Shakin' Hands with the Guv'nor

Jane and I took a quick trip up to Indianapolis to participate in the celebration of middle America's lone example of common sense in the re-election of my friend and former roommate, Mitch Daniels as governor. We were two of about 30 Princeton folks (including SO's and spouses) that Mitch had invited to join in the festivities, similar to the event in 2005. All was wonderful, and we were treated like royalty, wined and dined beyond reason. The best part though, was seeing all the guys and getting to know their spouses, and having Jane meet them, and vice versa. It explains how I got like I am far better than I could. (Mitch had also met Grossi and Pappy many years ago.)

I don't think any of the PU crew stayed around for the actual inauguration, as we did 4 years ago, but this year was a more humble event on a much smaller scale. Mitch did manage to refer to or quote Ray Kroc, Kermit the Frog, Abe Lincoln, and the movie Speed in his speech, which relied heavily on seasonal and gardening metaphors. Few are better at metaphorical images than Mitch, and everyone we talked to was certain he would continue his term as the country's best governor (he did win that award recently). Of course, those were the staffers we were talking to, but.... I also spoke to a guy at the airport (he saw my Mitch button) who was complimentary of the job done so far, though not as gushing as Mitch's staff. I mentioned at breakfast on Sunday that I thought the true measure of a man's success was not how much wealth he had accumulated, but how many people around him would be willing to take a bullet for him--it is clear his staff would, as would the Indiana State Troopers who always accompany him. (Mitch laughed that off by saying the real test is the ratio of those people to the ones wanting to put one in him! He's the most humble and genuine politician I have ever seen. A great, great guy.) May he live long and prosper.



Mitch being sworn in on his family Bible, held by wife, Cherrie

A great day for Indiana.
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And, in honor of the occasion, a Special Bumper Sticker of the Week...
Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.