WASHINGTON -- Planning shortcomings contributed to problems that prevented thousands of ticket holders from witnessing President Barack Obama's inauguration, according to a report released Monday.
Um, yeah. We think the shut-outs noticed.
Many ticket holders were kept waiting in a tunnel below the National Mall and missed the January ceremony. Others said access to the Capitol grounds was cut off.
The main problem was a surge of people, many without proper tickets (not updated with proper directions), who overwhelmed the entrance gates, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies report.
Boy, we sure hope our still-without-representation taxes didn't pay for this evaluation.
Some inauguration hopefuls were directed into the Third Street Tunnel, which they learned all-too-late would get them virtually nowhere. According to the report, the Third Street Tunnel was intended for use by emergency vehicles only.
"The people who entered this line were in a tunnel for several hours in a line that did not progress," the report said.
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How did those people end up in the tunnel to nowhere in the first place? There were no signs or barricades, and police actually directed ticketholders into the tunnel, the congressional investigation determined.
Pre-screeners were needed to help direct crowds and ensure that people had the appropriate tickets, according to the report.
The report calls for several changes before the next inauguration. Among them: hiring civilians to help police with crowd control, earlier open times for ticket gates and a separate committee to oversee all aspects of the planning process.
At least the shut-outs got some sweet parting gifts.
