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Class Struggle

By Jay Mathews

Washington's best winter ever

Sometime yesterday afternoon -- I wasn't watching the clock for reasons that will soon be apparent -- I heard a local TV news anchor announce that this was the "worst winter in Washington history." I was in bed at the time, taking one of the nice naps that have become part of my routine during the succession of storms that have kept me home since last Friday.

My thought: Is "worst" really the right adjective?

I realize that we have had more snow than ever before. I know that many people are isolated in homes without heat or power, or are struggling to get to work, or are being tortured by whiny kids whose schools are closed. I sympathize with all of you. I feel your pain. I have been in your situation a few times in the past.

But can't we, just for a moment, recognize that for some of us life has never been so good?

The power has remained on at my house. My bosses have asked that I contribute an occasional piece via the Internet, but are far too distracted to demand more.

(Editor to Jay: Please file six more blog posts by 5 p.m. today. Naps are for weekends.)

My wife is also unable to get to work, we can keep each other entertained. Our children are grown and don't bother us much anymore. We may ask the teenager down the block to dig out our driveway eventually, but there is no hurry. We look out our windows and see a lovely collection of white shapes and curves, like modern art with all of the rough edges rounded by yesterday's winds.

Worst is a legitimate word. But my favorite adjective is best. As a journalist, I have spent three decades looking for the best teachers and best schools. When people complain that my picks are based on measurements they don't accept, I point out that in America each of us gets to choose the meaning of best.

So I am officially declaring, as I sit in my warm kitchen with my laptop and my wife cooking up some ratatouille, that this is the Best Winter in Washington History.