May each of you have the heart to conceive, the understanding to direct, and the hand to execute works that will leave the world a little better for your having been here. -- Ronald Reagan

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

The Word "Right" (Just for Fun)

The notion of a political left and right wing originated in the French National Assembly of 1789 where the nobility sat on the right of the President, and the Third Estate were ranged on his left.

Extreme right-wingers are inevitably described as being 'somewhere to the right of Genghis Kahn' - a name which translates as 'universal ruler'.

In Chinese tradition, the right hand was used for taking.

In the Amish card game Euchre, the right bower is the knave of trumps.

By custom, taxis and other cars drive on the right along the short stretch of road outside the Savoy Hotel in London.

On the occasion of an inauguration, with his right hand raised aloft, and his left hand placed on an open Bible, the new American President proclaims 'I do solemnly swear that I will faithful execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States'.

So superstitious were the ancient Romans about the danger of left and right that a young boy would be stationed at the threshold of affluent residences to warn visitors that they must enter with their right foot foremost.

The Right is the biblical direction of Heaven.

Schott's Amanac 2008

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