Washington is electric this morning. It is morning in America as literally billions around the world celebrate the Inauguration of our 44th President.
Last night, I made it through the crowds to discuss the torture issue with Rachel Maddow on the mall. For the clip, click here. It was an amazing scene with people braving the cold to take in the historic moment. Let’s pray that principle prevails over politics in the prosecution of war crimes.
The day before we took the kids to the mall for the concert. We were listening to U2 and Bono when they were ushered off stage. My three-year-old Madie said a little peeved about the guy who kicked Bono off stage. I explained it was a guy named Obama but she was not pleased. Not a good start. Rule Number One for a successful presidency: never bump Bono.
Of course the great moment was when we took the kids into the forest near our house to pick up trash as part of the day of service called for by Obama. It was quite moving until I asked Aidan where the trash bad was. He explained that he left it in the forest and we had to discuss the point of the exercise and find the bag. Well, this is a work in progress.
We are having our own Inauguration party (with about 30 kids) with Chicago food today. My 82 year old mother drove on her own through the night from Chicago on an impulse. Have a wonderful Inauguration Day everyone.
Mike Spindell,
That was beautifully said, obviously heartfelt and I’m glad you wrote it. It’s true as well!
Michale Spindell:
Wonderful sentiments Mike. Let’s see the dream filled out with action. The start looks good to me!
I’ve spent the morning and afternoon in tears and as I write this the emotion still flows within me. Whether BHO proves to be a great President, or not, remains to be seen. As someone born before the end of WWII and brought up by my parents to see all people as human beings, having lived through Civil Rights demonstrations and all the untimely deaths in the 60’s, I never thought that I’d live to see this day. BHO’s election and succession will hopefully herald a new beginning for the US, where we will see people as fellow human beings and not as diverse tribal entities. All of the regulars here, led by JT’s passion for
constitutional adherence, believe in a country guided by laws that treats all citizens equally. Therefore all of us here, despite our place on the political spectrum, can join together in the hope that the country will move dramatically towards what we hold to be the ideal.
Mike Appleton:
I’m with you, but I suspect God had help here–about 66,882,230 helpers.
Publius:
Chief Justice Taney–a nasty blast from the past. Here’s words that must torment the specter of the good Justice and especially on today, (from his opinion in Dred Scott):
“[African Americans] had for more than a century before been regarded as beings of an inferior order, and altogether unfit to associate with the white race, either in social or political relations; and so far inferior, that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect; and that the negro might justly and lawfully be reduced to slavery for his benefit. He was bought and sold, and treated as an ordinary article of merchandise and traffic, whenever a profit could be made by it. This opinion was at that time fixed and universal in the civilized portion of the white race. It was regarded as an axiom in morals as well as in politics, which no one thought of disputing, or supposed to be open to dispute; and men in every grade and position in society daily and habitually acted upon it in their private pursuits, as well as in matters of public concern, without doubting for a moment the correctness of this opinion.”
Chief Roberts just flunked Con Law 101. He said “I will execute the Office of President to the United States.” He seemed like an empty robe up there on his own without his clerks and assistants.
Someone tell him to go back to the Court and write out the final clause of Article I, section 1, 500 times on a blackboard.
Then go over to GW Law and enroll in Professor Turley’s Con Law class.
The ghost of Chief Taney lives on.
Pedantically, the 44th needed just 42 words—in the correct order—to achieve his specific presidential oath of office.
I can’t believe how many people showed up! It’s just too darn cold outside for me to see anyone I admire speak about anything or sing any songs!
Okay….I’d do it if Garth Brooks went back on tour again.
When it comes to stumbling over words, it could happen to anyone. I’m sure he was nervous about the whole thing. It’s not like someone becomes president everyday. It’s a nerve-racking job!!
I hope that he serves our country well. I really truly do.
Quoted from rightpundits.com/?p=2681
“….Article II, Section 1, Clause 8 declares only that Barack Obama must affirm the following:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.
So the constitution prescribes a specific oath the new president must take which is a minimum requisite. All presidents say (or affirm) the minimum, but all have embellished it in ways by adding “so help me God” at the end and most have included their name in the beginning, such as,
“I, Barack Hussien Obama, do solemly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.”
______________________
The video of the “swearing-in” is also embedded at the site.
Thank you, God.
i am so pleased and happy and for once, not a pessimist!
President Obama didn’t stumble. He stared down Roberts until Roberts corrected himself. Roberts didn’t seem to know where the word “faithfully” was supposed to go. Or Roberts was trying to get President Obama to repeat text that was incorrect.
Right wingers are like that. If we thought we saw a hubbub over Obama’s birth certificate, what would we have seen if our new democratic president had gotten the words to his inaugural oath of office out of order? Nice try, Roberts.
An oath of office is a succinct, simple—although critically important—pledge that must never be mangled as managed by the ‘highest judge’ of our democracy.
Oaths are separated into sections to ensure that the solemn fluencies of the words are not interrupted by misspeak. The irony to me is that the fumbling G.W. Bush delivered his oaths of the presidency flawlessly while Mr. Obama stumbled.
FFLeo:
Never attribute to malice what incompetence will neatly cover. Were I a pagan I would attribute it to an ironic god.
I am most likely cynical; however, I wonder if Roberts intended to make President Obama look bad.
I am not particularly shocked that Roberts had trouble administering the oath of office. That does require reading the document beforehand.
JT thank you for bringing into focus the mandate of accountability.
Together we can manifest the law being enforced.
Godspeed President Obama.
Happy Inauguaration Day!
To all of you on this blog who support Obama I want to say I believe in you. I have faith in you. We may differ on Obama but we do not differ on the desire for a just, wonderful and great country. Have an exciting celebration! My best hopes are with you.
“Clarity of principle” – truer words have never been spoken.
Here’s my little gift to our new President courtesy of Stevie Wonder.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gOLnLz9KjY
And kudos to JT for taking the wishes of President Obama to heart with his kids. I also note with great approval Madie’s refined beyond her years taste in music.
Congratulations, President Obama.
Now don’t screw it up. The Constitution is counting on you.