Willy-nilly

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Into this Universe, and Why not knowing  Nor Whence, like Water willy-nilly flowing;  And out of it, as Wind along the Waste,  I know not Whither, willy-nilly blowing. Stanza XXXII of “Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam” by Edward Fitzgerald (1809–1883)

"I'm not Emperor of the United States."

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What do YOU think he meant, after considering the statement in context? Straightforward answer appreciated, converse with civility. Foul language not permitted.

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