Friday, September 28, 2012

"La Plus Ca Change..."

Many of you will know that the French quoted above goes, "The more things change, the more they stay the same."  The French, notably cynical as a national pasttime, are dead right on this one. 

I noticed that in "Real Life at the White House."   Some examples...

Jacqueline Kennedy was much admired for her inventory and restoration of the White House during 1961-1963.  But Lou (Mrs. Herbert) Hoover did the first inventory during his term from 1929 to 1933.

Nancy Reagan was castigated for using a fortune teller to warn her of days when Reagan was in danger.  Hah!  Florence (The Duchess) Harding (Mrs. Warren G. Harding) regularly consulted several during his term from 1921 to 1923.

In certain circles, much is made of current President Obama's devotion to his golf game.  He's following in the footsteps of three other Presidents - Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding and Dwight Eisenhower (who marked up the Oval Office floor by wearing his golf shoes in it.)

Again much was made of Jacqueline Kennedy's love of riding and hunting.  Eleanor Roosevelt rode regularly for exercise. 

There isn't much that's new under the sun. 

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