Large And In Charge

"'As of now, I am in control here in the White House." These were shocking words back in 1981. For many of us, the idea that anyone was in charge of the White House was a novel concept. It was a time when the country felt more like a feudal society, led by the Emperor Ronnie and his minions. It was only when the dictionary definition of "crazed loner" John Hinckley Junior tried to topple that power structure to impress his imaginary girlfriend Jodie Foster.
Had Mister Hinckley considered his actions, or studied the constitution, he might have thought better of his attempt on Reagan's life. With Vice President George Bush the elder who was, as his family dictates, in Texas at the time of the attack. Al Haig, Secretary of State, took the podium and the reigns of power and rode into history. Al wasn't really in charge either. If the President and Vice President are otherwise occupied, the mantle of power falls to the Speaker of the House, who at that time was Massachusetts' own Thomas "Tip" O'Neill. After that would have been President Pro Tempore Strom "Top" Thurmond. If these other gentlemen could have been disposed of, Al Haig's path to the throne would have been clear.
Happily, for most of us, by six thirty that evening, the Vice President had returned to Washington where he was able to settle Al's hash and provide a lesson in the orderly succession of power. It was at this point that Al turned fully to the Dark Side, and began filing his teeth to sharp points in order to make his own grab for the presidency in 1988. He had, after all, been slinking around the secret passages and back staircases since the Nixon administration. He knew where all the bodies were buried. He must have felt that somehow he we owed it to him.
Creepy as he was, at least he was up front about his lust for power. And he never shot any of his hunting buddies. Aloha Mister Secretary General Chief of Staff Haig. Sleep tight.