Opinion: ‘MLK is smiling’ ... ‘Yes we did’

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WASHINGTON -- Standing on the steps of Constitution Hall, holding a sign reading, ‘MLK is smiling today’ was Medina Thiam, 30, who came all the way from Guinea for the historic event. She is not an American but was holding an American flag. She said of Inauguration Day: ‘It’s for the world.’

Elsewhere, the mood was festive, with crowds enduring elbows to their sides, cold weather and long waits as they made their way to the mall. Washington’s economy was thriving, with one vendor who was selling Obama buttons dressed in the buttons head to toe. Obamawear is everywhere.

‘Yes, we did’ is a popular button. There are no signs of protests so far, but a group of activists was preparing to distribute signs that read, ‘Mr.President, I hope for... ‘ and the rest is left blank for people to fill in.

Among the best-selling items: Hand warmers.

-- Richard Simon