I see I'm not the only one who felt it was appropriate to leave the country during the, uh, somehow inauguration doesn't seem the right word. Instatement? Installation?

I at least have the further complication that I live in the city whose streets are being closed, whose police are girding for riots, whose bars and restaurants are being overrun by gleeful -- and zealous -- republicans. So I got the hell out of Dodge, as it were.

There was a note in the Post about how Shrub is having the "TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION" plates removed from the Presidential auto fleet. He also stated in an interview that he was totally against Home Rule -- without, apparently, knowing what Home Rule was. These are not going to be a good four years for the District.

I wasn't a Clinton fan either, but at least he was sympathetic, and when he said he felt your pain, it was a convincing performance (although I'm not ruling out the idea that he was cynical and opportunistic, and would feel anybody's pain if he thought it would be politically beneficial to do so).

Shrub is a moron, a lightweight, and can't be bothered to think about anything that doesn't immediately affect him, and I also think he's thickheaded enough not to understand when he actually needs to care. I think when he finally comprehends that something is important enough to address, he'll have somebody get right on that, but I don't see him taking a personal interest in anything.

But enough complaining. I left the country for a reason. Time to go be entertaining and entertained.

(20 jan)