Ramblings' Journal

Hail to the chief!

Newly sworn in, Bush offered an implied rebuttal to critics of his foreign policy and the war in Iraq. "Some, I know, have questioned the global appeal of liberty," (President Bush) said, "though this time in history, four decades defined by the swiftest advance of freedom ever seen, is an odd time for doubt."

"We go forward with complete confidence in the eventual triumph of freedom," he said in remarks that were shorn of all but the most glancing references to the dominant political issues of the day.

The spread of freedom and liberty were the oldest ideals of America, Bush said. "Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation's security, and the calling of our time."

President Bush was sworn into his second term at noontime today on the front steps of the Capitol. Ailing Supreme Court Chief Justice Williiam Rehnquist delivered the oath of office on a cold Washington day that left no doubt that the Republicans were in charge.

The US Senate, in an afternoon session, will take up cabinet appointments. Though Democratic Senator Robert Byrd (KKK-WV) suggested late yesterday that he would stall a vote on Bush' s choice for Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, until sometime next week -- a blatantly transparent swipe at the President, designed to let the Administration know that Senate Democrats are still engaging in open warfare with the White House.

Posted by mhking at January 20, 2005 01:22 PM