AS I SAT ON THE CAPITOL GROUNDS THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND WITNESSED THE PAGEANTRY OF THE 55th INAUGURATION CEREMONIES, I REPEATEDLY (BUT SILENTLY) COULD NOT CEASE TO EXPRESS MY THANKS TO THE ALMIGHTY FOR PROVIDING THE GANCHROW FAMILY THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE IN THIS GREAT COUNTRY.
We are a young country, with traditions and basic decency that are clearly an example for the world. Our President emphasized time and again “the principles of liberty and democracy” (Sharansky’s influence is evident) as the credo of our country and his Administration. His was an historic address, that outlined for the entire world a vision that is no less important than the Truman Doctrine and manifestos of other great Presidents who brought us victory in WW II, and the Cold War.
At this critical juncture in world history with the crisis in Iran and N Korea threatening world peace and stability I am grateful that George Bush and Dick Cheney are at the helm.
Though inauguration day should be a non-partisan celebration, it was sad to hear Cong Nancy Pelosi blast the President. Eight years ago partisan Republicans did not demonstrate against or attack Pres Bill Clinton on his Inauguration Day. I am not sure that the Democrats can reclaim power on anger alone. WHERE IS THE SENSE OF FAIR PLAY?
One final thought on the weeks events.
I turned to my wife after Condoleeza Rice concluded her introductory statement to the Foreign Relations Committee. I could not get over the clarity of her thoughts, and the eloquent manner in which she introduced her moving life story before discussing in a substantive manner world problems that she as the incoming Sec. of State would face.
I was truly proud. However, that pride turned to shock a while later, when Sen. Barbara Boxer blasted the Rice statement..Sen Boxer counted the lines and the words used by Ms. Rice in her introductory remarks, until she entered the body of her presentation and mentioned tsunami aid and Iraq etc. Boxer thought perhaps they should have been in the introductory paragraph.
HOW PETTY AND TRITE!
She is entitled to vote against Rice and oppose her policies but Boxer was over the line in impugning her integrity. It looks like we are in for a real partisan Congressional session.
