San Diego Union Tribune January 21, 2005 HE INAUGURATION Bush offers global vision President calls for end to 'tyranny in our world' By Finlay Lewis COPLEY NEWS SERVICE WASHINGTON – George W. Bush yesterday dedicated his second term as president to a struggle aimed at promoting democracy across the globe "with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world." Under clear noontime skies, the 43rd president declared that the nation's overriding security interests in the post-9/11 era could best be served by fanning the "untamed fire of freedom." "So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture," Bush said as he gazed out at a vast throng stretching westward from the U.S. Capitol. In a 21-minute inaugural address delivered moments after taking the oath of office, Bush also pledged to pursue an ambitious agenda at home to raise educational standards and build an "ownership society." "We will widen the ownership of homes and businesses, retirement savings and health insurance – preparing our people for the challenges of life in a free society," he said. Bush did not make specific reference to his chief domestic policy objectives – creating individual investment accounts as part of a revamping of Social Security, restructuring the federal tax laws or placing restrictions on civil lawsuits. Nor did he specifically mention Iraq, where more than 1,300 U.S. troops have died and continuing violence casts uncertainty as Iraqis prepare to choose an interim government. The balloting is meant to mark the emergence of a democratic order in the wake of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. Bush described the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as a "day of fire" that ended a complacent era following the "shipwreck of communism." "We have seen our vulnerability and we have seen its deepest source," Bush said. KEVIN LAMARQUE / Reuters Bush, his hand on the same family Bible he used four years ago, was sworn in for a second term by Chief Justice William Rehnquist as the first lady (from left) and daughters Barbara and Jenna stood by his side on Capitol Hill. Moments after taking the oath of office, Bush gave a 21-minute inaugural address. "For as long as whole regions of the world simmer in resentment and tyranny – prone to ideologies that feed hatred and excuse murder – violence will gather and multiply in destructive power and cross the most defended borders and raise a mortal threat." He continued: "There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment and expose the pretensions of tyrants and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom." The 58-year-old president's tone was uncompromising, and his text was sprinkled with religious allusions reflective of his declaration as a man of faith. There also were references to the nation's earlier struggles to achieve full freedom for all citizens, particularly the battles against slavery and racial discrimination. "From the day of our founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this Earth has rights and dignity and matchless value because they bear the image of the maker of heaven and earth," Bush said. "Across the generations, we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave." For the president, the nation's 55th inauguration was a triumphal day that played out without incident under the surveillance of an extensive security operation. The president's public schedule began with a morning prayer service. The ceremonies included a glittering lunch with congressional leaders in the Capitol's majestic Statuary Hall and a motorcade-led parade under clouding skies along the 1.7-mile route on Pennsylvania Avenue, stretching from the Capitol to the White House. Advertisement The president and first lady Laura Bush emerged from their armored limousine, which bore the license plate "USA 1," to walk the final block and a half to the reviewing stand in front of the White House. The day ended with a whirl of gala balls celebrating Bush's success at becoming the 16th president to win a second term. But the high point was the swearing-in ritual followed by the inaugural address. Gathered on the temporary podium mounted on the Capitol's steps was the nation's governing elite. Looking on proudly as his son placed his hand on the same family Bible used four years ago was George Herbert Walker Bush, the nation's 41st president. The elder Bush failed to win re-election in 1992, a fact often noted that might have helped to motivate the son. Also in the VIP gathering was Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., Bush's vanquished challenger. PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS / Associated Press President Bush squired his wife, Laura, across the floor at the Commander-in-Chief Ball, one of many inaugural galas yesterday in Washington, D.C. Seated near Bush on the inaugural platform was Vice President Dick Cheney, who was sworn in for his second term by House Speaker Dennis Hastert. Bush was joined by his parents; his twin 23-year-old daughters, Jenna and Barbara; his three brothers; and his sister. In all, 146 members of the extended Bush family were on hand. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice William Rehnquist, whose gaunt presence provided a grim foreshadowing of likely fights over Supreme Court nominations and other judicial appointments. Rehnquist, 80, has been battling thyroid cancer. Aided by a cane, he walked down some steps to the podium to deliver the oath in a firm voice. A scarf concealed a breathing tube inserted in his throat. Later, Bush told those attending the Capitol luncheon, "I want you to know how touched I was that the chief justice came to administer the oath." He described the moment as "incredibly moving." Meeting in an afternoon session, the Republican-led Senate helped to embellish Bush's day by confirming two of his Cabinet nominees – Mike Johanns as agriculture secretary and Margaret Spellings as education secretary. But key Democrats, maneuvering to underscore their concerns about the administration's Iraq policies, managed to win a delay in the vote to confirm Condoleezza Rice as secretary of state. Her approval is a foregone conclusion, but White House chief of staff Andrew Card denounced the Democratic tactic as "petty politics." The address was scrutinized for clues to the administration's second-term policies and priorities. Its structure and rhetoric underscored Bush's continued role as a wartime president. But he also signaled, albeit briefly, a desire to repair relations with allies at odds with the administration over Iraq. With a fence-mending visit to Europe set for next month, Bush said, "All the allies of the United States can know: We honor your friendship, we rely on your counsel, and we depend on your help." In a nod to domestic adversaries, Bush said, "We have known divisions, which must be healed to move forward in great purposes, and I will strive in good faith to heal them." As thousands of police officers barred traffic from a 100-block area near the White House and erected barricades across much of downtown, protesters managed to find curbside space along the parade route. Bush's appearance provoked some jeering, as one dissident waved a sign reading, "Guilty of war crimes." »Next Story»