| The lack of jewelry as symbols of power is not | | | | Fear of losing ones position of power has diminished |
| consistent with the history of man. | | | | the showing of excess. The first politician to show up |
| History separates our president from his crown. I | | | | in a crown and robe will surely be tossed from office |
| speak not of the power of office to slash and burn its | | | | after a duly extended period of ridicule. The |
| citizenry. Instead it is the crown which represents the | | | | expectation today is the more politically powerful one |
| adornment of precious metals by leaders of the | | | | is the less flamboyant one should be. There is a |
| ancient world. Once, jewelry was the ornamental | | | | difference, of course, between the substance of true |
| expression of power. Ancient Egyptians were experts | | | | power and the power of wealth. Those with real |
| at gold production and jewelry design often expressing | | | | power make law and authorize wars. Purely wealthy |
| some tenant of their belief system. The Pharaohs | | | | people, like those in the entertainment field, are culturally |
| would bury themselves with gold in order to enter the | | | | influential and can be seen sporting the latest in Cartier |
| next life wealthily. The Greeks adorned jewelry as an | | | | watches fitted with obscenely expensive diamonds |
| symbol of greatness insisting on massive pieces set | | | | without fear of repercussion. Musicians, actresses and |
| with gemstones. Kings and Queens throughout the | | | | sports stars gallivant about with stones dangling from |
| history Europe have worn crowns, perhaps the most | | | | their ears, necks and wrists. They are not, of course, |
| recognizable symbol of power as produced by | | | | accountable in the same ways as the policy makers. |
| goldsmiths and jewelry makers. | | | | They are judged mostly by their performances and as |
| Along the way the powers that be have traded in their | | | | artists expected to be stylish, including the adornment |
| crowns for suits and thrones for bullet proof limousines. | | | | of jewels. |
| Jewelry has been regulated to personal expression of | | | | Yet, why are the policymakers not allowed to be |
| style and not necessarily a symbol of power. Crowns | | | | stylishly expressive. If his work is superior does it |
| can be seen at a school play or museum when they | | | | matter that Mr. Senator is wearing the latest in |
| once required anyone close enough to sink to his/her | | | | diamond stud earrings. What about a crown? Why |
| knees and kiss the hand of the ever loving master. | | | | should the president be chastised for wearing one? It |
| Other than military garb there are almost no symbols | | | | should only emphasis the grandeur that is the |
| of jewelry as an expression of power in developed | | | | presidency. The vice president can carry a gold staff |
| civilizations. This change is due primarily to | | | | and pound the floor before speaking. In fact, many |
| democratization of government in the west. Long ago | | | | more people might be more interested in politics if |
| the cycle of power remained within the confines of | | | | senators and congressman dressed more stylishly and |
| blood relatives. Then, the arrogance of power was | | | | wore more ritualistic jewelry. We can praise our |
| outwardly displayed with crowns of gold, robes | | | | leaders for what they have always been. All hail the |
| studded with glittering stones and polished rings set | | | | president king. |
| with precious metals. | | | | |