My wife and I are considering leaving over the inauguration period. First, I don't do the mall when major events are on. Its just pointless. And if there are four million on the mall, roughly half will be tourists. That being the case, there is simply no point being in the metro area. My enthusiasm for the Obama presidency simply does not rise to the level that justifies that sort of inconvenience and hassle.

My wife suggested that we rent out our posh Old Town townhouse to some of the revelers. But the thought of returning home to a looted house heavy with pot smoke and littered with prophylactics just doesn't appeal to me.

-Old Army