ensure that the JCCIC learns from its mistakes for next time. In the end, I give the JCCIC credit for ultimately acknowledging its shortcomings (for the most part) and trying to “make things right.”
Stop wasting Obama’s time by making him sign photos for your apology packet…he’s damn busy enough already.
agree, but its only the auto-pen working overtime
The people who think we want “something” for the situation we were placed in have so missed the point. Those of us in the tunnel became keenly aware of the chaos and potential for danger. It truly is amazing that there were not any significant problems. The point is that it should not have happened and the folks in charge need to learn what needs to be done to prevent a repeat performance in the future.