The Look of Order
Many Americans have watched the British royal wedding live today. There is a magic and aura about the way the Brits pull off one of these events. The music, the outfits, and the pomp all combine for an impression of order. This is how the world should be, one might think.
The English, the Scots, the Welsh, and the Northern Irish as well as all those in the former Commonwealth who find comfort in “royalty” were rewarded today. They saw a reaffirmation of divine order. The King and Queen at the top, the lowly sea worm at the bottom. Everything else in between, as it should be.
There is a look of order in the US too. We have no royalty. We do have, however, the rich. They dress better than most. They can go where ever they wish. They can easily marry others like themselves. They can step into government service for a mere campaign contribution, or they can take leave from private business pursuits and play politician full time. They are free to do so, and they possess the means to accomplish what they want.
President George W Bush was just such an example. His family wealth was substantial. His education and the people he knew were of the first order. As Governor and as President, he looked regal. Unfortunately, at a time when meritocracy would have really mattered, being wealthy mattered more.
President Barack Obama is a different case. He is an example of new education and self made minor wealth. His gifts of rhetoric and quiet self confidence overshadowed any lack of royal blood.
His presidency is still being defined. All that is clear is that President Obama’s record will far outshine that of President Bush. Oh, and yes, many Americans are not sure he should be President.
Despite this, a detached view of the Bush years and the 2+ Obama years offer a sharp contrast. Even though Bush, himself, was not burdened with the weight or appearance of hard work, his legitimacy seemed not in question. (Had the Supreme Court sat on the side lines, Bush may not have been elected.)
With President Obama, a man elected to office on merit, his presidency has been questioned almost every step of the way. Why should that be?
The idea of natural order is present everywhere. The rich should lead, it is reasoned, because they know better. Some say they are better. The very essence of a democracy is just the opposite. Those chosen in a democratic process get to lead whether they are rich or poor. While most Americans know this consciously, their hearts still look for royalty and the King.
I wonder whether we will ever see the look of order with President Obama?
This entry was posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:20 am and is filed under Barack Obama, Democratic Party, George Bush, Politics, Republican Party. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments.
Tags: british, meritocracy, natural order, royal wedding, royalty, UK
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