What Lurks Within? +

To be honest, when I first stood in front of the White House I was (I hate to say it) a little disapointed. Ever since I was a child I have had a fascination with The Presidency. Perhaps it is because we don't have one in Australia or perhaps it is because we are distantly related to Senator Eugene McCarthy, a Democratic candidate in the turbulent 1968 election. More likely it is because my Irish father would talk endlessly about President Kennedy like he was a God. Anyway, I have been fascinated by it for as long as I can remember. I have read hundreds of books, seen hundreds of documentaries or movies about it and am still fascinated. So to stand there and actually see the White House for the first time......it looks kind of small.......it looks kind of clinical.......it looks kind of..disapointing. But then after a few minutes I changed my mind completely.

I have been to DC 4 times now and each time I just can't wait to get down to The White House. It is always my first stop. I find myself thinking of 2 things when looking through the fence. The first is how Harry Truman must have felt on his first day as President. He didn't want the job, was a reluctant Vice President and on day 1 was told about The Manhattan Project and the prospects of losing half a million troops if an invasion of Japan were to proceed. All of this was now his responsibility. Tough day at the office. The 2nd is how Richard Nixon's Presidency fell apart. He won the 1972 election by the biggest margin in history, blah blah blah, we all know the rest. But I suggest that even if you don't like this picture and don't really want to comment, check out this video of President Nixon goofing around just before giving his resignation speach. It really is quite amazing to think that in the last few months he was on a suicide watch and an absolute mess but could still deliver when needed.

Hope you don't mind a shameless plug?

He said... she said...

• Interesting to read your thoughts. I can see your point of view. I honored your request to watch the video:-) He's nervous and irritated in my opinion. He's uncomfortable and trying not to show weakness. I don't remember a lot about this. Most of what I know is from reading about it. However, your photo is superb and like the other one which is similar disturbs me. I recall as a teenager people could tour the White House and we never did. I remember as a young adult when people could drive past the people's house. Last year when we visited I couldn't believe how so many streets had been blocked off. I find it disturbing and to me your image shows what I'm trying to describe.
  sherri @ 2008-04-09 14:25:10
• Interesting symmetry. Great sky and motiv.
  Frank @ 2008-04-12 04:24:13
• WOW, i just love the sky, its killing me mate,
  Mohamadreza @ 2008-04-22 13:54:00

You'll say...