Much of the essay rings true to me, but I hope that the Obamas get a chance to explore some of the incredible culture experiences in Southeast DC. Rather than boil a whole quadrant down to drug dealers and poverty, perhaps they will get to know the entire city. Maybe Obama girls will enjoy go-go music, or mumbo sauce on their carryout chicken, or any number of fascinating tidbits of the African-American experience that is so far removed from the political machine for which DC is famous.

Not only that, but there are lots of changes happening in Southeast, too. The beautiful new baseball stadium is there, and I think that is doing a lot to revive what had been a pretty blighted part of Southeast. I remember going to a concert in that same neighborhood about 10 years ago, and just how different of a vibe it was.

It just bothers me when people write off DC. I grew up in the DC metro area, and DC is really one of my favorite cities in the US (I'd have to give the number 2 spot to Chicago). There are so many great, lively parts of the city that people ignore when they're torn between talking about the halls of power and the poverty/crime struggles. I mean, seriously, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, U Street, Capitol Hill and Columbia Heights-there are great, culturally diverse and interesting neighborhoods. I hope that our new first family will take advantage of all the cool stuff DC has to offer-all of DC.

Hmmm... what is this mumbo sauce of which you speak? I have to admit I moved to Washington a couple of years ago, and, sadly have not much ventured out of Northwest DC. I'm intrigued by this mumbo sauce discussion. I think (when I return to DC) I'll have to find some. Thanks for the inspiration, I'll put exploring SE DC at the top of my list.