I realize that I am a cultural dinosaur, but I am also part of a generation that brought informality in dress and demeanor into the culture. I remember the days when people on airplanes wore suits and ties. I remember the days when women wore hats and gloves. I also remember when all that began to change. I personally don't look particularly good in hats, so I wasn't all that sorry to see them go, but sometimes a lack of formality is out of place. What I am about to relate is not a recent news story, but a troubling one.
On February 2 of this year, newsbusters.com reported that after the first day of his presidency, President Obama has chosen not to have the Marine Band play "Hail To The Chief" for him. The Marine Band no longer provides musical interludes before and after the president's appearance--they have been replaced by a single piano player. The music of John Philip Sousa has been replaced by the works of Cole Porter and Sting. I guess this may be nothing more than a reflection of a changing culture, but to me it is an unfortunate change. Out of respect for the office of the President, some of our recent Presidents chose to enter the Oval Office only when wearing a tie and jacket. I regret the lack of respect for the traditions of the office of President shown by this change in music.
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