Answered by Habib Fanny on April 16th 2018

What’s wrong with this?

No, I’m not talking about Trump being president.

Let’s zoom out a bit.

No, I’m not talking about Mitch McConnell’s face. Let’s try another year.

See it? Not yet?

Okay, let’s keep going then.

Why are so many people wearing overcoats?

Because it’s cold. Why?

Because it’s January and people are outdoors.

Why?

Because it’s the tradition to hold the inauguration ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.

Why?

Because of the War of 1812.

During this war, American troops plundered and set fire to the buildings of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada in York (Modern-day Toronto).

In retaliation, in 1814, after defeating the US troops in the disastrous Battle of Bladensburg, the Brits set fire to Washington D.C.

The Presidential Mansion (it wasn’t known as the White House yet) was burned, and so was the Capitol.

When James Monroe was inaugurated in 1817, there weren’t any buildings left in D.C. that could host the inauguration. So, the decision was made to hold it on the steps of the Capitol.

And that became a tradition. Of course, it wasn’t nearly as cold then, because presidents used to be inaugurated in March. In 1937, people started holding the inauguration on January 20th, but they kept it outdoors, because… tradition.

And that, kids, is why you shouldn’t invade Canada and burn their buildings. It will lead to a cascade of events that will culminate in the absurd scenario where you have to freeze your ass off every 4 years when your president is being sworn in.

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