WASHINGTON — No strollers near the Capitol. No tents on the National Mall. None of that Silly String on the parade route.
That’s just a sample of the items forbidden from President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration for security reasons. And although many people say the inconvenience is a small price to pay to witness the swearing-in of the nation’s first black president, others are scratching their heads, trying to figure out how they will sit, snack, carry diapers or transport tired tots.
Some older people are backing out of their inaugural plans, partly because of a no-chair rule for the parade route. Parenting blogs are abuzz with complaints about the less-than- kid-friendly restrictions. Thermoses, coolers and backpacks are out at both the Capitol and the parade route.
“Of course, they’re not going to say, ‘no children,’ ” said Sunny Chanel, a San Francisco-based contributor to , a parenting website. “But they’re definitely not making it easy for parents with smaller children to go.”
The tightest rules are reserved for the lucky 240,000 ticket-holders, who get to sit closest to the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony on the West Front of the Capitol. There are understandable prohibitions on weapons and pepper spray, but you also can’t carry an umbrella. And don’t think about holding up any “Yes We Did” signs — posters also are not allowed.
