Rell Keeps Holiday Tradition, Throws the Books

Monday December 8, 2008

And Gov. Jodi Rell just continued the annual holiday tradition of giving “present” to high-profile state officials and politicians.
In an otherwise austere, scolding speech before the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce in Cromwell about the need to cut the state budget, Rell offered a list for the naughty and naughtier.
This is at the end of her 20-minute address to about 900 people:

For that ‘homebody’ (Attorney General) Dick Blumenthal: Jack Kerouac’s ”On the Road”
· A couple of books for (Stamford Mayor) Dan Malloy – Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot,” autographed by Dick Blumenthal — and Bernard Wolfe’s1952 novel, “Limbo.”
(Outgoing Speaker of the House and potential gubernatorial challenger) Jim Amann – Here’s another twofer: The Dickens’ classic“Great Expectations” to read first and then he can finish up with Stephen King’s “Misery.” That about sums it up.
For President-Elect (Barack) Obama – What else? Chaim Potok’s “The Chosen” · I wanted to get (Vice President-elect) Joe Biden a book but I then I thought: no matter what book I gave him, he would claim he wrote it.
For (Sen.) Hillary Clinton: two volumes of poetry by John Milton –“Paradise Lost”….. and “Paradise Found.”
· I think Sarah Palin would love to read this while sitting on her porch looking across the sea: Ian Fleming’s “From Russia With Love.” · And now that Governor Palin’s not campaigning, she’ll probably have time to read the American classic – James Fenimore Cooper’s “The Deer Slayer”
· For the CEOs of the three automakers, two books: The 2009 Rand McNally Driving Atlas, and Erica Jong’s landmark book “Fear of Flying.”
· For President Bush, where do I begin? He will have loads of time on his hands now. He can start with Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man.”
· I know our two U.S. Senators are avid readers, too. · For Chris Dodd, how about “A Consumer’s Guide to Home Finance.”
· And I think Joe Lieberman will really enjoy Larry McMurtry’s“All My Friends are Going to Be Strangers.”
· You know, I have one book left on my list but I am not really sure who to give it to. · I guess I’ll just hold on to it until after the start of the session next month and then maybe I will have a better idea of who would be the best recipient. · I have a feeling there could be plenty of takers. The book? Why of course it is John Jakes’ historical novel: “The Bastard.”
· Here’s my final wish – it’s the same wish I had last year. · Peace … Peace on earth and goodwill toward men. · Safety and blessings for the men and women who serve our nation in uniform. · And all the joys of the season for their families who wait athome.
· “Home comings” is what I would like most. · Homecomings for our troops – home comings for all your friends and family who may be far away this season … · And many healthy and happy home comings in the year to come…..