Nov 22: That date again

Surely you recognize this famous pic, but if you don't, it is Dwight D. Eisenhower waving to the crowd after his 1953 presidential inauguration. He was the top guy, so he was riding in the top car of the time, a brand new Cadillac Eldorado convertible. Very expensive, as benefited the head of the most powerful nation on earth. Out in the open, waving to the crowds, who are watching this moment in history. How innocent we were or they were back then. It had been years since a president had been gunned down, while in any sort of a parade or public event. Now, flash forward a mere ten years to a sunny day in Dallas, Texas, November 22nd, 1963.......

Here is another president out in the open, waving to his (mostly) adoring public, watching what would become a very infamous moment in history, that ended this way.......

One minute all is well and next minute pandemonium reigns, as the dying president is rushed to hospital. A moment that certainly changed the way, the public would or could see their presidents in the future. That open innocence was washed away in an instance and set the path for what was to come. Here is that same car a few short months later (photo courtesy of Wally McNamee/Corbis).......

 Now to me, this begs the question, would you want to be riding in the same seat, in the same car, that your unfortunate predecessor died in a few months earlier? But I digress. Notice anything different? Sure you do. This formerly open topped Lincoln has had a bullet proof canopy added. A level of protection, that would set the trend from then until the present day. No longer would the US president be riding high, wide and handsome, as the old saying goes. No, from then on, the presidents' rides would be full of armour and have plenty of bullet proof glass........

.......until the secret service thought enough is enough, and decided to make the president's ride a protective cocoon. I'm sure you've heard of The Beast, as it is commonly referred to.......

.....bearing no resemblance to any Cadillac one would see on the street, the most recent one has been based on a truck chassis with a few touches added to identify it as some sort of Cadillac. The early limos were also customs, but any chance to make the new one elegant, was passed by in an effort to make it impervious to just about anything, baring a nuclear strike. Check out the thickness of those very heavy doors.......

That shooter way back in 1963 in the school book building or on the grassy knoll (pick your conspiracy), would have been out of luck, no matter what they were firing (thank goodness).

Now they have a new president and he gets the latest presidential limo, which is very similar to the last one, but with more of an Escalade type grille. Hey, this Beast is a in fact a truck, so let's make it look that way. Expect Trump's ride to be unveiled on the day of his inauguration and expect it to look like this........

 Hard to see your new leader, but as long as that presidential standard is flying from the front fender, you know that he is actually inside. Comforting thought. Give it your best shot, but all in vain, as with this car, a repeat of November 22, 1963 will be all but impossible.

Enjoy your day.

Until next time.........