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“To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
Washington DC (d’uh)
Times Square, New York (YAY)
Here at the Ranch we’re not thinking (much) about what’s going on in the markets today. Instead we’ll be having a party with the TV tuned in to the events in Washington DC all day long. And so it should be. This day shouldn’t happen however, without a few moments of introspection on the meaning and significance of the occasion.
The inauguration of the president is an occasion to reflect on the solemn ritual that symbolizes the transfer of state power. It is the formal event where we, as citizens, are all asked to move on. There are no tanks in the streets and no bloodshed.
When we reflect on transfer of power, we should think of less auspicious ways a change of command has been accomplished in former times.. When the forces of Henry Bolingbrook (later Henry IV) vanquished the army of King Richard II in 1399, Henry came to claim the crown. Instead of voluntarily taking the crown off his own head, the cunning Richard said prophetically, “Cousin, seize the crown!” For the next half-century, the blood drenched War of the Roses pitted two great houses as bitterly disputed claimants to the English throne.
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