[Analysis of history and science influence on political and religious attitudes.]

White House is a simple name for an amazing mansion. Everyone has the picture in their mind of the Greek Revival columns on the two story portico with two wings on either side. But how did the structure get to where it is today?

We recently used the word ‘majestic’ to define the upper limit in the calculus of physical properties with chaos being the antithesis. Majestic fits the White House as decorated by its current occupant. Compare photos of the Oval Office.    The prior President surroundings were nondescript, modest, dour, can we say boring decor. The sitting President enlisted his Mar-a-Lago decorator, described in a Wall Street Journal article as “How Trump and His ‘Gold Guy’ are redecorating the White House.” Newsweek responded with “Gold Everywhere: See How Donald Trump Has Blinged Out the Oval Office.”

Is the President off the edge? No, he is bringing back the majesty of earlier years to the mansion. The gold urns on the mantle are from President Monroe’s 1817 gilt service. In addition, gold cherubs are over the doors, gold cartouches are below presidential photos and around the marble mantle.    Gold was added to the crown molding. Recall in 1787, the nascent nation was just breaking the bonds of a king. After the Constitutional Convention, Dr. Franklin was asked “What do we have, a republic or monarchy.” The Founding Fathers put their government presence, symbol, and power in the league of the Old World monarchies.

Washington was inaugurated in 1789. Soon after came plans for a President’s House. James Hoban, an Irish born and educated architect immigrated to the US and subsequently won the design for the White House. He went on to design many of the early buildings in the Federal District along the Potomac. The cornerstone was laid in 1792, and President John Adams moved into the incomplete house in 1800. The exterior is sandstone originally coated with lime-based whitewash. President Jefferson, an architect himself, installed two water closets (slop jars), and with architect Latrobe added the iconic terrace pavilions on each end.

After arson by the British in 1814, James Madison and Ms. Dolley renovated and decorated with opulent French furniture. John Quincy Adams added the South and North Porticos. President Arthur hired Louis Tiffany to redecorate the various dining rooms. The story goes on, but the point is that from the beginning, the structure has been opulent and the finest majestic symbol of the country. Unfortunately, some Presidents have missed seeing the greatness of the country and consequentially degraded the elegance.

For a little oblique interest, what is behind the walls? In 1833, Jackson piped-in water. In 1837, central heating was welcomed. Gas lighting arrived in 1848. Indoor plumbing and flushing toilets came in 1853 by President Filmore. Phew. Electricity arrived in 1891. President Truman did the last great renovation in 1949, gutting the interior to put in a basement and concrete foundation to retrofit support of the steel beams previously installed in 1902 by Theodore Roosevelt.

Enter the President, who arrived by the golden escalator with the goal of making America great again. As Senator Mullin (R-OK) observes, the man is always in overdrive. His renovation of the White House grounds already includes two massive flagpoles he funded. Now he hired Jim McCrery, an architect, to design a 90,000 square feet, two-hundred million dollar, neoclassical ballroom to seat 650. For 150-years, Presidents have desired a larger space to host events. Now they put up tents on the lawn, which does not work in inclement weather. The structure will be finished in three years, an unheard of short amount of time. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles stated “President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail.” His reputation is completing projects in record time where others could not make it.

The structure will be built over the East Wing bunker, so no buildings will be destroyed. Financing is unusual. When asked how it would be paid, President Trump responded, “I will. I think others will contribute but I am paying.” That is how projects get completed. The acknowledged wisest man in history, the philosopher-king Solomon recorded Proverbs 29:18, “Without a vision, the people perish, but he that keeps the law is happy.”

Think about it. Our perception becomes our reality. Those with a dream lift everyone, who will let it.