We Called It: He Said It; He Meant It; He's Doing It!

As people continue to hurl epitaphs at President Trump and undermine him and deride what he is trying to accomplish and ignore his many impressive achievements thus far, we think back to Inauguration Day 2017 and what we wrote then about those who set out to destroy this president from the very beginning -- indeed, those whose only goal has been to de-legitimatize him and his administration. 

Here's what we said on Day One about the President's eloquent and prescient Inaugural Address and those who had already attempted to trash it:

Some are calling it dour and dark and gloomy.
But it really wasn't any of those things. Not at all.
What it was, for some people, was shocking. It jolted them. It left them a bit breathless, And it even scared a few people.
And that's precisely what it was meant to do. It was meant to jolt the establishment -- to knock some of wind out of its sails. And it was meant to scare the elites -- the Washington know-it-alls; the clubby, entrenched bureaucrats; the groupthink media yappers; the tassel-shoed lobbyists, the lifer officeholders; the special-interest peddlers; the panderers and deceivers and slippery snake-oil merchants; the whole damned bunch of 'em.
It was also meant to deliver a clarion call to the American people, particularly the forgotten ones who don't count themselves as part of any special or protected group. These are the people who were left along the shore long after liberalism's ship sailed into its make-believe world of love beads and Birkenstocks and kumbaya.
As a jolt and a prod, President Trump's Inaugural Address succeeded. It was totally on-target. It did what it supposed to do, delivering a bright, decisive populist anthem which said: It's over now. Today, "we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People" while adding that "the forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer."
Here are some other key observations that need to be noted from this very forthright and powerful speech:

• God is once again back at the center of our national life, under the capitol dome, in the White House and in the words of our leaders. President Trump's inauguration was bookended by a record number of prayers and the new president invoked the deity, speaking of the "almighty Creator" and declaring "we are protected by God."
• Identity politics is over. The speech contained no direct mention of specific racial, ethnic or religious groups; no mention of gender; no mention of sexual orientation -- none of that. Instead, it spoke to all of us as one, unabashedly declaring: "we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American Flag." Also missing was the coveted liberal term "diversity". The message is clear. Our nation will no longer be balkanized; groups will not be pitted against one another only to benefit the establishment and the elites.
• Unapologetic patriotism is the order of the day. Inauguration day was replete with numerous patriotic touches from President Trump's declaration that "a new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights, and heal our divisions" to his promise that "from this moment on, it's going to be America First." And all of this was reflected in the many military units and first responders that participated in the parade along with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and similar groups.
• Globalism is passé. The president made very clear that we will not take responsibility for the rest of the world and we will not engage in nation-building. He acknowledged "the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first" and added that "we do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to follow." He's saying that we will put our own house in order and lead by example, period. This echoes the nationalistic tone of his whole campaign.

Those who found the speech dark or gloomy must not have heard some very vital, hopeful, unifying, aspirational elements. Here are a few:

"This moment is your moment: it belongs to you. It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America. This is your day. This is your celebration. And this, the United States of America, is your country." 

"We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny. The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans." 

"We are looking only to the future. We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power. From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land." 

"America will start winning again, winning like never before.
We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth. And we will bring back our dreams." 

We will build new roads, and highways, and bridges, and airports, and tunnels, and railways all across our wonderful nation. We will get our people off of welfare and back to work -- rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor." 

"When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us, 'How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity.'" 

"Do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America. 

"We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again."

"We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the Earth from the miseries of disease, and to harness the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow." 

"So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, and from ocean to ocean, hear these words: You will never be ignored again."

If these words aren't hopeful enough for you, then you are surely missing something. Indeed, you may only be hearing what you want to hear.
This was a brave, spirited, stirring address -- one that charts a bold new path for America. As befits an Inaugural Address, it avoided specifics and instead painted in broad strokes. Audaciously, it offered a pablum-free, no nonsense prescription for the nation. It cautioned that "we will face challenges. We will confront hardships," but still added that "we will get the job done."
If you were expecting to be caressed with a feel-good message and a gentle pat on the head, this was not the speech for you. The world that President Trump expects to usher in will be a world free of participation trophies, soft-touch moments, convenient excuses, free throws, mulligans and hall passes.
Finally, the speech was blessedly brief. With very few exceptions, no significant speech need be more than 16 minutes long. That's the sweet spot. And, with clear language, short sentences and memorable lines, President Trump came in right on the money: 16 minutes!

Christie Inaugural Gala Details

The New Jersey Inaugural 2010 Committee has announced details of the Inaugural Evening Celebration at the Prudential Center in Newark on Tuesday, January 19.
The evening will include a “Taste of New Jersey,” in which regional favorites from the Garden State will be featured. Partners of Rock and Wrap It Up!, a nonprofit organization that saves unused food destined for landfills and delivers it to local shelters, will collect leftovers from the event.
Regions represented in the “Taste of New Jersey” will include: Newark, Trenton, Camden, Hammonton, the Skylands and High Point regions, North Jersey and shore destinations such as Cape May, Atlantic City and Point Pleasant. S
ome of the local businesses participating in the “Taste of New Jersey” include: Jimmy Buffs Italian Hot Dogs and Hobby’s Delicatessen, from Newark, Joe Leone’s, an Italian specialty store based in Point Pleasant, and Campbell’s Soup, originally from Camden.
“We all know New Jersey is home to the best and most diverse food in the world and we are excited to offer everyone a sampling of that on inauguration night,” said New Jersey Inaugural 2010 Committee Chairman Todd Christie.
At the end of the evening, affiliates of Rock and Wrap It Up! will collect leftover food and deliver it to local shelters.
Founded in 1991, Rock and Wrap It Up began collecting prepared but unsold food that would otherwise end up in landfills and bringing them to local shelters. Since then, the organization has expanded its efforts, collecting food from sporting events, schools, college campuses and hotels. Its efforts have helped feed over 100,000,000 people. For more information, call (877) 691-FOOD.

Listen Tonight On 1210

We'll be on the radio tonight (Saturday) during the 8 PM - 8:30 segment with Christine Flowers on the Big Talker, 120 AM radio in Philadelphia.
We'll be talking about President Obama's Inaugural Address and how it compares with other inagural speeches in history.
We invite you to call into the Big Talker and chat with us.
Here are the call-in numbers: Philadelphia: (215) 839-1210; Suburbs: (610) 664-1210; New Jersey: (856) 541-1210; Cellular: #1210.

Inaugural Remarks: First Assessment

Inaugural addresses are not by their nature specific.
They are thematic.
They paint with broad strokes, setting a tone for what is to come.
President Obama's address today was no different. It contained the type of broad rhetoric that the new President is comfortable with: aspirational rather than operational.
Though he said that the real questions is not whether government is too big or too small but rather whether or not government works, Obama gave us no clues as to how he will decide which government programs work and which don't.
Yes, he hinted that he would get rid of certain government programs. But, which ones?
We just don't know.
And yes, Obama's remarks contained an implied answer to Reagan's declaration in 1981 that government is not the solution but government is, rather, the problem. Obama apparently assumes that government is the solution, no matter how big it gets. He just wants to make sure it works right.
Strong words of national defense in the speech were balanced by neo-liberal rhetoric about peace and understanding.
Still, while Obama seemed to reject "missiles and weapons" he lavished praise on our fighting men and women in the armed forces and pointed to their service as an example to all. Even though he stuck to his rhetoric on an eventual withdrawal from Iraq it was nice to hear him acknowledge the sacrifice of the military and to hear him evoke the memories of Washington and his army of the Revolution.
I think it was fine for President Obama to point to our diversity and to recognize as a source of strength and recognize the many faiths that practice in America. But I don't know why he felt the need to point out that that we are a nation of "non-believers" as well. Somehow that didn't sit right with me. It didn't settle well on my ears.
How can you criticize "cynics," challenging them and nearly mocking them while at the same time putting "non-believers" on the same plain as people of faith? We all know that so many of those "non-believers" are simply nihilists and/or cynics. Why grant them official recognition? Unfortunately, I must assume that this represented some morally fuzzy liberal thinking that crept into the speech.
This was certainly an historic occasion.
But was this an historic speech?
Will it be put alongside the four or five "great" Inaugural addresses: Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR, Kennedy?
At first blush I would have to guess "no."
It was a blessedly brief speech. And it was refreshingly non-egotistical, mentioning the word "I" only a few times. And it wisely Incorporated messages borrowed from our history and from scripture while striking classic themes.
But nothing really jumps out at me -- nothing that says: "Look at this. Study this. Think about this. Remember this. This is something to savor; something that sounds like it would stand the test of time."
Still, I'll read it again and consider it further.

Obama's Inaugural Address

Don't look for any big surprises today in Obama's Inaugural Address.
The new President will strike a balanced tone and will speak for about 20 minutes or less. This is a relatively short address for him and it takes into account the frigid weather and the huge crowd.
Obama will offer trademark messages of hope, change and generational shift but he will also warn of the size and seriousness of our problems. He will echo Kennedy in asking not what our country can do for us but what we can do for our country. He will ask for sacrifice, patience and understanding.
Of course he will also call for unity.
Let us hope that he expresses the warmest thanks and appreciation to President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush for their extraordinary service to our nation, especially in the days following September 11. And let us hope that Obama thanks President Bush for the absolutely flawless transition, grace and dignity that led to this hopeful new day.

Must Read Of The Day!

Thanks to all of you who helped make our column in today's Courier-Post a Must Read of The Day on Lucianne.com.
This is the first time this has ever happened to us and it is immensely gratifying.
Lucianne runs literally hundreds (maybe even thousands) of pieces every day so this is a special honor - to be chosen as one of the three or four "must reads" on her outstanding web site.
We thank the Courier-Post for running the column and we thank Lucianne for drawing national attention to our views.
If you still haven't read the column click here to read it on Lucianne.com or click here to read it at the Courier-Post.
BTW: The column generated nearly 30 comments on Lucianne and eight comments at the Courier.
Thanks again for your continued support!

Language Of Obamaland

We stand at the threshold of the Age of Obama. It will be unlike anything we have ever known. And it will be all-consuming. Our lives, our nation and our world will be transformed. Nothing will be the same.
Even our vocabulary will change. Consequently, we will need to know the vocabulary of this new realm: the players, the terms, the language of Obamaland. . . .
To read the rest of my column from today's Courier-Post click here.

O: Kick In Inaugural $$

The District of Columbia govern
ment is deeply concerned about the crush of people into the district for the historic Obama Inaugural on January 20.

Some estimates say that as many as two to three million people may attempt to attend Inaugural festivities - way, way beyond the typical 200 to 300 thousand who turn out for the quadrennial event.

This means that additional venues will have to be opened up all over the metro Washington region to accommodate the crowds. Places such as Nationals Park, JFK Stadium and The Verizon Center may have to be pressed into service.

The cost to the federal government and the district will be staggering.

Here's where the Obama campaign can help. O & Co. still have millions and millions (probably even tens of millions) of dollars from the campaign. Some of this money needs to be released pronto to help defray costs.

The taxpayers cannot and should not assume the bulk of these added governmental and government-related costs.

Here's the full story from Leah Fabel at the DC Examiner:

Soaring costs expected to accompany huge crowds in town for the Jan. 20 inauguration of Barack Obama could stick cash-strapped Washington, D.C., with a record-breaking bill for services.
Security and capacity measures recommended by the District’s congressional delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and others will almost certainly surpass the $15 million the federal government gives to the District each year to defray the cost of events, Norton said.
In 2005, with an estimated 300,000 in attendance, the second inauguration of President Bush cost the city more than $17 million, some of which was reimbursed with federal funds. This year, officials estimate nearly five times that many people for the swearing in of President-elect Barack Obama.
Police Chief Cathy Lanier expects to use an additional 4,000 police officers from all over the country in addition to her 4,000-member force, she said earlier this month. The city’s inaugural budget allows for only 3,000 extra uniformed officers.
“There will be an additional amount necessary to handle the unprecedented crowds, and I am now working with my colleagues to deal with that amount,” Norton said, adding “it’s an outrage to have costs incurred for federal events.”
Norton recommended to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies the opening of private sites off the Mall, such as the Verizon Center and Nationals Park, to accommodate visitors without a ticket to the official events.
“There will not be even standing-room-only space on the Mall,” she said. “We have to throw away the old book on organizing the inauguration.”
Use of the Chinatown’s 23,000-seat Verizon Center could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to Tasha Rios, a contracts manager for Plano, Texas-based Women of Faith. Rios’ group used the facility in July for a more than 12,000-person conference.
Basic rent, she said, cost her organization about $200,000. But it varies by group size, she said, and does not include expenses for staff, security, medical services, insurance and add-ons like the use of giant display-screens that would be needed in the event of an inaugural broadcast.
Verizon Center has blocked off Jan. 18-21 for “inauguration-related activities,” said spokeswoman Sheila Francis. She declined to offer details.
Northeast’s 45,000-seat RFK Stadium and the 10,000-capacity D.C. Armory have discussed a variety of events “mostly with third-party organizations,” said spokeswoman Teri Washington. In the past, the venue has hosted inaugural balls.
A spokeswoman for Nationals Park said no calls have yet come in requesting use of the stadium.

An Original

This year will mark the 45th anniversary of the death of John F. Kennedy.

While doing a bit of spring cleaning in my attic I found this pennant from the 1961 Inauguration of JFK.

It's a bit faded but it is an authentic original. Look at those red felt streamers on the end.

I checked with an appraiser and found that it is worth about $12.

That seems to be what it will garner on the open market.

Obviously, I have no intention of selling it.

It takes up very little room and I continue to treasure it.