But ... he smells like ranch dressing!

Has anyone visited the National Christmas tree over by the White House lately?  It's basically the saddest tower of lopsided pine I have ever seen.  It is!  I was so visibly (and verbally) appalled by the sight this afternoon that a member of the Park Police (or Secret Service) sauntered up and we had the following conversation: 

PP (Park Police): Yeah, we been making fun of that thing all day.

ME:  Is that REALLY it? 

PP:  Yeah, they said that's all they could get. 

ME:  For the President?!?!  (note: incredulous.  maybe fury). 

PP:  Well, the first one got knocked over or something in the wind storm, so this is the best they could send over regulation size or something.  We're hoping it'll grow a few feet by Christmas.  

When was there a wind storm that knocked over the first tree?? Why didn't FoxNews have that guy who thought the Rapture was coming report on it? Poor Obama. We all have to be Charlie Brown sometimes.  

In other news, I spent this lovely Sunday afternoon at the ... National Holocaust Museum.  Because nothing says "holiday spirit and festive" quite like a good chunk of time reading about Nazi War Propaganda.  I found this single poster one of the more disturbing pieces of political propaganda; not just because the eyes follow you around the room, but because of it's striking familiarity.  When's the last time I saw a famous campaign poster featuring the solo image of a candidate's face rising above one word that conceptualized his entire message?  WHAT? I guess what it takes to win over voters doesn't seem to change much.   

And finally.  I must go to bed and bid the world, adieu, adieu, to you, and you, and you.  

Currently Listening:  Black Keys - "Tighten Up".  

(When I was young and moving fast, nothing slowed me down / Nothing slowed me down / Now, I let the others pass.)