Allow me to tackle the elephant in the room at the outset: The juxtaposition of having an anthem about "no Heaven" and "no religion" performed at the funeral of a man — a former president — whose life was largely defined by his faith was rather jarring. That — nearly half a century ago — its author attended the inauguration of said president, who was still in office when said author was felled by an assassin's bullet, adds several layers to the story.
I understand why some may take issue with the inclusion of "Imagine" at Jimmy Carter's funeral. Although...Jim Geraghty makes an interesting observation about what the song actually invites us to do:
Regardless, its inclusion prompted me to ponder the improbability of what went on at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday morning. Stay with me on this:
As a former president — one who left office 44 years ago — was eulogized, his five living successors (and most of their vice presidents) sat grouped together despite some bitter feuds and bad blood.
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Also present on this august occasion: several Supreme Court justices, including Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Elena Kagan, Brett M. Kavanaugh, John G. Roberts Jr., and Sonia Sotomayor.
Sotomayor, of course, oversees the Second Circuit — from whence, on Wednesday, came an emergency application to stay the criminal sentencing of Number 45/47, currently set for Friday morning — that sentencing the byproduct of years' worth of lawfare launched at 45/47 by 46, 44, and wife of 42.
Sometime later today, those Supreme Court justices (or possibly just Sotomayor) will be issuing a ruling that decides whether or not the president-elect will legally be a "convicted felon" when he's sworn into office on January 20.
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And just for good measure, the son of Number 46, prosecuted by his own Department of Justice and found guilty of firearms felonies (and having pled guilty to tax felonies), then recently pardoned by 46, was also in attendance.
Throw in the soon-to-be resigned Canadian Prime Minister, the Duke of Edinburgh, and dozens of other notables, and it's rather wild to think of them all there together in one place.
You couldn't make this stuff up if you tried. It's almost too much to...imagine.