There are probably more justifications for the bash than not. Some are more important than others based upon personal whim.

I have a friend who has flown back there because it's easy. He has relatives living close-in and may even have a chance to stay in an office a couple of blocks away. His rationale is that it's an historic event.

And I believe there's a sort of self-congratulation going on, a national bragging about having overcome prejudice against blacks. "Aren't I wonderful, Obama is being inaugurated."

I'm getting the sense it's a political Woodstock.

And, I believe events such as this help build expectations which can't possibly be met. I'd be willing to bet Obama has an approval rating of less than 50% in a year.

Arf