Monday, January 19, 2009

Inauguration Day at the Blicky Kitty Homestead


Abigail Adams, Gilbert Stuart
"Martha is my bonnet straight? It's so lovely here at Mt. Vernon.  Oh no, who invited Calhoun?"

It's finally here! The day we've all been waiting for. For more bloggyland Inauguration Day fun be sure to head over to Muse Swings. I thought for this special occasion I'd take you on an edifying tour of our local birthplace of Gilbert Stuart, the painter of George Washington's most famous portrait.

Mao. Zzzzzz

What do you mean, Blicky?

Mao. Standing by today with exclusive coverage.

Well, I guess that sounds interesting. OK Blicky, be my guest!

Mao, reports coming in from all over the country today of rolling sounds emanating from the graves of famous racists. I'm standing here over the grave of  staunch slavery advocate, and big fat stinkin' racist, John C. Calhoun. One can clearly discern a steady rolling noise punctuated by the occasional creepy thump.
Wait Blicky. I hardly think that's an appropriate topic for today. The politics of the incoming administration have transcended so many issues surrounding race and we should all be inspired by the sense of hope and positive message of.... Is that the gopher from Caddyshack?

Now standing at the grave of Confederate President Jefferson Davis who was one of the biggest, fattest founders of American institutional racism. I am listening to whirling, rolling sound interspersed with ghoulish moans. It gets louder every time I turn up the volume of the inauguration coverage.
Mao, some of the loudest moans have been heard from pro-segregation Alabama governor, and big fat stinkin' racist George C. Wallace's grave. The rolling sound is quite fast and quite loud. It almost sounds as though he's spinning like a top down there.

Blicky, are you saying this is actually happening, or are you the only witness?

Mao, no, crowds are starting to form and there's dancing on the graves and some champagne corks flying.

Mao, big fat stinkin' racist, Strom Turmond preserved in a cryogenics state.
That's enough, you've ruined another post! Damn you Blicky Kitty!

Please accept my apologies. Now I won't have time to talk about Gilbert Stuart. I guess I'll just leave you with an image of the very thing Pandora found at the bottom of her box after a host of human maladies were loosed upon the world (big fat stinkin' racists, intolerance, war, corruption, poverty, famine, grief)...HOPE. I just learned that the artist of the image, RISD grad Shepard Fairey also did the ubiquitous Andre the Giant images of the 80's and 90's. Here's a great video about him. I guess all presidential portraits have the same goal, to reach the eyes of many (Gilbert Stuart made over a hundred copies of the famous Athenaeum portrait that appears on the one dollar bill) influence and inspire. I find it interesting that this street artist had an interest in "viral" images before the use of the internet became widespread. This poster offers a wonderful testimony to our national zeitgeist. It is simple, lyrical and profound and it captures this moment in time in every way, from it's aesthetic style to it's savvy, forward-looking use and dissemination.
Here's to hope, gentle readers.

19 comments:

MuseSwings said...

BWAHAHAHA! This is great. I hadn't thought of the likes of those big fat stinking racists - especially Georgie boy that hate monger. I was wondering what that eerie moaning sound was - thought it was the wind. Your graphics are stupendous! I like those little worm guys.
Here's to HOPE, and plenty of it!!

ChaChaneen said...

Oh my stars, TAB! Funny, you should mention that as I just saw it in the grocery stores again around November or so. Whoa, that brings back memories! ha ha

Stop by later for some sardine scones made especially for you Blicky Kitty and tea later when you need an afternoon break! My ChaCha security detail will keep me busy today so I'll check back in with you all tonight!

petra michelle; Whose role is it anyway? said...

*laughing* at the humor in this post, Blicky! Great graphics and information to go with it!
Yes, let's hope!
Have a wonderful day! Petra :))

Call Me Cate said...

Fabulous graphics.

And yes, here's to hope.

Debby said...

I love this. The idea of big fat stinking rascists spinning in their graves makes me happy, for some reason.

2 Brits, 2 Yanks, 2 Dogs said...

I can't get over laughing at the graphics, I too have sooooo much hope!

LarryG said...

Get on board Kitty Kitty

Blicky Kitty said...

Hee hee Cynthia, I'll tell my husband you liked the wormies. He was appalled I spent so much time at a non-income generating activity. :)

Janeen. I have a thing for 70's retro food. I likes my marathon bars.

Thanks Petra!

Thanks Cate, I loved your post today too!

Debby, yes I had a lot of fun with the thought. :) I felt righteous and subversive at the same time. :)

Thanks Heather, and Larry, I'll pass the message along to Blick.

Linda said...

I admit,this is my second time coming back and I had to re read it..great graphics and thanks for making me smile and laugh. Blessings

Elizabeth said...

This was a wonderful post!

MuseSwings said...

I came back again too - you mentioned hot toddies and that's all I needed. It's coooold here in Florida today.
I have to study your graphics a bit longer and enjoy the thought of those guys just burning up with hate over the celebrations today.

Jeanne Estridge said...

Sorry I couldn't join the festivities -- had to work. But I did post my treasured picture of me shaking hands with our new president.

The Three Little Bears said...

Another inspiring post! I don't always comment - but I read every single one. Thank you for the laugh!

The Self-Deprechaun said...

This was an AWESOME post. Who else but a genius can weave together racists, the caddy shack gopher and the audaciousness of hope all in a inauguration history lesson.

Mao! I am gitty with hope..actually gas, nope, it is hope afterall.

Blicky Kitty said...

@Linda, Elisabeth: Thank you so much for sttopping by :)
Hehe Cynthia *pours another hot toddy* even though it's 8 am.
Jeanne I loved seeing your picture and Hot Belly Mama, I do the same thing! I enjoy reading about the kumquat although I often don't have anything to contribute. :)
Hahaha, Self Deprechaun, I think that was hope I had all day yesterday... Thanks for the kind words!

Kat Mortensen said...

I love that poster!
(Why do I feel like I've just jumped in my Tardis and landed on the set of Monty Python?)
You crack me up, Blicky.

All the best to my "American Cousins"...long may he reign and may he live up to all your expectations.

Kat

TheXMom said...

Nice post. Love the pics.

Tori C. said...

Hi there - wandered over from the SITS comment thread of the day and wanted to say hi. I love love love this post!

-The Sweet Jelly Bean
thesweetjellybean.blogspot.com

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