Okay everyone I just had to share this picture, blast from a happier past:

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

In that earlier age known as the 70's, my parents were out enjoying the annual bloom of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. Who did they encounter while walking around but the First Couple, who graciously allowed my mother to take a picture with them.

My dad just dug this photo up after I'd mentioned it to them on a visit, and it makes me so happy to look at I just had to share it with you all. From a time back when U.S. presidents weren't afraid to visit, shake hands, and take a photo with an unscreened citizen who hadn't signed a loyalty oath:

[acmavm]

1. What a WONDERFUL picture. Your parents were lucky to get to meet

the Carter's.

[Mabus]

2. Those were the days my friend. We thought'd they never end

Thanks for sharing. It doesn't seem to be the same world anymore, does it?

[wtmusic]

3. Cool

Back when presidents weren't afraid to be seen in public

[annabanana]

4. The fact that such an encounter today is unthinkable is sad..

(Ok, not today. . I have no interest in bumping into chucklenuts & pickles anywhere under any circumstances. . .but someday...)

[karlrschneider]

5. Back before First Amendment gulags, I see.

wow.

[Aviation Pro]

6. I'd like to see one, just one, spontaneous....

...picture of Bush with the citizenry like this one. The chances that one exists is so infinitesimal that it defies the rules of calculus.

[karlrschneider]

8. Right around the first derivative of 3.

;-)

[babylonsister]

7. President Carter wasn't about to talk into his watch, was he?

A la Maxwell Smart? I kid! :silly: Very nice pic; they were definitely more innocent days.

[Morgana LaFey]

19. But that IS what it looks like, I thought so too.

Too funny. Great photo.

[1776Forever]

9. Ah yes the 70's. I loved Carter's Mom too!!

They were a loving couple and still are. I kept a letter that Mrs. Carter (Jimmy's Mother) wrote me. What a contrast between Mrs. Bush and her! She was a fantastic and very interesting woman! Here's to her memory! :toast:

[hippiechick]

10. THAT is cool!

:applause: :applause:

[libnnc]

11. K&R

They weren't afraid to walk in the inauguration parade either.

[havocmom]

15. After the stone-wall Nixon WH, that little walk meant a lot to America

Too bad so much of America just didn't appreciate all the contrasts.

[sarge43]

12. The First Citizen and his gracious lady

*sigh

[Lobster Martini]

13. My family's coolest Presidential encounter

Gerald Ford was going to speak across the street from my great uncle's house in Philadelphia, and the Secret Service wanted to put someone on his roof. My great uncle was about 80 at the time and his house was probably 200 years old. He told the Secret Service "Can't let you up there because the roof's in bad shape, and if someone gets hurt, it's my fault. If you buy me a new roof, you can do whatever you want."

He got a new roof, courtesy of the Secret Service.

[havocmom]

14. Two lovely, radiant ladies and a real leader

Yeah, those were the days.

[Rock_Garden]

16. Thank you for this. Wonderful. n/t

[JNelson6563]

17. Very, very nice! 2 Beautiful ladies!

Thanks. :toast:

[Madspirit]

18. VERY Cool!...n/t

[Booster]

20. That is just way too cool. Very nice picture of both ladies, and

the cherry blossums are just icing on the cake. Thanks for posting this.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

21. Kick, so more people can enjoy this picture n/t

[lectrobyte]

22. Way cool! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

23. One final kick for the evening crowd.

[me b zola]

24. Priceless!

Thanks for sharing :thumbsup: