Nuthing but Luhv for the W.
Posted on 01/20/2005 3:29:18 PM PST by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - George W. Bush embarked on his second term as president Thursday, telling a world anxious about war and terrorism that the United States would not shrink from new confrontations in pursuit of "the great objective of ending tyranny."
Four minutes before noon, Bush placed his left hand on a family Bible and recited 39 tradition-hallowed words that every president since George Washington has uttered.
With 150,000 American troops deployed in Iraq (news - web sites) at a cost of $1 billion a week and more than 1,360 killed, Bush also beseeched Americans for patience.
"Our country has accepted obligations that are difficult to fulfill and would be dishonorable to abandon," the president declared in the first wartime inauguration in more than three decades.
Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, 80 years old and frail with thyroid cancer, administered the oath in his first public appearance in three months — a gesture Bush called "incredibly moving." Rehnquist's ill health may give Bush a second-term opportunity to nominate the Supreme Court's first new justice in nearly 11 years.
It was the first inauguration since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the capital was enveloped in a security blanket of thousands of police and miles of metal barricades. Snipers lined rooftops, while bomb-sniffing dogs toiled down below.
Bush spoke before a shivering throng at the West Front of the Capitol, the monuments of American government — Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln — stretched before him on a snowy landscape. Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites), who had battled Bush for the presidency, watched along with other lawmakers.
The nation's 55th inauguration celebration stretched from a 40-minute morning prayer service at St. John's Church to late-night revelry at nine fancy balls. The festivities were financed by $40 million in private donations and tens of millions in related costs.
Bush rode in an armored limousine, behind police on motorcycles in a V formation, to lead the inaugural parade 1.7 miles down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. The license plate read: USA 1.
Hundreds of anti-war protesters, some carrying coffin-like cardboard boxes to signify the deaths of U.S. troops in Iraq, stood along the parade route. They jeered and shook their fists as Bush rode past. "Worst president ever, impeachbush.org" one sign said. Another read: "Guilty of war crimes."
Rows of law enforcement officers stood between the protesters and the parade, and Bush's motorcade sped up as it passed the demonstration area. The president and his wife, Laura, got out of the car to walk the last two blocks to the White House.
Democrats attended the inauguration but didn't hide their unhappiness.
"Personally, I don't feel much like celebrating," said House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California. "So I'm going to mark the occasion by pledging to do everything in my power to fight the extremist Republican's destructive agenda."
Entering his second term with one of the lowest approval ratings of any recent two-term president, Bush was unapologetic in his speech about the course he had set over four tumultuous years.
He challenged critics of his quest to spread democracy across the Middle East, saying that now "is an odd time for doubt." And he voiced eagerness to confront oppressive rule around the globe in the name of spreading freedom.
"All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: The United States will not ignore oppression or excuse your oppressors," Bush said. "When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you."
The United States' policy is to promote democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture "with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world," he said.
"This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force when necessary," the president said.
The spread of freedom and liberty are the oldest ideals of America, Bush said. "Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation's security, and the calling of our time."
After the inauguration, Bush joined congressional leaders and other dignitaries at a Capitol luncheon of scalloped crab and lobster and roasted quail.
"I'm looking forward to putting my heart and soul into this job for four more years," he said, making no mention of the legislative battles ahead over taxes, expanding immigration laws, Social Security (news - web sites), the burgeoning budget deficit, judges and more.
"We're ready to go to work," replied Sen. Trent Lott (news, bio, voting record), R-Miss., chairman of the congressional inaugural committee.
Eager to begin, the GOP-controlled Senate convened at mid-afternoon and confirmed Mike Johanns as secretary of agriculture and Margaret Spellings as secretary of education, the first of Bush's nine new second-term Cabinet officers to win approval.
White House chief of staff Andy Card accused Democrats of "petty politics" for blocking the swift confirmation of Condoleezza Rice (news - web sites) as secretary of state.
With his oath, Bush began a new chapter in a presidency transformed by the 2001, terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. What was an unremarkable presidency to that point, preoccupied by tax cuts and education initiatives, found its purpose.
A president who had come to power in a disputed election and had battled low expectations became a symbol of confidence and resolve in the war against terrorism.
But Bush also angered many allies with what was perceived as an arrogant approach to foreign policy and an unwarranted war in Iraq, based on the erroneous belief that Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) was harboring weapons of mass destruction.
The president did not mention Iraq in his inaugural address, but he said the United States had helped tens of millions of people — in Afghanistan (news - web sites) and Iraq — achieve freedom.
He said U.S. efforts have lit "a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world."
Some, seeing that headline, would assume Bush is pledging to end tyranny in his own administration.
Tiny Tommy felt the fire in November. ;-)
Even AP headline writers get it right sometime.
Is that the most gracious thing this shriveled up old bag of hate could come up with?
President Bush is following in the footsteps of The Great Ronald Reagan.
President Reagan freed millions from the shackles of communism. President Bush is taking the next step.
God bless them both.
He was telling us to buckle up. Geesh!
He didn't talk about domestic issues or budgetary issues or securing or borders. He talked about how important it is that freedom is extended to everybody no matter in what country.
I'll really like to see the commiecRATs reaction in four years when
Chief Justice Thomas administers the oath to President Elect Condi Rice.
William Jefferson Clinton had the opportunity to cut terrorism off at the knees but he Muffed it.
He didnt mention those things because he spoke of his agenda honestly and truthfully.
Amen! Long Live the Pax Americana!
Poor old embittered Nancy Pelosi could hide her hate for even one day. She is truly pathetic. I only wish she and Ted Kennedy were single so they could marry each other, they certainly deserve each other.Two peas in a pod.
AP: Bush Starts New Term, Seeks End to Tyranny
They left off the rest ... AP: Bush Starts New Term, Seeks End to Tyranny and Old Media! :)
He did mention some domestic issues (abortion/ownership society) but the thrust was battling radical Islamism. He didn't, however, indicate that it would be at the tip of a sword. W told the Iranian people to rise up, the Iraqis to fight their own battles in time and the rest of the tyrants to mark their time. Statecraft will be used as will Warcraft. W will not do things precipitously. He has shown that...
He will probably talk about that in his address to the nation speech
Is it really realistic to end tyranny in the world as we know it? Sounds a bit utopian to me. Perhaps I am misunderstanding his words.
Although it is not realistic to think that tyranny will be ended (at least until the second coming)it is a goal worth pursuing and one which I believe we are all obligated to work and pray for.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.