Some are getting their panties in a knot because the White House decided to have the drawing of participants in the Easter Egg Roll (Hunt) on the internet, instead of the traditional way of standing in line.
To be honest, what difference does it make? The online drawing means many from around the country may have a chance to bring their kids to the Easter Egg Roll. But there are some, primarily from the D.C. Beltway who are angered that it was changed.
The switch to online distribution from standing in line all night on the Ellipse the weekend before the "roll" for first come first serve tickets touched a nerve with readers of my blog,(original March 23 post) triggering a passionate debate on a subject not inconsequential to many people across the country.
"Having camped out since my baby was born (he will be 4 this year) I must say I am disappointed that this administration is breaking with tradition. My sister-in-law and I brave the elements (two years ago it snowed on us) in excess of 24 hours to ensure our kids get to experience the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. Not everything in Washington is broken, Mr. President. Some traditions will be missed," "Mom in Maryland" posted on my blog.
Well, the "Mom in Maryland" has an advantage by living in the D.C. area and a chance to spend the night before the event. Many are not as advantageous. The White House does not belong to "those who live in the area", but for the whole 50 states. Many want to participate all over the country, but don't live in the area, remember standing in line does not mean you are guaranteed a ticket neither.
Mrs. Obama wants to make the White House more accessible to people--she invited students to tend to a vegetable garden on the grounds, for example-- so letting folks from out-of town have a way to get tickets in advance for the Egg Roll and make travel plans seemed a non-controversial no brainer.
"Thanks you Mr. President and Mrs. Obama for thinking of this ideal of letting everyone across the USA having a chance to get tickets. I understand from the other comments that they perfer to camp out, but they must understand that other persons would love to have the chance of getting tickets," "Jackie" from Durham, North Carolina, said in her post.
A spokesman for Mrs. Obama said, "the online ticketing system has allowed us to reach families from 41 states interested in coming to the Easter Egg Roll. We even have a family from Alaska coming to the event."
A family coming from Alaska. This will be a memorable event for this family for the rest of their lives. Those camping out mostly LIVE IN THE DC AREA. To have guaranteed tickets ahead of time, to plan the trip for your family, finally to open this event up to everyone in the United States is not only a smart move, but a FAIR MOVE.
Traditions are wonderful, but as time and people change, some traditions need to change, too.
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