Houston Chronicle is reporting that Jenna and Henry will marry at the Crawford Ranch and not at the White House itself. The date is set for May 10, so plans must be well under way.
This is probably about as political as you'll hear me get (and it's not to engage in discussion about policies or war) just that it's probably not a good idea to have a wedding at the WH while there's a war on. Gowns and champagne and people laughing it up, it won't play well. I think it's wise to have it away from the residence. Please folks, not wanting to start a discussion about the war, just comment on what's right to do as it relates to our favorite building. :)
Meh. A wedding is a celebration of life independent of other events in the culture, IMO. The Johnsons and Nixons both did it. I wouldn't begrudge the Bushes.
On the other hand, during the Civil War, Mary Lincoln was raked over the coals for her new china, her decorating - when men in the field went without blankets - and generally seeming insensitive (even though in reality she wasn't) to the plight of soldiers in the field.
At best, living in the White House is much like walking a tightrope over a seething tank of snapping alligators - alligators in a bad mood most of the time...
When it comes right down to it, a wedding is a very personal event. Even though it would have been grand to see another WH wedding, it's really Jenna & Henry's choice to celebrate where they wish. Good luck to them both!
I agree with both Wingnut and Derek. I think it would be fun to see another White House wedding, but with the war on, the protesters would make as much news as the wedding itself. One difference with the Johnsons was that both sons-in-law (if I'm correct) were going to serve in VietNam.
I think it more likely that Jenna Bush doesn't view the White House as anything more than occasional stopover to see her parents. Neither of the twins actually lives there. It is understandable that a bridal couple does not wish to be married in a museum, which the WH really is. As the bride-to-be, Jenna calls the shots; and a wedding at her home has got to be more emotionally satisfying than one in a structure managed by a division of the National Park Service. Love the White House for its history, but it sure ain't home to nobody!
Duane, With all due respect, I have to disagree with your statement. I think one of the fascinating things about the White House is that it is not only a priceless museum, but a home to the First Family.
I agree Scott. I think the residence area is awesome, very fine and that the 3rd floor is even more homey. I would be overjoyed and very at home in the WH!
Any comments I have read from former residents at the White House have indicated it is not a home despite its many other qualities and services. I, too, would like to spend a few days there, nights included. But I like to swim and what once was a pool has been given over to a gaggle that thinks it belongs virtually next door to the Oval Office. Often writes and speaks, too, as though its own worldview is what counts because it is "making the world a better place," as Peter Jennings noted that his crowd wants to do. Maybe I should post as "Snarky."
Speaking of The White House: When I see the north facade as a backdrop for news anchors, I wonder how much of that side is original construction and how much is post 1812? How about the other 3 sides of the mansion? Wasn't one side completely destroyed in the fire that the British set? I wonder if most of the windows and glazing date from the reconstruction- though it is obvious that blast proof panels have been added on the interior. That must explain why it looks as if the windows are bare when viewed from the outside. At least in some photos. Can anyone elaborate?
My understanding is that the north wall of the White House is pretty much original pre-1814. The west wall was the most damaged and had to be completely removed and rebuilt. Most of the south wall survived, as did most of the east wall, except the center.
The north wall of the West Wing is also original from TR.
This is probably about as political as you'll hear me get (and it's not to engage in discussion about policies or war) just that it's probably not a good idea to have a wedding at the WH while there's a war on. Gowns and champagne and people laughing it up, it won't play well. I think it's wise to have it away from the residence. Please folks, not wanting to start a discussion about the war, just comment on what's right to do as it relates to our favorite building. :)
ReplyDeleteMeh. A wedding is a celebration of life independent of other events in the culture, IMO. The Johnsons and Nixons both did it. I wouldn't begrudge the Bushes.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, during the Civil War, Mary Lincoln was raked over the coals for her new china, her decorating - when men in the field went without blankets - and generally seeming insensitive (even though in reality she wasn't) to the plight of soldiers in the field.
ReplyDeleteAt best, living in the White House is much like walking a tightrope over a seething tank of snapping alligators - alligators in a bad mood most of the time...
When it comes right down to it, a wedding is a very personal event. Even though it would have been grand to see another WH wedding, it's really Jenna & Henry's choice to celebrate where they wish. Good luck to them both!
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Wingnut and Derek. I think it would be fun to see another White House wedding, but with the war on, the protesters would make as much news as the wedding itself. One difference with the Johnsons was that both sons-in-law (if I'm correct) were going to serve in VietNam.
ReplyDeleteI think it more likely that Jenna Bush doesn't view the White House as anything more than occasional stopover to see her parents. Neither of the twins actually lives there.
ReplyDeleteIt is understandable that a bridal couple does not wish to be married in a museum, which the WH really is. As the bride-to-be, Jenna calls the shots; and a wedding at her home has got to be more emotionally satisfying than one in a structure managed by a division of the National Park Service.
Love the White House for its history, but it sure ain't home to nobody!
Duane,
ReplyDeleteWith all due respect, I have to disagree with your statement. I think one of the fascinating things about the White House is that it is not only a priceless museum, but a home to the First Family.
I agree Scott. I think the residence area is awesome, very fine and that the 3rd floor is even more homey. I would be overjoyed and very at home in the WH!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Wingnut - I'd be very at home, reclining on the Red Room sofa, in front of a roaring fire....another Martini, Jeeves!!
ReplyDeleteAny comments I have read from former residents at the White House have indicated it is not a home despite its many other qualities and services.
ReplyDeleteI, too, would like to spend a few days there, nights included.
But I like to swim and what once was a pool has been given over to a gaggle that thinks it belongs virtually next door to the Oval Office. Often writes and speaks, too, as though its own worldview is what counts because it is "making the world a better place," as Peter Jennings noted that his crowd wants to do.
Maybe I should post as "Snarky."
Speaking of The White House:
ReplyDeleteWhen I see the north facade as a backdrop for news anchors, I wonder how much of that side is original construction and how much is post 1812? How about the other 3 sides of the mansion? Wasn't one side completely destroyed in the fire that the British set?
I wonder if most of the windows and glazing date from the reconstruction- though it is obvious that blast proof panels have been added on the interior.
That must explain why it looks as if the windows are bare when viewed from the outside. At least in some photos.
Can anyone elaborate?
I'm thinking I will put a pool in the entrance hall floor and a slide from the grand staircase area into the pool. (I'm so good)
ReplyDeleteMy understanding is that the north wall of the White House is pretty much original pre-1814. The west wall was the most damaged and had to be completely removed and rebuilt. Most of the south wall survived, as did most of the east wall, except the center.
ReplyDeleteThe north wall of the West Wing is also original from TR.