Inauguration thoughts

First of all, I saw the interview with President Bush, done by Sean Hannity. That should be the end of all the silly scuttle about how stupid or foolish or war happy or evil or whatever else he is supposed to be. I for one, would like to thank the former President for his service, his dedication, his selflessness and his courage. In short, I agree with President Obama's assessment, and I believe that the president will find more and more that the former president did what had to be done.

Second, I would like to address the flub of the oath. The constitution gives a very clear oath to say, word for word, with fundamentalist precision. For the record, all of those who will talk about how Obama's nerves got the best of him and all, please just ... just ... DON'T. Obama DID NOT flub the oath, Chief Justice Roberts did. Obama was simply trying to follow Roberts, and wasn't sure whether he should follow the constitutional oath or the words of the Justice. CJ Roberts, for goodness sake, learn your lines before the curtain rises.

Here is some thoughts on the speech:

"What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified."

Where in the Constitution does the government have these duties? Which branch is supposed to provide jobs and dignified retirement? It works? Could not the same be said about the police or corporate America, it doesn't matter the size and therefore the cost, as long as "it works"?

"Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched"

Bravo.

"As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers ... our found fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more. "

He means, let's get rid of all of those less than pretty practices in the military and in intelligence. Let's stop having enemies and make friends with everyone. If we are nice to everyone, then they will like us and stop fighting us. That is the campaign rhetoric behind these words. It is hard to imagine anything more naive. The founding fathers he quoted never addressed such practices, nor did they necessarily disapprove them in appropriate circumstances. America can take pride in its military and intelligence communities' practices and self examining devices. The very fact that they have such devices is a credit to them. It is unprecedented in the world.

"Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint. "

Continued naivete. Appeasement, i.e. humility and restraint, caused WWII and lengthened the cold war. We faced down fascism and communism with the threat and execution of military defeat, regardless of how our allies turned on us. Perhaps I could recommend some history books, Mr. President.

"roll back the specter of a warming planet"

If the threat is a century away, what can we do about it now. Are we not imaginative enough to think of technology 80 years in our future that might curb any threat they may find. The computer models that created this scare were fully unimagined 80 years ago, and I imagine they will have things unimaginable today in 80 years. They will be in a much better position then to assess the threat and react to it.

"We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you. "

These words contradict your previous words and philosophy in this speech. I hope this is the view that will solidify for you. Elegantly stated, Mr. President.

"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace. "

Huzza Huzza. Obama on his own turf. I must tip the hat here.

"To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. "

It is yet to be seen if he will insist on the respect part, or if he will just try to pathetically work his way into their gangs as Chairman Ban and most of Europe are trying. But since this a comment on the speech, if he is true to it, I applaud it. But I beg him to learn the history of appeasement and beware.

Most of the rest of the speech was the stuff of kumbaya. If I have missed anything, please let me know.

Mr. President, you are perhaps the closest we will ever come to a non-politician in the White House. I have no idea what you bring to the table, but I hope you succeed in those places that I applauded you above. I hope you change your mind about the rest. You seem to be a man who cares for the country. Remember it in thy orisons.