Bush + Omaha = Long Day for Matt

Well, after pulling some strings at the NE GOP office, I got 5 tickets to see Bush on Friday. Very EARLY Friday.

3:30 AM Wake up.

4:15 AM Arrive at Qwest Center.

5:35 AM Gates open. We were hearded like cattle through screeners, and ticket takers. I couldn't understand why they had 70 year old women with arthritis trying to tear off the ticket stub, when 10,000 people are trying to get in.

6:00 AM Get seated.

6:30 - 7:45 AM Listen to some mediocre local choir, and the UNL swing choir (they were terrible, and a little too peppy for those up at 3:30 AM).

8:00 or 8:30 President enters the stage just 20 feet away from us. Incredibly cool! Not a big guy either.

Bush had 4 people with him on stage, one was a social security expert, and three were local people that were concerned about the future of social security in one way or another. Bush started about by summarizing the State of the Union, and greeting the elected officals. When making his case for revamping social security, Bush made it clear that he was open to all plans, not just his own, and that he looks forward to working with Congress. He was then interupted by a guy that called him a "bleeping..Liar, who is lying to the people." His fifteen minute of fame came to an abrubt end. I'm sure he had a better idea for social security, he just couldn't find the words...lol. As for the 300-350 protesters, I only saw 10-12, but they may have been up the street a bit and I didn't see them all.

On a lighter note, Fortenberry and Nelson rode with Bush to the airport to discuss social security, and upon his return, Nelson's crew left without him and he didn't have a ride. He hitched a ride with some guy at the Home and Garden show.

I commend Bush for wanting to do something about Social Security now, opposed to waiting for it to become a crisis.