Sunday, May 15, 2005
Polistra salutes the 'Rose Revolution'
If you think Americans put too much value and complexity into flag symbolism, look here for a history of the Georgian flag.
Seems like a pattern is emerging in these former Soviet republics. Immediately after independence, a new government takes over, made of the same people who ran the old Marxist regime. Then, only in some countries, a wave of revulsion leads to a bloodless switchover, about 14 years later. I strongly suspect that these 14-year locusts will be the successful ones in the long run, while those who fail to pupate will descend back into Soviet gloom.
Something similar happened here, of course; 14 years after our war of independence, disgust with the original pattern led to the Constitution.
Sidebar: If you want to be an annoying Constitution-otaku, insist that the first American President was John Hanson. Washington was actually the 14th, which means GWB is actually number 57. Hanson, and 12 other equally obscure men, were annually chosen President of Congress under the Articles of Confederation.
¶ 10:48 AM
If you think Americans put too much value and complexity into flag symbolism, look here for a history of the Georgian flag.
Seems like a pattern is emerging in these former Soviet republics. Immediately after independence, a new government takes over, made of the same people who ran the old Marxist regime. Then, only in some countries, a wave of revulsion leads to a bloodless switchover, about 14 years later. I strongly suspect that these 14-year locusts will be the successful ones in the long run, while those who fail to pupate will descend back into Soviet gloom.
Something similar happened here, of course; 14 years after our war of independence, disgust with the original pattern led to the Constitution.
Sidebar: If you want to be an annoying Constitution-otaku, insist that the first American President was John Hanson. Washington was actually the 14th, which means GWB is actually number 57. Hanson, and 12 other equally obscure men, were annually chosen President of Congress under the Articles of Confederation.
¶ 10:48 AM
