Warrior Interlude

Greek Legion Forever,

LSP

Behold The Glory Of The Raj

Richard Wellesley famously said that India needed to be governed from a palace instead of a country house. That happened and the President of India lives there today. 

US President @realDonaldTrump's cavalcade arrives at Rashtrapati Bhavan for ceremonial reception@POTUS @PMOIndia @IndianEmbassyUS @USAmbIndia @PressSec@robertcobrien@Scavino45#TrumpIndiaVisit

Watch #TrumpIndiaVisit on DD India LIVE: https://t.co/FIqrREvyOE pic.twitter.com/Uw2tyuOx1Q

— DD India (@DDIndialive) February 25, 2020

President Trump and America's First Lady were welcomed to Rashtrapati Bhavan by a ceremonial guard of honor and a 21 gun salute. The spirit of the Raj loomed large and you have to wonder at the thing; the Mall, Rotten Row, an Edwardian Baroque Blenheim Palace (?) and the Cotswolds all supersized and rolled in with India to fit the dignity of their Imperial Majesties and Viceroy.

So 45 was welcomed by Lancers, yes they still exist, Gurkhas and a formation made up of members from the three services. Stirring, at least for me, at every level. But was anything missing?

US President @realDonaldTrump greeted with 21- GUN in an honourable welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan@POTUS @PMOIndia @IndianEmbassyUS @USAmbIndia @PressSec@robertcobrien@Scavino45

Watch #TrumpIndiaVisit on DD India LIVE: https://t.co/FIqrREvyOE pic.twitter.com/8bztoQ5Bwz

— DD India (@DDIndialive) February 25, 2020

Yes, surely Trump and the First Lady would've looked better in uniform and in a carriage, more in keeping with their cavalry escort than the Beast, awesome as that is. Also, and it's a big also, the Viceroy wasn't there because there isn't one.

Too bad, Great Britain, for not realizing the Commonwealth vision that could have been and might still be. In the meanwhile, well done President Trump and Melania for flying the flag and keeping America great. Well done India too, for such a welcome.

Your Old Friend,

LSP

What is Texas?

What's it like, living in a rural farming community in Texas, where not having a pick up truck marks you as weirdly eccentric. I went for a walk to find out.

Irish Texas

Apparently it's about Ireland, which is why the local filling station's called Shamrock, or is it? The Shamrock may be Irish but it sure sells a lot of Mexican food. It's also run by Nepalese; I know this because I've asked them and we talk about the Gurkhas. Sometimes they salute me, Brit style, which is appropriate, if weird.

Dog Texas

I pondered that as I made my way back to the Compound with Blue Congressman. Why would a family from Nepal end up running a pick 'n steal in rural Texas, selling Mexican food in an Irish filling station. For that matter, why is there a Mongolian "buffet" in the town, run by real Mongolians as opposed to Mexicans? (don't eat there...) Why are people from the farthest reaches of the world coming to the Lone Star State?

Well, the answer's obvious. Because Texas is awesome.

TEXIT,

LSP