The Presidential Inauguration

A Peaceful Transfer of Power (hopefully)

I probably shouldn’t need to say this.

There have been some years of repetition regarding the idiocy of people flying to Washington, D.C., for the sole purpose of making jackasses of themselves. For one, I can think of dozens of things I’d rather spend my money on than a flight to the East coast for that purpose. I can see going to see the sites in Washington, and there are many. However, to go there to protest something that is already a done deal, make a mess of things, and behave like a petulant child in front of all of those cameras? I don’t think so. I know some folks will do it anyway.

Mother Nature has stepped forward to vote for peace this time around by giving everyone an excuse to stay indoors, and maybe even stay home entirely. With a high temperature (likely mid-afternoon after the inauguration) of only 26 degrees Fahrenheit and wind gusts of up to 30 mph.

https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-forecast/now/washington-dc-20001

Note that 14-degree wind chill. Brrrr!

If that were the temperature where I live, I wouldn’t mind going ice fishing…but I’d use my tent in that wind. Protesting on the Capital Grounds out in the open would be out of the question. This is why they’ve moved the swearing-in ceremony and speechifyin’ indoors.

Back in 2016-2017, the behavior of Democrats throughout the post-election process shocked and appalled me. Then, Republicans appalled me again in 2020-2021. It’s silly to behave that way and be such sore losers.

Presidential power in the U.S. is bipolar. In my adult life, it has cycled back and forth regularly between Democrat and Republican power. There was one four-year term of Jimmy Carter (D), two of Ronald Reagan (R), one of George H.W. Bush (R), two of Bill Clinton (D), two of George W. Bush (R), and two of Barack Obama (D), then one of Donald Trump (R) and one of Joe Biden (D). That’s Democrats 6 vs Republicans 6, an even balance, right? You can see from that how things cycle back and forth. Also, the Constitution limits the power of the Presidency so that they might get some things done in four years, but not much. Then, the people get a recall opportunity. Maybe the same party gets four more years, but will probably lose the next time to the other side. There is no reason for anyone to get all huffy and violent. If you don’t like the results of this election, wait for the next one, and your side will likely get its turn again.

However, during these past eight years of elections, people have forgotten that.

So, if you’ve gone to Washington today, please just enjoy the inauguration and the historic sites and then go home—without a criminal record. That way, we can all enjoy this historic event together as Americans.

If you’re watching the inauguration from home, here are three places to stream it on YouTube for free…