Free Republic

Life is blighted by the tyranny of the urgent over the important, as someone said. That is why, at the time of Barack Obama’s global triumph in Washington, I wasn’t watching the proceedings live on television but dealing with some urgent minor errands. It was very annoying, particularly when someone asked me why I wasn’t sitting enraptured in front of a television somewhere. Without thinking I replied that it wasn’t really important anyway: I was sick and tired of all the hoopla. Then I realised I wasn’t just being irritable: I really meant it. I don’t mean that I am...

That was quite a day. A 77-day transition is in my view somewhat excessive but the United States can mount an inauguration ceremony that awes and impresses. It was quite something to be some 50 yards from the Capitol steps as Barack Obama was sworn in . The emotion throughout the city - and no doubt much of the country too - was palpable. People so desire President Obama to succeed that their belief in him is almost an act of faith. It was perhaps appropriate that I had to kneel for much of the inauguration ceremony - though only...