Bill McKibben has a much more sophisticated and sane take on the current energy situation. He sees the stark reality of the West’s dependence on Russian oil as a major opportunity to increase our commitment to clean energy. He suggests that Biden invoke the Defense Production Act to ramp up our production of heat pumps, solar panels and other clean energy products. Heat pumps could be manufactured and shipped to Europe before next fall/winter. His approach would continue our much needed efforts to counter climate change and also weaken Russia’s economy and control of the energy market.
Although Congress scheduled the first inauguration for March 4, 1789, they were unable to count the electoral ballots as early as anticipated. Consequently, the first inauguration was postponed to allow the president-elect time to make the long trip from his home in Virginia to the nation's capital in New York City.
For 144 years, the U.S. President was inaugurated in the spring. But after the election of 1933, Congress changed the date in the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, moving the date up to Jan. 20.
It was also the last inauguration to be held on the constitutionally prescribed date of March 4, as the 20th Amendment, ratified earlier that year, moved Inauguration Day to January 20. As a result, Roosevelt's (and Garner's) first term in office was shorter than a normal term by 43 days.
The Muse of History is always interesting, but today's was particularly so. Thanks for all the legwork, great information, and the occasional chuckle.
Bill McKibben has a much more sophisticated and sane take on the current energy situation. He sees the stark reality of the West’s dependence on Russian oil as a major opportunity to increase our commitment to clean energy. He suggests that Biden invoke the Defense Production Act to ramp up our production of heat pumps, solar panels and other clean energy products. Heat pumps could be manufactured and shipped to Europe before next fall/winter. His approach would continue our much needed efforts to counter climate change and also weaken Russia’s economy and control of the energy market.
Wow, I have seen coverage of Russian oil imports, but nobody has given all the facts that did in one short blurb. Thank you.
Here's a bit of history trivia for today.
Although Congress scheduled the first inauguration for March 4, 1789, they were unable to count the electoral ballots as early as anticipated. Consequently, the first inauguration was postponed to allow the president-elect time to make the long trip from his home in Virginia to the nation's capital in New York City.
For 144 years, the U.S. President was inaugurated in the spring. But after the election of 1933, Congress changed the date in the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, moving the date up to Jan. 20.
It was also the last inauguration to be held on the constitutionally prescribed date of March 4, as the 20th Amendment, ratified earlier that year, moved Inauguration Day to January 20. As a result, Roosevelt's (and Garner's) first term in office was shorter than a normal term by 43 days.