The unforgiving minute

For your contemplation and edification, an exercise in comparative literature, featuring the juxtaposition of two texts, each indirectly measuring the mood of the American people at a crucial historical moment:


ThinkProgress: Bush booed loudly while throwing out first pitch in Nationals home opener

President Bush delivered the first pitch tonight at the new Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. to a resounding chorus of boos. After being announced, Bush was showered by boos as he strode to the mound. Even after Bush delivered the pitch, the jeering did not let up until the President disappeared from the field.

Ernest Lawrence Thayer: "Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic, Sung in the Year 1888"

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville –mighty Casey has struck out.

Minute's up.