Overdoing it just a * tiny * bit

So, in less than a week, Barack Obama gets sworn in as President of the United States. And to commemorate this fine occasion, Federal and local governments have decided to screw things so royally in terms of traffic that it won't even be funny.

The Washington Post has a nice summary of this.

But I guess I'm some sort of Anarchist, or Un-American. To me, if the threat to "security" is so great that this is what is required, then MOVE THE DAMN THING. Seriously. Have it at the front door of the White House. Obama says "So Help Me God", they change the "Welcome" mat from Red to Blue, hand him the keys, and get the F*** to work. No parade. No parties. He can give his speech from the White House press room or the Oval Office.

And why the hell would you want to go stand a half-mile from someone giving a speech in 29 degree weather with a 25% chance of precipitation? To say you where there? Honestly, that doesn't impress anyone. Ok, maybe when Buzz Aldrin says "yeah, I was there, I saw the First Man step on the Moon" or something along those, then I think "being there" was impressive. But the orderly and voluntary transition of power, while pretty amazing, does not require 4 million eyewitnesses. Go home and watch it in High Def.

My friend Steve is leaving town for a few days. Personally, I think it's as much of a protest as it is to avoid all of this, and I'm still trying to figure out how he got leave approved (given his job). I won't be going anywhere - there's no need I figure. If there was a legitimate, credible threat I'm hoping he would tip me off and since he hasn't then there isn't one or he's pissed at me.

Look, I'm not oblivious to the importance of the first black President. But effectively walling off half of the city and shutting down traffic on this scale? Nope, sorry.

Now get to work, Obama.