OK, I know that sometimes we Americans are seen as being naive, or wearing "rose colored glasses." I tend to be a worrier, so I often admire this "half full" perspective on life. Look, Barack Obama based his whole campaign on change and the "audacity of hope." His hope was contagious and he managed to get voters to embrace it. But, there are certain times when this "looking at the bright side of things" just seems incongruous to the situation. One such instance caught my eye just this morning. Our economy is in the toilet and we are practically mid-way in a flush. In fact, Obama today is announcing his financial team of experts who will hopefully throw us a rope to aid in our at least clinging to the bowl (sorry - no more toilet analogies for the rest of this entry). Things look pretty bleak. But - who shows up to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange? None other than Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Macy's staff. Something just seems wrong about that. It would be as if a funeral service featured a performance from Disney on Ice. Something is just odd. See the video below:
John Stewart demonstrated the irony of a similar NYSE start of the day, when a several clowns were there to ring the opening bell. See below:
So, who should be there, at least temporarily, to start the day during these terrible financial times. Who would have the gravitas (Tom Cruise's favorite word)? Here are some of my suggestions:
Dick Cheney - He's got the sneer. Also, let's face it, the irony is pure Shakespeare.
Alex Trebeck - He makes everything look serious, even when it's not.
Condi Rice - She always looks like she is worried about something.
James Earl Jones - He has a great voice, and could come dressed like Darth Vader.
Emma Thompson or anyone British - They seem more serious. And even if they told a joke, the American public probably wouldn't get it.
Wolf Blitzer - He takes everything serious, particularly himself.
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