The Memory Palace
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Published
Feb 17,2009
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The song is “Pastoral” by Moondog.
I first read about the sad, sad Pierces in a book of Presidential profiles I got at a used bookstore. The book, upon further research, got a key detail wrong. I SO wish it were right, though: the way I first learned the story, Benny Pierce gets killed on the way to the inaugural. So, they’re on their way from New Hampshire; Jane is convinced that they are tempting the wrath of God; the train stops in Baltimore and Benny dies, proving it; she gets off the train; Franklin has to keep going because he’s about to be inaugurated as President of the United States. An epic, if apocryphal, story. Damn facts…
8 Comments | Leave a Comment
You rule. This rules. Rule.
these are fantastic. thank you.
My day is made. Another good message, i enjoy coming back here and checking your latest blog posts.
Very nice , thanks a sharing
You seem to get the historical facts correct, but I find your presentation rather distasteful. You are much too insensitive to both the President and Ms. Pierce. You have little respect for the health conditions (alcoholism) and (clinical depression) of both of them. One final thought. It is immature to use the word “suck.”
Noted!
In response to Huff, Jr. up there on his high white throne.
Alcoholism and clinical depression are certainly serious issues that are no laughing matter. But there is also an art and intelligence in humor, satire, and caraciture. Would you tell Dickens, Twain, Wilde, and Vonnegut that they are immature and insensitive? (Maybe you would!)
Besides, life is too heavy. We need this sort of lightness to make it through before we turn to dust and ash like both the “President” and “Ms. Pierce!” Ce n’est pas vrai?
Hate to be that person, but I spelled “caricature” incorrectly up there, and it’s bothering the heck out of me…
c’est tout!