Barrel Strength

Guardian newspaper reports on Obama’s first medical examination since becoming president.  Whilst pointing to general good health, it recommends that he stop smoking and “moderation of alcohol intake”.  If the stress of work is leading to alcohol dependency then there is only one piece of advice for Obama – you ain’t seen nothing yet.

This is what Lyndon Johnson’s Day-timer looked like in January 1968.

January 17 – Lyndon B. Johnson calls for the non-conversion of the U.S. dollar.
January 21 – Vietnam War – Battle of Khe Sanh: One of the most publicized and controversial battles of the war begins, ending on April 8.
January 21 – A U.S. B-52 Stratofortress crashes in Greenland, discharging 4 nuclear bombs.
January 23 – North Korea seizes the USS Pueblo, claiming the ship violated its territorial waters while spying.
January 30 – Vietnam War: The Tet Offensive begins, as Viet Cong forces launch a series of surprise attacks across South Vietnam.

That is enough to make any man drink.

Obama’s first year consisted of others taking measure of the man.  Now things will get interesting.