Reporting From Washington
Although it’s quite surprising, it appears, ladies and gentlemen, that the Master of Ceremonies for tomorrow’s Inaguration will be…Senator Chuck Schumer! As we walked by the Capitol this morning we were startled to see Senator Schumer rehearsing his speech on the podium. Although I was quite surprised at this choice, I believe it was a good one for several reasons.
First, it sets a tone for bipartisanship which, up until eight years ago, was the normal modus operandi for our government, and which usually gets the most accomplished.
Second, it sets the tone for civility in government, which has been sadly lacking for the past eight years.
Third, it puts to shame the unpatriotic behavior of the likes of John Lewis and other “progressives” who have boycotted the Inaguration.
Fourth, it implicitly, but clearly, strengthens America’s commitment to Israel, as Mr. Schumer is well known to be a staunch supporter of Israel.
Fifth, Mr. Schumer’, by his participation on high level in the ceremonies, puts an end to the Democrat’s attempts to challenge “the legitimacy” of Mr. Trump’s victory.
Sixth, it heralds the beginning of a pragmatic rather than dogmatic administration.
So, in my opinion, a very good choice.
I’ll close by recapitulating a portion of Mr. Schumer’s speech. At one point he read a letter from the Civil War, written by 32 year old Major Sullivan Ballou to his wife Sarah, just before he was killed in the battle of Bull Run:
“Dear Sarah,
…if it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for our country, I am ready. I have no misgivings…I know how strongly America leans upon the triumph of government..And I am willing – perfectly willing – to lay down all my joys in life to help maintain this government.”
Words that help us to remember just how much this country means to us.