One of the comforts of the holidays is their sameness, the tradition of it all. In a world of endless ruction, they help us stay grounded. One of my traditions is writing about a 19th Century American diplomat, politician and botanist called Joel Roberts Poinsett, the guy who gave us the poinsettia, the Mexican plant we associate with Christmas. In his sparkling career, that is but a footnote. He spoke five languages, traveled widely in Russia and South America, was a member of Congress and Secretary of War under President Martin Van Buren. He was the first American Minister to Mexico and that’s where things went south, so to speak.
© 2024 John Oliver
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