World leaders love them swords, apparently.

I guess now we know what the Bushes did with their "white elephant" gifts - they put 'em in the library.

The last hall contained a large photo display of New York City, in the days right after 9/11. ("It's just been added to the tour," a staffer explained after the introductory film, "to show how America has recovered." I wasn't aware that the U.S. *had* recovered, what with fear and paranoia running more rampant than ever. But what do I know?)

As I looked at these powerful photos (by Joel Meyerowitz), a security guard walked by. He was whistling, "Hail to the Chief" as he wandered past.

My last stop on the tour was the gift shop. Besides the usual assortment of "Herbert and Barb" paraphernalia, there was plenty of items celebrating the life of first-dog (and best-selling author) Millie. From plush toys of various sizes to key chains.

However, there was only one copy - a display copy - of Dan Quayle's book, "Worth Fighting For". Not one coloring book, or a copy of "Dan's Lil' Dictionary of Really Hard Words to Spell", could be found. Quayle really got shafted.

One book taking up plenty of shelf space, however, was Chris Andersen's recent "George and Laura: Portrait of an American Marriage".

So, in the minds of visitors, the father has now passed the torch of "Faith, Family and Friends" on to his son.

And let's not forget "Common Decency", pesky though it may be at times.

As I went back into the real world, I couldn't help but feel a bit patriotic. My heart swelled with pride and my brain felt thoroughly washed.

I was a true-blue American once again.

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(The preceding first appeared on 'The World According to Pete' web log.)