Barbour sworn in as Mississippi governor

The Clarion Ledger ^ | January 13, 2004 | Andy Kanengiser and Julie Goodman

[afuturegovernor]

Gov. Haley Barbour was sworn in as Mississippi's 63rd governor today and pledged to make jobs a priority in his administration.

"This is the moment to lift our horizons for Mississippi," Barbour said in his inaugural speech.

"I envision a Mississippi of growth, hope and prosperity; a state that not only produces more and better paying jobs for our working people, but a home that raises up the prospects of all our people and elevates our respect for all our people," he said.

[afuturegovernor]

ping

[bourbon]

(((MS PING)))

[NerdDad]

My son Matt was so stoked about being touched by the new Governor during the parade today.

Matt is the one who had brain surgery a couple weeks ago. He is doing wonderfully. Back in school down at USM and back marching with the band today.

He called his mom and I both (me at work and mom at home) to brag about Governor Barbour patting him on the shoulder as the USM Pride marched by. He patted each member in the column nearest him as they marched by and thanked each of them for being there.

It's so nice to have the kind of man who makes that effort leading the state now. It's a small thing to most. I'm sure very few even noticed outside of the ones who he spoke to--but to many of those kids (especially mine), it meant the world.

His mom was home sick today and got to see some of the proceedings. Much to her dismay, the bands were out of camera reach.

[onyx]

A grand day for Governor Haley Barbour, his family, MS, the GOP and the nation. A finer man is difficult to name.

I wish I could have watched the ceremony, but I do have a copy of his wonderful, heart felt speech.

NerdDad: your remarks brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy you son Matt is doing so well, and that he had the chance to see Governor Haley up close and personal on this memorable day.

[NerdDad]

Thanks for the kind words.

Matt is FReeper Clarinet_King. He is still on the mend but doing well. Youth is wonderful like that. An old fart like me would take months to get where he is in only 3 weeks.

He sounded like he really enjoyed the festivities and he and his friends were truly honored to have the Governor take the time to say thanks on such a personal level.

His mom and I were just talking about the event and that word that almost disappeared from our political language a decade ago came up...."CHARACTER".

It's nice to have a men with character in positions of leadership again--state and national.

[dixiechick2000]

What a wonderful, and inspirational, story, ND and C_K! It made me all misty eyed, too. I wish you both all the best. What an awesome, and memorable, experience for C_K, too!

"His mom and I were just talking about the event and that word that almost disappeared from our political language a decade ago came up...."CHARACTER".

It's nice to have a men with character in positions of leadership again--state and national."

You are absolutely right, ND. I can't wait until these men are found in Oregon. Until then, I'll hang out with the wonderful "Missippy" freepers from my home state, and enjoy your great fortune from afar. ;o)

[dixiechick2000]

Well, durn it! I meant to ping you to my post above, and thank you for posting this thread.

Where the heck were my manners...;o)

[onyx]

Hey dck2, I just wish we could have seen Governor Haley's ceremony. I reckoned C-Span would carry it, but I couldn't find it, which is not to say it isn't/wasn't there.

[dixiechick2000]

Every network in the world could have carried it today,
and I wouldn't have seen it.

Heavy duty babysitting...

Good gracious...I hope the good folks of "Missippy" realize just how fortunate they are.

[bourbon]

I'm very glad to hear your son is doing well. I wish both of you continued success and good fortune.

[afuturegovernor]

Thanks for your ping - that was very nice.

[afuturegovernor]

How much did you get to see from your catbird's view?

[bourbon]

I saw the whole parade. The JSU, ASU, Ole Miss, MSU, and So. Miss bands all played, so it was pretty fun. I even went down on the street for a while and milled around in the crowd.