A little bit of history

Yesterday apparently did not have enough historical firsts for an inauguration. So another one has been added. A short while ago in the Map Room of the White House President (we think) Obama took the oath of office... again. Only this time he and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court managed to get it right. Those who watched the event yesterday will recall that the highest ranking judge in the country (a renowned constitutional scholar) and the former editor of the Harvard Law Review could not seem to remember the words, or at least their correct order. The White House cited "an abundance of caution" in the decision to repeat the oath.

This is the first time a President has retaken the oath after a formal inauguration. Calvin Coolidge took the oath a second time following the death of Warren Harding (Coolidge was Vice-President) in 1923. His father, a public notary in Vermont, had given him the Oath by kerosene lamp after the news of the president's death reached them. Coolidge also cited an abundance of caution.

Immediately after the ceremony President (we are now certain) Obama told reporters that the bad news was there were now 12 more balls to go to.

Inauguration in a time of crisis

With two wars and the worst economic crisis since the 1930's confronting the nation, Barack Obama will take the oath of office as the 44th President of the United States tomorrow. Of course it is not the fist time that a president has assumed office in a crisis. With that view in mind I thought I would post some rare newsreel footage of the last time a president took office in comparable circumstances.

For the president and all civil authorities and those serving in the armed forces, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy!

March 4 1933

Quote of the day

"Four Episcopalians will easily represent at least five different religions."
- Crypto Papist

In response to this news report:
Four Episcopalians and three Jews lead the list of religious figures selected to give sermons, prayers, Scripture readings and blessings at the National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral.

The invitation-only service Wednesday morning, to be attended by the new president and vice president plus members of Congress, the Supreme Court and hundreds of foreign diplomats, will be built around themes of "tolerance, unity and understanding," according to a press statement released Friday.

Several groups, including Buddhists, Seventh-day Adventists, the Salvation Army and Mormons, were left out entirely...

Hat tip to T-19