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As I write this, I keep in mind that I'm taking 'Off-Topic' too literal and I apologize for the rambling. If you are like me (incredibly handsome...it's ok I know I'm among friends) you have been subjected to political buzz words, phrases, and turns of phrases spewed by the media to convey the historical events taking place in our Great Country (no sarcasm- I LOVE this land of ours).

Frankly I NEVER want to hear 'change' unless it's my favorite, liquor store (privately owned) or coffee place (privately owned....see a trend?) worker dropping it in my hand. Today began like the last, with an antacid, deep sigh, and a self-affirmation that would take me through the day and keep me from smothering myself in self pity and skittles. Today though after a shameless raid on the post Halloween stash (which is hoarded symbolically on the lowest shelf, in the darkest, deepest corner of the cupboard...that way I bow down and prostrate to my lack of self control and diminishing self esteem); I could bare no longer and read a few front page titles regarding this 'handing over the reins or reigns' I forget which is more appropriate in this case. Scary when both seem appropriate.

I had a glimmer of an epiphany but quickly realized it was likely an aura: a prelude to a migraine or seizure. Wouldn't know if I did have a seizure since I'm grouchy and defiant rivaling most in post ictal behavior anyway (I did warn you I'm going to ramble a bit). So anyway, I thought about this person whom we know little about, that has spent less time in public affairs than the guy on the corner from where I work who yells obscenities --A guy who has had less experience in world economics and policy than a Benneton Model, a man who has sought the seat of power and will now have it.

Anyone ever hear of King Dionysius? It was like a bolt of lightening that hit me. I recalled this story that probably I haven't thought about for 20 years, easily. In my sorted, elementary education (public school- give me a break) Dionysius seized Syracuse and amassed sizable riches and power. His kingdom legendary in its own time, became the topic of boast among one of its citizens (or is it subjects? ..it's scary once again that either may be used in the future). This citizen's name was Damocles. Damocles made it known through his adorations of Dionysius (visa vie the throne) he too desired such notoriety and fame, and power.

Dionysius upon hearing this and obviously a man who did not mince words invited, no, ORDERED Damocles to sit upon a golden throne (the story is told differently from what I recall) and be waited on by maidens of such beauty, and handsome musicians whose songs would carry his thoughts to the heavens for a day.

Well, it sounds like a sweet deal to me personally but what made it hard to endure was a sword hanging precariously over the 'throne of power' by a single horse hair. (from this point the Glenlivet is taking hold) It caused an ENORMOUS amount of fear and apprehension in Damocles. 'No enjoyment can be had when with a subtle wind blows, my life extinguished; Dionysius please let me away from this torture!' To which Dionysius wisely points out that with the image of prosperity and power comes the constant anxiety.

Now, you can translate this any way you want. Wether he knows it or not, with all the fanfare, and pillared greatness, the reins that are being handed over in January will also come with a precarious dangling sword of uncertainty overhead that only a TRUE leader can endure.

Thanks for reading and I apologize for my vented reflections.

Rok

The problem is BamBam thinks he is Dionysius, and not Damocles. He doesn't think there is a sword dangling over his head. The American people have fulfilled his delusions of grandeur, what makes you think he'll start seeing reality on January 20th?

*Don't misunderstand me, I hold the Office of the President in the highest of respect. The man who sits in it is just a man, though, however great or small he may be.*

Of note now is that, as of today, Obama begins receiving the same intelligence briefing that President Bush gets every day. This is not the same briefing available to members of the Senate Intelligence committee. It is far more comprehensive. And it is certainly not the intelligence available to non-members of the Senate Intelligence committee - who basically don't know any more than you or I do.

I have a feeling that what Obama will learn every day, beginning today, will begin to make his hair stand on end, and it will be highly likely to temper his enthusiasms a little bit. It's easy to point fingers when you're a know nothing. It becomes far more difficult to do so when you finally not only know something, but when you also have to make decisions based upon this new knowledge which will affect the personal safety of 300 million of your fellow citizens.

We should all be praying for him to grasp the magnitude of what he's stepped into, and then to make wise decisions based on what he now knows - which he didn't know before.

The Annoyed Man wrote:Of note now is that, as of today, Obama begins receiving the same intelligence briefing that President Bush gets every day. This is not the same briefing available to members of the Senate Intelligence committee. It is far more comprehensive. And it is certainly not the intelligence available to non-members of the Senate Intelligence committee - who basically don't know any more than you or I do.

I have a feeling that what Obama will learn every day, beginning today, will begin to make his hair stand on end, and it will be highly likely to temper his enthusiasms a little bit. It's easy to point fingers when you're a know nothing. It becomes far more difficult to do so when you finally not only know something, but when you also have to make decisions based upon this new knowledge which will affect the personal safety of 300 million of your fellow citizens.

We should all be praying for him to grasp the magnitude of what he's stepped into, and then to make wise decisions based on what he now knows - which he didn't know before.

Well said.

The Annoyed Man wrote:I have a feeling that what Obama will learn every day, beginning today, will begin to make his hair stand on end, and it will be highly likely to temper his enthusiasms a little bit. It's easy to point fingers when you're a know nothing. It becomes far more difficult to do so when you finally not only know something, but when you also have to make decisions based upon this new knowledge which will affect the personal safety of 300 million of your fellow citizens.

We should all be praying for him to grasp the magnitude of what he's stepped into, and then to make wise decisions based on what he now knows - which he didn't know before.

I just hope he has the maturity to recognize it. I'm not optimistic.

So far as I can tell, there's going to be a big stack of executive orders right next to the bible at his swearing-in. The Constitution will be gutted before the words finish drifting through the crowd.

Change we can believe in..... the Clinton White house???