Redstate

By Adam C Posted in Republicans — Comments (8) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Given the day off by my employer, my girlfriend and I marched into the cold to attend the 2005 inauguration of President George W. Bush. We arrived with a grand view of the symbol of American Democracy.

We dressed well to show our respect of the office of the Presidency and the traditions encapsulated in today's ceremony. As we felt winter nipping at our toes, we stood in the line for the security tent at 4th and Pennsylvania Avenue. It happened to be the location of the International ANSWER protests. All the protesters we saw were both peaceful and respectful, if generally misguided in their views.








After a short frisking in the security tent, we headed down toward the reflecting pool. But just as we approached Constitution Avenue, the gate was closed and we were left gazing at the massive security detail. After ten to fifteen minutes of a slow numbing overcoming our extremities, the Presidential motorcade passed directly in front of us. Dozens of tinted, black vans, limos, and cars drove by with lights ablaze.








With the President safely in the Capital, we were allowed to cross Constitution and head for the reflecting pool. The "Gold" section was standing room only and far enough away that we watched the ceremonies on a big screen. Yet being surrounded by throngs of American citizens cheering and sharing the experience reminded me of having a back row seat to a major football game or a huge concert. You can't see much directly, but you get a feeling that no TV coverage can recreate.








After the swearing-in ceremony was complete, the President outlined a new philosophy emphasizing the necessity of spreading liberty abroad to protect it at home. Although not as eloquent, it reminded me of another great American who said "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere". After his speech concluded, we headed back toward the metro so Jennifer could get to work on time. Yet the saddest part of the day was yet to come.








After seeing these signs, we hoped that it was a liberal group creating a straw man to knock him down. Sadly, we read the Washington Post at lunch and found that the location was reserved by the Christian Defense Coalition and the protesters/activists are most likely sincere. It is a sad show and offensive whether its sincere or a satire. If it is the CDC, they have their right to speak and I have my right to denounce them as hateful and wrong.



Nevertheless, we enjoyed spending the time to participate in the celebration of peaceful transition of power that is a hallmark of democracy in general and America in particular. God bless America and its President.



(More photos at DoverSpa)

Update [2005-1-20 16:58:58 by Erick]: In preparing a story for MSNBC, I contacted Rev. Patrick Mahoney, the head of the Christian Defense Coalition. He denied CDC involvement and blamed an organization headed Fred Phelps. The organization, Westboro Baptist Church, in Kansas, runs such sites as God Hates America and God Hates Fags. Their protest was, according to their website, intended to be one block away from the CDC prayer vigil.