So long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Good Bye!

At last, the day has come, the day we’ve awaited for eight long years. As Sinead O’Connor sings, "the last day of our acquaintance." Tomorrow will be the first inauguration of an unambiguously elected U.S. president in a generation. Never before have I seen such enthusiasm for a new president. Aside from the musical production on The Mall, I see the signs and banners hanging on homes in neighborhoods in all social strata. Everyday I hear it from people I talk to.

If we gain nothing else from the promises that have been made, at least we have regained a sense of hope that democracy can function and the voice of the people can be heard. We believe again that our process works. In that, despite all that has happened in the past eight years, the White House’s outgoing occupant is a fortunate man.

Charles I should have been so fortunate.

Louis XVI should have been so fortunate.

Nicholas II should have been so fortunate.

On my recent trip to London, at the Tate Modern I saw a display of Soviet-era propaganda posters. I was so taken with this one that I had to write down the translation:

Cleanse the Party of all class enemies and hostile elements,

degenerates, opportunists, double dealers,

careerists, self-seekers,

bureaucrats and morally decayed persons.

Not that I am inclined to give advice to that Other Party, but they might take a word of advice from their favorite arch nemesis.

I’m just saying, if the shoe fits . . .