The FES

 I was reading an article yesterday and the author used this phrase, rhetorical flourish, in describing some comments that Trump has made regarding the construction of a ball room. What he was saying was it is a matter of semantics. Trump making the claim that every president has wished for a ball room when the facts only support that many previous presidents did express a need for a functional event space. There has been no large space devoted to that purpose alone, a place to hold large scale events. Larger events previously held at the white house were hosted by Joe Biden, and included as many as 400 guests, including the press. 

 The last set of presidential china, used for official state dinners contain place settings for 320 people. It was purchased by the white house historic trust during the Obama administration, Michel designed the pattern used. The current state dining room located in the white house is just a room 48X36 with a seating capacity of 140 people. When that number is exceeded a tent is set up to accommodate everyone. That is one reason for this ball room, a functional event space. 

 The current dining room was office space before being used as a dining room. It was extensively redesigned in 1902. Personally I do feel like it is a bit cheesy whenever we have to set up a tent, like we are visiting our relatives and are asked to bring your folding chair. Just seems to me we should have enough room for everyone. The last state official state dinner at the white house was hosted by Barack Obama in 2016. Neither Biden or Trump have hosted one.

  So why build a ball room? What exactly is a ball? Well, a ball is a formal dance event characterized by a banquet. The dancing takes place after the banquet. You need a large space in order to do that properly. That is especially true when we are talking about a state ball, dinner, banquet or whatever else you wish to call it. It is, in my opinion, a bit shabby to erect tents. This represents the United States of America and yes it should be grandiose. Putting on our best "bib and tucker" to coin an old phrase. This space is being built by the removal of unused office space. Obviously that space isn't needed as their has been no interruption in government services as a result of it being demolished. The congress doesn't assemble in the east wing. 

  I hear much talk about what will this ball room be named? Much talk about how Trump is only doing this to create a legacy. Well the fact is it is only a ball room because Trump is calling it that. What other name could you use to describe a functional event space? Would auditorium be better? What would you name that venue? Being paid for by private donations, should the donors get to decide. Should we hold a national contest to name that facility? Just what should we call it? A ball room or something else. It's a functional event space. The FES! Yes, that's it. We will all refer to that using that acronym. An official event will be hosted in the FES by President Trump upon completion of that FES. You are cordially invited to the United States of America to attend an event. A dinner/dance? Or is it a ball? Well, that depends upon who you ask. It's all a matter of semantics. 

                                                                             

                                               Shall we dance