Squaring the Circle

Back in November I did a post about Eugene Allen, butler to eight Presidents. On January 20, 2009, Mr. Allen personally watched the swearing in of the first African-American President.

It's a remarkable story and a very good read.

From the Washington Post...

"I never would have believed it," Allen said, sitting in an invitation-only area. He wore a black cashmere coat purchased for the occasion, a checkered scarf and a Sinatra fedora. "In the 1940s and 1950s, there were so many things in America you just couldn't do. You wouldn't even dream that you could dream of a moment like this."

Allen received his invitation from the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies after The Washington Post published an article about him after Obama's election victory.

The invitation to the swearing-in surprised him. "I've served a lot of presidents," he said, "but I've never been to an inauguration."

Then President-elect Barack Obama came onto the stage. "That's the man," the butler said, nodding. "Whew. I'm telling you, it's something to see. Seeing him standing there -- well, it's been worth it all."

And then, in a moment upending the arc of American history, Obama was sworn in, becoming, before the eyes of millions and a White House butler, president of the United States of America.