Hope after the Tempest
Mr. Chief Justice, my dear friends, my fellow Americans:
The oath that I have taken is the same oath that was taken by George Washington and every president under the Constitution. But I assume the president under extraordinary circumstance, never before experienced by Americans. This is an hour of history that troubles our minds and hurts our hearts. Therefore I feel it is my duty to make an unprecedented contact with my countrymen. Not in an inaugural address, not a fire side chat, not a campaign speech. Just a little straight talk among friends. And I intend it to be the first of many.
I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your president by your ballots. So I asked you to confirm me as your president with your prayers. And I hope such that prayers will also be the first of many.
If you have not chosen me by secret ballots, neither I have gained office by any secret promise. I have not campaigned neither for presidency or vice-presidency. I have not subscribed to any partisan platform. I am indebted to no one and only to one woman-my dear wife- as I begin this difficult job.
I have not sought this enormous responsibility, but I will not shirk it. Those who nominated, then confirm me as president, were my friends and are my friends. They were of both parties, elected by all the people and acting under the Constitution in their name. It is fitting that I should pledge to them and you that I will be the president of all the people.
With all the strength and all the good sense I have gained from life, with all the confidence that my family, my friends and my dedicated staff impart to me, and with the good-will of countless Americans I have encountered in recent visits to forty states, I now solemnly reaffirm my promise I made to you last December 6th: to uphold the constitution, to do what is right as god gives me to see the right, and to do the very best I can for America. God helping me, I will not let you down. Thank you! |