Posted on 01/19/2005 11:20:40 AM PST by Keyes2000mt
The American inaugural is a special event. It is full of pageantry and tradition. As a people, we pride ourselves on the fact that our transfers of power are peaceful and generally orderly.
At the inaugural, despite partisan differences, our leaders show up to applaud and wish the new or re-elected President well. Whatever their feelings about the President, they show up to honor the American political process and the voters who made the choice.
The inaugural address brings people together from across the nation as television stations will even interrupt the day to day banter of Soap Operas and sleazy talk shows.
Things are changing in America. There are a group of partisans who don't appreciate the beauty of America's political traditions. Bitter, angry, and not able to see anything past the result of this election, protestors will descend upon Washington to express their anger at the choice of the American people. It's certainly their right to do so, but their actions underscore a growing lack of grace and civility in our political system.
Every presidential inauguration has had a religious element in it. However, this year some people have come to believe that a man who will control the nuclear arsenal cannot be trusted to plan the religious elements of a brief event.
Doctor, Lawyer, and Professional Atheist Busybody Michael Newdow believes that prayer should be barred from the inaugural and filed a suit to prevent it from occurring. The suit was summarily dismissed but Newdow's appealing. Mr. Newdow is undeterred by silly things such as the silly fact that since the Constitution was ratified, nearly every inaugural has included a prayer and the use of the Bible, including several presidents, who in a move that would cause Newdow to go into seizure, actually bent and kissed the Bible after being sworn in.
On the other side is Michael Evans, who is trying to petition the President to do as Ronald Reagan did and be sworn in with his hand on 2. Chronicles 7:14: "if My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
This is a fine verse of scripture, and if the President chooses to do it, I will be thrilled. However, the President must choose for himself what verse to be sworn in on. Many President have, indeed chosen to send a message. For example Lincoln put his hand on 3 different scriptures during his second inaugural which prefaced the themes of that great speech.
President Clinton's first inaugural scripture (Galatians 6:8) was prophetic: For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Thus, President Bush's scripture will say a lot about the next administration and there are hundreds of fine scriptures upon which he could lay his hand. The final decision must lay with the President as to how he wants to define his new administration.
After spending a year being vilified mercilessly by the press, having his character maligned by the likes of Michael Moore, and facing the full fire of the leftist establishment, President Bush has won re-election and with that re-election, he's won the right choose how he'll begin his second term.
Didn't know that was the scripture used at Billy Jeff's first inauguaral.
I would like to be in Washington tomorrow!!!!
It must be so... nice!!!!
It's his party, but we're paying for it.
It's being paid for by private donations.
It's his party and you can cry if you want to, cry if you want to, cry if you want to...
Funny! But I think it's the residents of DC who will be crying. The corporates and rich will be ecstatic since this is an opportunity for unlimited bribes contributions, to get a bigger slice of the rest of our tax dollars.
"The same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought" -- the president was speaking in Washington -- "are still at issue around the globe: the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God."
John F. Kennedy
Inaugural Address
1/20/1961
"We believe, that all men have a right to equal justice under law and equal opportunity to share in the common good. . . . We believe that all men are created equal because they are created in the image of God. From this faith we will not be moved. . . .
Harry S. Truman
Inaugural Address
1/20/1949
"Our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations far away. We have learned that we must live as men, not as ostriches, nor as dogs in the manger. . . . Almighty God has . . . given our people stout hearts and strong arms with which to strike mightily blows for freedom and truth. He has given to our country a faith which has become the hope of all peoples in an anguished world."
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Final Inaugural Address
1/20/1945
"It's His Party" -- D@mn straight!!!
The party's paid for by bribes, but the security tab is still for the taxpayers. Just like the party conventions, not one taxpayer cent should go towards them. I would only understand paying for the normal level of security associated with any other presidential appearance.
Yes, I do support government austerity.
http://joustthefacts.typepad.com/joust_the_facts/2005/01/clinton_ii_inau.html
It's interesting to note, that, for all of the griping about the pricetag of this inaugural that it comes in at-or-about the cost of Clinton's second inaugural (inflation adjusted, of course).
And, for every one of those so-called "bribes" of yours, there are hundreds of private citizens (and their private donations) just getting together to celebrate the President's victory. Calling them all bribes would hardly be fair.
Interestingly, I'm currently reading one of the books of Reagan's letters...I just read one this morning in which he lamented the idea that he had to have a second inaugural. He would have preferred a modest swearing-in ceremony to all of the pomp and partying.
Clinton is not a good yardstick by which to measure.
And, for every one of those so-called "bribes" of yours
Armand Hammer bought his pardon by contributing $100,000 to the Bush41 inaugural.
He would have preferred a modest swearing-in ceremony to all of the pomp and partying.
Thanks, I now appreciate President Reagan even more.
Tell us, are you happy Bush won?
Definitely. Right now I'm just angry on principle over the tax dollars spent, but I'd be really pissed to see that money being spent on Kerry.
Washington DC merchants will receive LOTS of cash during this week, and I think they are very pleased that the party is going on despite the carping of folks who didn't want to see Bush President anyway.
How many millions is that again? If they're paying for the party, then they can pay to reimburse for security too.
I was going to say something and then I say your name! Says it all!!! You are so very little...
And that, is the great core of dear departed Gipper.
Well, security, military and judicial time are paid by taxpayers, balls and festivities by private donors, as I understand it.
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