Medallion man (FT re: Blair's medal)

[struggle4progress]

Published: January 10 2009 02:00 | Last updated: January 10 2009 02:00

... For the more self-regarding recipient, the congressional gold medal carries a bonus: each is created specifically for the person being honoured, whose preferences are taken into account. The award to a distinguished cardiac surgeon, for example, might show a heart; while the medal for a famous aviator might depict an aeroplane or an eagle.

It is tricky to sum up the career of a statesman in a single image. So perhaps it is no surprise that the design for Mr Blair's congressional medal - awarded in 2003 after the invasion of Iraq - has still not been agreed: the US Commission of Fine Arts was recommending changes even in November last year.

One obvious choice of design is not open to him. The flying shoe has already become a potent symbol of the Iraqi conflict. But good manners surely dictate that Mr Blair leave that one for Mr Bush, should a future Congress decide to award the ex-president a gold medal. Another unkind suggestion is a dog collar, conveying piety and poodle.

Alternatively, a focus on Mr Blair's international role might suggest leaving the reverse of the medal blank, to commemorate the total absence of weapons of mass destruction found in Iraq ...

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1152dd88-dedc-11dd-9464-000077b07658.html