Yo, Seattle: Celebrate, Feed the Homeless, and Support Muntadhir Al-Zaidi

by Shaker BGK

On Jan 20th, 2009 Barack Obama will deliver his inaugural address, becoming the 44th President of the United States of America. He will also become the first President of the United States to be a Person of Color. His speech and ball will hopefully be a party for our nation.

Unfortunately, not everyone on Jan. 20th will have the same ability to celebrate.

For many across the nation, January is a hard time to make ends meet. Here in Seattle, Northwest Harvest reports heavy demand on our foodbank.

Half a world away, Muntadhir Al-Zaidi awaits trial for expressing his anger at 43rd President of the United States George Bush. Everyone can understand that frustration and anger. Now that he's held at Camp Cropper, there are some reports that Al-Zaidi has suffered injuries and brutality. Clearly, he should not be tortured for his crime of shoe-throwing.

The combination of these three events has spawned a local event here in Seattle.

One of my local pubs, The Red Line Bar & Grill, will host an inauguration party. The TV screens will show the news feed of the inauguration party for all to watch. It's my hope that we will have great conversations happening inside as we watch this moment in US history.

On the back patio, you can donate 3 non-perishable food stuffs or $5 to the Northwest Harvest, helping to feed the needy of Washington State and Oregon. In exchange for your donation, you will be given the opportunity to take Al-Zaidi's place and try to hit President Bush with a pair of size 10 loafers. Just like our outgoing President, he's dodgy. If you manage to hit the president with both shoes, you will win a coveted and rare Redline t-shirt. There will also be excellent drink specials all night! (Manny's beer to name one.)

All in all, there will be good fun, good food, good conversation, a new president, and a healthy donation to Northwest Harvest to feed the needy in this area. Please consider this an open invitation to any Shakers. If you have questions or need directions, please contact me (Shaker BGK) at shoesatbush@gmail.com.

Thanks!

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