The Orgy for Obama took place in the same week as Obama’s inauguration. While many Americans chose to dance the night away at inaugural balls, some constituents in Los Angeles chose to celebrate in a more carnal way. In a loft in the heart of downtown, Dr. Susan Block welcomed the new president to office by throwing an orgy.

Dr. Block’s loft/speakeasy is a sort of commune and home to about a dozen people. The loft is decorated like a burlesque club and is part TV studio, part art gallery. Her infamous erotic art collection covers and walls and floors. Thongs stamped with Yale (Dr. Block’s alma mater) hang on chandeliers and antlers.

On the big night, the Doctor, and other women, donned their most patriotic lingerie. Dr. Block topped her outfit with her signature floppy hat and feather boa. A Sarah Palin look alike, and resident of the loft, made sure that everything was running smoothly. The chosen men floated through the crowd in white angel wings and luminous loincloths. The star of the show was a man with a striking and deliberate resemblance to Barack Obama. He greeted the wide-eyed crowd that filled the gallery. The voyeurs looked like the typical downtown bar crowd. Obama facemasks provided anonymity for those who didn’t want their face to appear on the live Internet broadcast.

On the eve of the orgy, Dr. Block was featured on ABC’s Nightline. The show detailed the inevitable death of public access television and her public access show. The nervous Nightline anchor in khaki pants hesitantly sat on her bed where she broadcasts her live sex therapy show. The eloquent Dr. Block seemed comfortable in the spotlight. She enjoys promoting her philosophy of “ethical hedonism” through her books and television shows. Although her ideals have thrust her into the controversial gray areas of first and fourth amendment rights, she has consistently prevailed over those who try to limit her civil liberties, including the LAPD and local politicians.

When asked what goes into planning an orgy she lists condoms, sex toys, lube, and “hope.” She says, “Hope makes you horney.” She adds that she used to be cynical about politicians, but Obama has changed her. This event is in stark contrast to 2004’s “Counter Inauguration Ball” when Bush took office. She admits that Obama, “would feel it was politically expedient to distance himself from such a thing [as the orgy]”. But she expects that Obama “will do something by doing nothing by not going as aggressively after artists and pornographers as the Bush administration did.” Although Obama may not endorse the orgy in his honor, he probably wouldn’t infringe on Dr. Block’s and other Los Angeleno’s unique pursuit of happiness.