And then next year, Chief Justice Day!

Your Humble Blogger enjoys President’s Day. Or rather, I don’t actually enjoy it, but I have a vague sense that I could enjoy it, or that I theoretically enjoy it. I’m interested in the Presidency and its history, and I feel that it’s appropriate to take a day to celebrate the fact that the majority of our Presidents have been, on the whole, decent men working hard at governing well. Not all of them, of course. And the Presidents whose natal dates fall at this time are clearly Great Men, and interesting men, besides, and all.

Of course, I am wary of my easy interest in the Great Men, and furthermore, I am wary of the focus on the Executive that (a) is easier to keep to the surface of anecdote and hero-worship, and (2) is the cultural weight overbalancing the Federal Government. If I were the Nanny State, I’d probably change it to Speakers’ Day, honoring the Men (and a Woman at last) who have held the reins of legislative power. Quick, name five former Speakers of the House. How long did it take? Did you list any who held the office before 1950? No? Sam Rayburn?

Ah, well. here’s the list. Champ Clark, John Carlisle and Schuyler Colfax might not sell cars, and that’s what’s really important. Although, honestly, wouldn’t you like to see the dealers dressed up as James G. Blaine?

I’m Henry Clay, and I won’t compromise on low prices!

Tolerabimus quod tolerare debemus,
-Vardibidian.