Friday, January 20, 2017
To: Friends & Supporters
From: Gary L. Bauer
President Donald J. Trump
Today at noon, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. He took the oath of office on two Bibles, one used by Abraham Lincoln and one that his mother gave him in 1955.
My friend Vice President Mike Pence was sworn in by Justice Clarence Thomas (also a friend) on the Reagan Family Bible.
According to the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the Reagan Bible was opened to II Chronicles 7:14 when Vice President Pence took the oath of office, the same verse Reagan used during his inaugurations. The verse reads:
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
“America First”
President Trump’s inaugural address was brief and direct. Anyone hoping that Washington might moderate Trump was sorely disappointed. His speech was an indictment of the political establishment, as well as the past eight years.
Veteran journalist Bob Schieffer said, “I’m telling you this was very strong stuff. . . I did not see any outreach either across the aisle. . . I mean, he basically took the hide off everybody sitting on that platform, telling them that politicians of Washington have prospered while the people out there had suffered and he said it’s going to stop here and now.”
President Trump took a very tough stance against radical Islam and hammered the themes that got him elected. In fact, moments after his address ended, CNN’s website featured a picture of President Trump under the bold headline, “America First.”
Below are some excerpts of President Trump’s inaugural address.
“We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people. Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for years to come. . .
“Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another . . . but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People. . . 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. . .
“What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people. January 20th 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. . .
“Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves. These are the just and reasonable demands of a righteous public. . .
“We assembled here today are issuing a new decree. . . From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this moment on, it’s going to be ‘America First.’
“Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families. We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs. . . America will start winning again, winning like never before. . .
“We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world. . . We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones — and unite the civilized world against Radical Islamic Terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth.
“At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other. 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.’ We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity. When America is united, America is totally unstoppable.
There should be no fear — we are protected, and we will always be protected. We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement and, most importantly, we are protected by God. . .
“It is time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, 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.
“And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams, and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty Creator.
“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. Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.
“Together, we will make America strong again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again.
“And, yes, together, we will make America great again. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.”
Other Observations
- After President Trump concluded his address, Reverend Franklin Graham offered a prayer. But before he did, he noted, “In the Bible, rain is the sign of God’s blessing, and it started to rain, Mr. President, when you came to the platform.”
- Change has come to Washington. Less than an hour after President Trump was sworn in, the White House website was transitioned to reflect the new administration. Gone was the Obama Climate Change page, replaced with an “America First Energy Plan” that promises to “take advantage of the estimated $50 trillion in untapped shale, oil, and natural gas reserves, especially those on federal lands that the American people own.”
- Left-wing extremists are doing their best to ruin the celebration. Trump supporters were assaulted and several businesses had their windows smashed out. Rioters have been seen with hammers and crowbars. As of this writing, nearly 100 arrests have been made, and two police officers have been taken to the hospital.
- The Trump/Pence team is already hard at work. Administration officials have drafted more than 200 executive orders for President Trump to consider. According to Reuters, the president is expected to sign several today and over the next few days taking the first “steps to crack down on immigration, build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border and roll back . . . Barack Obama’s policies.”
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