Sunday, September 21, 2008

Makes perfect sense?

"I pray Heaven Bestow the Best of Blessings on this House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but Honest and Wise Men ever rule under this Roof." These words make perfect sense referring to the White House. John Adams spoke them on November 1st, 1800 as he prepared to took up residence there. His words appealed to President Franklin Roosevelt who inscribed them on the fireplace of the State Dining Room below Abraham Lincoln’s portrait. The stately mansion with 130 rooms on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. has seen not only numerous physical renovations, upgrades and expansions, but also many retrogrades and regressions of character in its occupants from the fine sentiment of John Adams. Not even Lincoln could boast that the best of blessings blessed his House. Crooks and fools often ruled under its expansive roof. The male tradition of American leaders has even been challenged but not overcome. George Washington who blessed America with his presence as first Commander in Chief certainly lived honestly and ruled wisely, but he never occupied the White House. Imperfection summarizes the march of Presidents, not perfect sense.

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