As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding 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.
-- President Obama (sic) (see also)
The links are to various fans (including at least one conservative leading sort) of his inauguration address, one noting it was "F**ing cold out there!!" and liking this bit:
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.
Greenwald is right to remind that nice words also require action. But, the people you pick mean a lot here. I have often noted that personnel is an important part of the presidency. This bit of news made me lol:
Lederman's co-blogger, Yale Law School Professor Jack Balkin, reports that Lederman will also be in the OLC, working under Johnsen and Barron, as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legal Counsel -- John Yoo's former position.
It's like Yorktown 1781; the world has truly turned upside, hasn't it? Well, not really, but enough to warrant some excitement, and yes, hope. Some, at times with a tad too much vigor, are worried about the spectacle and cheering for Obama, the man. And, we should be cautious. The selection of Rick Warren -- who did okay, but simply didn't look like he belonged* -- suggests that, as will other more substantial choices. But, just as a bit of spectacle works, there is reason to celebrate.
People aren't as naive as some make them out to be either. These include supporters of Obama, who are wary about criticism applied without perspective, or by certain parties. Well, we now are supposed to note, without it being deemed some strange thing, that Barack Hussein Obama is President. So says the White House website, which even has a blog. Going there, we are told:
Moments ago, in his first official act since taking the oath of office, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation, calling on Americans to serve one another and our common purpose on this National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation. Check it out below, or read it on the WhiteHouse.gov proclamations page.
Fitting. It made sense that Bob Gates was the one kept away, since no other Obama Cabinet members were confirmed at noon. Some have been now. Biden was sworn in, flawlessly, by Justice Stevens. Cheers! Obama/Roberts had a harder time of it. Ah well -- no one is perfect. Anyway, isn't the Constitution whatever the Supreme Court says it is? I guess here, it is up to the Chief Justice. BTW, I like John Quincy Adams' choice to swear on a law book, since that was his true master as President.
As we known, Michael Newdow et. al. did not prevail in their lawsuit. Still, Obama noted in his inauguration address:
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.
Did not the previously (ah) President once wonder if atheists could truly be Americans? Not that I'm a big fan of that wording either. Not to quibble, but there are other religions than those four. Plus, even if you don't believe in God, that doesn't mean you don't believe in anything! Who truly is a "non-believer?" Oh well. Better than some do. Let's end as the IA did:
America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words; with hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come; let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
Oh, Aretha had some silly headgear and that poem was a bit silly. And, Mr. President, one guy was President in separate terms, so there have been forty three people serving that office (a few others also took the oath on the death of the acting President without being elected to the office, so more than 44 took the oath overall; at least one affirmed). But, hey, we all are human. Some are just a tad bit more powerful ones.
Good luck.
---
* Rev. Joseph Lowery showed how it should be done, with some humor and avoiding the sectarian touch of using the Lord's Prayer, including an ending that the President on West Wing once noted was particularly sectarian. A West Wing marathon was on, a Hispanic winning the presidency around when a black one was sworn in, the fictional swearing in occurring shortly before noon ... Hawaiian time.