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Fucking Big Ballroom
Oct. 22nd, 2025 10:56 am The best thing about the White House is it isn't a palace. it isn't Versailles (God forbid!) or Blenheim or the Vatican. it doesn't impose, it isn't even very wonderful as architecture. It's simply a decent, dignified 18th century gentleman's residence- as befits the leader of a scrupulously-conceived democracy. The person who is temporarily installed there isn't going to look round and think. "Finally made it!" or "King of the world!" but "Tolerable decor, nice view!" and "It'll do for the next four years..."
The core has been added to down the years. But the additions have been functional. The East Wing, which is currently being chewed up, was built in the 1940s to serve- primarily- as a work space for a peculiarly active and activist First Lady.
Franklin and Eleanor- ah me- those were the days!
Power that is legitimately based- by, to and from the people- doesn't need to be bigged up or blinged up. It doesn't require halls of mirrors and gold taps. It exhales its own authority.
The current resident of the White House hasn't understood any of this....
The core has been added to down the years. But the additions have been functional. The East Wing, which is currently being chewed up, was built in the 1940s to serve- primarily- as a work space for a peculiarly active and activist First Lady.
Franklin and Eleanor- ah me- those were the days!
Power that is legitimately based- by, to and from the people- doesn't need to be bigged up or blinged up. It doesn't require halls of mirrors and gold taps. It exhales its own authority.
The current resident of the White House hasn't understood any of this....
