This Week’s
Attitude

By Neil S. Friedman

Inauguration Holds Promise Of New Beginning

As a cold, steady drizzle fell on the nation’s Capitol last Saturday, the gloomy weather did not hamper the composed and poignant ritual that is the Presidential Inauguration. The pomp and circumstance surrounding the official ceremony also elicited enough emotion to thaw even the coldest of hearts still harboring animosity over lingering anger from Election 2000.

And, notwithstanding a few skirmishes of protest — that actually attested to America’s valued freedom of expression — the visual spectacle seemed to reinforce the solid foundation of a nation in transition.

As the 43rd President of the United States was sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who just weeks before intervened to issue the ultimate decree declaring George W. Bush the election victor after 36 unsettled days, it struck me that this is the closest to a royal coronation Americans will ever see. While the new Chief Executive was not adorned with an official crown, an intangible scepter and the mantle of authority was ideologically handed the new Administration for the next four years.

Bush’s opening address focused on the stability that has been characteristic of our nation in it’s first 225 years. "The peaceful transfer of authority is rare in history, yet common in our country. With a simple oath, we reaffirm old traditions and make new beginnings."

Perhaps this inauguration, in particular, will usher in an era of steady, fair and reliable leadership, thus ending decades of deceptions and duplicity emanating from the Oval Office— from Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon in the ‘60s and ‘70s to George Bush (the elder) and Bill Clinton in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Despite directing America through an era of prosperity and a booming economy, while being distracted by relentless investigations, William Jefferson Clinton engaged in tawdry sexual trysts and questionable activities that did not harm the fate of the nation, yet further eroded the once exalted presidential pedestal that has been substantially weakened ever since Richard M. Nixon became an active participant in the Watergate conspiracy.

If George W. Bush can bring about "inclusion and unity" that he called for in his inaugural address and fulfill his promise to lead the nation with "civility, courage and compassion," he may accomplish what few of his recent predecessors could — restore the wilted character and esteem of the presidency. Of more urgency, in his early days as president, Bush must display reconciliation with an opposition that still feels his victory was subverted.

In the arena of partisan politics, usually dominated by supporting the interests of dominant lobbyists, President Bush has an opportunity to fulfill his inaugural pledge "to work to build a single nation..." and lead by principles of "civility, compassion, courage and responsibility." With less than a popular vote mandate, the president has set forth a formidable challenge for himself. Ultimately, it will be Bush’s actions, not his words, that determine the direction of his leadership and the support of the majority that rejected him.

Therefore, for the time being — at least 100 hundred days — those who voted for or against Bush should patiently wait while this new Chief Executive demonstrates he is serious about fulfilling the promise of a new beginning that comes with every inauguration.