Inauguration Day Jitters
Judging from the media this weekend is worrisome.
Protests are erupting about Trump’s impending duties as POTUS.
The Inauguration is moving inside. The reason being given is the cold weather alert. There is a rare day in January when the Capitol is not frigid. The inauguration has seen temperatures in the teens and even single digits previously, and none of those were moved inside.
Another reason has been proposed, and that is about security. Security will be extremely tight with fences perimeters said to have 30 miles surrounding the capitol building. The Department of Homeland Security has mobilized its assets, the National Guard, the DC police, the Capitol Police force as well as a heavy presence of the Secret Service. No doubt there will be air assets from helicopters, drones, and even an occasional F16 on alert. There will be added security on the Metro. Given the global state of wars, in Ukraine, and the Middle East. There are concerns about terrorist threats, although nothing credible.
Over 100,000 foldable lawn chairs are at the Capital portico, at considerable expense to rent chairs and set them up. They will be vacant with guests watching the inauguration in the Capital Rotundum, and less important stationed in a stadium with ultra-wide displays to observe the hallowed ceremony.
Perhaps we are approaching a time when the parade should be eliminated when the internet gives the world a better view and at far less expense. At a time when Janet Yellen announces the USA has reached its debt ceiling almost at the exact time of the inauguration ceremony. On December 16, 2021, it was set at about $31.4 trillion. On January 19, 2023, the United States hit its debt ceiling of $31.4 trillion. Currently, the debt ceiling is $36.1 trillion. She sent a letter in late December to lawmakers stating that the Treasury expected to hit the statutory debt ceiling between January 14 and January 23. And now, the agency will stop paying into certain accounts, including the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund and the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund, to make up for the shortfall in money beginning Tuesday.
One thing is for certain. In 48 hours things will change.