Posted on 10/30/2004 6:34:03 AM PDT by Phsstpok
Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge.Source: George Washington's First Inaugural Address.In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at large less than either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency; and in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities from which the event has resulted can not be compared with the means by which most governments have been established without some return of pious gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage.
These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are none under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free government can more auspiciously commence.
Amen!
Be my guest. :-)
Done. Thanks!
You don't know how many times over these last four years that I thought of that phrase. It gladdens my heart to see that I'm not alone in that. I was in the midst of a family crisis on that day and I remember when he spoke that phrase it stilled my heart and gave me strength.
I am so glad that you posted this. I also said to myself there are probably angels perched on every building on Pennsylvania Avenue guarding this man, and I believe they guard him still. W and Laura are more beautiful people than when they took office. He is greyer but more handsome and Laura is so beautific she almost looks like an angel herself. I was watching their bio on earlier today and thought - they are beautiful - That Angel In The Whirlwind is bearing them up.
"America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens..."GWB's Inaugral Address, 1-20-00
WHAT A GUY! God bless you, President Bush, and may the angels continue to protect you, Sir.
Thank you for posting this. I will never forget that line either.
When the man comes around -- http://pages.sbcglobal.net/bommer/When_The_Man_Comes_Around.html -- Bommer's movie also speaks to this.
Nice post, TS (#25) -- belies your name :o)
Don't know if you all have seen this thread, or seen Bommer's movie -- http://pages.sbcglobal.net/bommer/When_The_Man_Comes_Around.html
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1262741/posts Check out this thread.
Thank you for posting this. Every time I think things are FUBAR this quote comes to mind.
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