It’s a historic day (or, as our British cousins would say, an historic day) for the United States. The world was pretty shaken up the first time we did this, when George Washington first gave up the executive power, handed the presidency over to John Adams, and, like the old Roman Cincinattus, went back to his farm. A lot of European kings, emperors, and potentates looked at this peaceful transition of power, determined by adherence to a written Constitution, with some apprehension; even then, they knew a new pattern of government was emerging in the New World.
Ever since, world leaders have offered their congratulations to incoming American presidents, all the more so since we have arisen from those 13 colonies on the coast to a Colossus that stands astride a continent. Today is no exception; here are some of their messages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin…
