Words Poorly Used #80 — Preside

What does it mean “to preside?”  The Online Etymology Dictionary says, among other things, that it comes from the Latin for “to sit in front of.”  What a multitude of sins we have hidden behind that facade!  What a clever analogy for the idea that in the name of order we can invent any process.  Not only is the office of “president” a loose cannon, but we usually fill that office with loose cannons who manipulate a vast minionhood of loose cannons.  Mr. POTUS, please sit down and behave.