… in 1981, Iran released 52 Americans held hostage for 444 days, minutes after the presidency had passed from Jimmy Carter to Ronald Reagan. In effect, by humiliating Carter, the Iranians ensured Reagan’s election, and with it ensured the dominance of neocon ideology for the next three decades.

Official forecast:

“Bone-Chilling Inauguration Weather”

.

Washington in January/February is the coldest place I’ve ever been. When I first went Sue bought me what she called an “arctic coat” and I cursed it because it made me so hot and sweaty in airports and planes. But then I found myself walking across Du Pont Circle in minus 20 degrees one night and never complained again. I still have it.

Wonder how the VIPs at the ceremony keep warm. A case of politically incorrect patio heaters perhaps?

Just think: no matter how fed up you are with the prospect of recession etc. this morning, imagine how you’d be feeling if McCain/Palin were being inaugurated today.