Hail to the Chief: The Second Inauguration of President George W. Bush

(Note: I actually wrote this yesterday, but didn't get a chance to post it until today due to mommy duties.)

Blogging has been light since I’ve been sick with a cold and there’s been nothing to spark my fancy until today. Today is the historic second inauguration ceremony of President George W. Bush (I wonder if the heads of my Bush-hating colleagues are exploding yet?). This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to watch a Presidential inauguration live and I thought President Bush’s inaugural address was fantastic. One thing I kept thinking was that with each and every mention of God, Michael Newdow must be filing a brand-new lawsuit. If he wants to live in a country that is guaranteed God-free, he should move to China. Sheesh! He can’t change the Judeo-Christian heritage of this country, and he sure can’t suppress the expression of beliefs by the religious majority of the present and future. I think this past election showed that religious people are sick and tired of people like Newdow and the ACLU forcing their fundy atheist agenda on the public sphere. We will fight for our rights of free speech and exercise of our religion.

Anyway, back to the speech. Since I became a resident of Texas, I carefully watched then Governor George W. Bush, and I was impressed by his ability to work with both political parties and by his strong moral convictions. I thought that he would make an excellent president, and for the most part he has fulfilled my expectations. His speech today was reminiscent of the great speeches of Washington and Lincoln, with many references to liberty and freedom. But they weren’t hollow references because he has been the force for freeing tens of millions of peoples in Iraq and Afganistan from tyranny. While the corrupt bureaucrats in the U.N. debate society are content to make pretty speeches about human rights, President Bush has actually carried out actions to ensure human rights. His administration has implemented a major shift in U.S. foreign policy. No longer are dictators to be tolerated, but our dealings with them are based on their willingness to reform. No longer will we say “pretty please, don’t hurt us” to tyrants that threaten our way of life e.g. Saddam and Mullah Mohammed Omar (try to say his name 10 times fast).

Here’s some of my favorite phrases from his speech:

“The best hope for freedom in our land depends on expansion of freedom in other lands.”

I agree that elimination and/or reformation of tyrannical governments that support terrorism against the U.S. will prevent future 9-11 type attacks. Are you listening Iran and Syria?

“No one is fit to be a master and no one deserves to be a slave.”

Our Founding Fathers and the Great Emancipator would be proud, I think. I do believe that all people are equal in God’s eyes.

“Success in our relations [with other countries] will require decent treatment of their people.”

I hope that we’ll be leaning harder on Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China, Egypt, and other countries in this regard when it comes to human rights abuses.

“There is no justice without freedom, and no human rights without human liberty.”

Put that in your hat and smoke it, you Amnesty International freaks, and remember it the next time you whine about alleged U.S. human rights abuses while ignoring those occurring in places like Sudan and North Korea.

“Liberty will come to those that love it.”
“The United States will not ignore your oppression, or make excuses for your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.”

I think this was a message to the Iranian people that the U.S. will support their fight for freedom if they rise up against those nuke-crazy mullahs.

“To serve your people, you must learn to trust them.”

I think this line could be aimed at communist dictatorships like China, but also at socialistic Democrats with all of their nanny-state policies (e.g. San Fran Nan). Why not trust us to invest our social security dollars in 401k-type accounts or wisely spend our tax refunds? We’re not all imbeciles, you know.

“The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: ‘Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.’”

Quoting Lincoln is always a good choice. I bet Saddam is wishing it weren’t so.

“Americans, at our best, value the life we see in one another, and must always remember that even the unwanted have worth.”

I think this line clearly applies to unborn babies. Really the only difference between my son, Preston, and a baby that has been aborted is that Preston was wanted. Their lives are both of value. I’m so sick of the pro-abortion (pro-choice) advocates always putting the value of woman’s life (and often her lifestyle) above that of the unborn baby.

And I especially loved the closing hymn, “God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand.” It must have sent the heads of Newdow and the ACLU spinning. Saying the word God to a fundy atheist like Newdow is like the Knights Who Say Nee saying “nee” over and over. I love it!