Inexplicable inaugural funk

It's now later in the afternoon of Inauguration Day 2005, the President officially has started his second term, nothing particular awful has happened to disrupt the assorted festivities, and the inaugural address was in no small measure an uplifting, far-reaching proclamation of the highest principles.

But while the prevailing mood here in the Oklahomily nerve center is one of quiet relief and modest reflection, there is little triumph and more than a little funkiness. Why is that so?

There is relief that none of the truly horrible events have transpired. We did not expect them, but in a post-9/11 world you can never be entirely sure or entirely safe. A terrorist event at an inaugural could damage our political structure to a greater degree than at any other time. Every one who is any one attends and is exposed to anything that slips through the security net. This fact is why we take such a dim view of the silly "blue" protesters: sure it's their right to protest, but do they realize that doing so on this day, at this venue, complicates what are already tremendous security logistics? (The answer we already know: sure they realize it, and they do not care. That is sad.)

Could it be because the MSM's poor performance -- as usual -- has taken the luster off what should be a great day? Maybe a little. However it was no surprise. Don't expect too much from the MSM. It refuses to learn from its mistakes. Indeed, it refuses to even admit to itself that mistakes have been made. Thus the MSM will continue on its slippery path to total irrelevance, and in the meantime the nation's citizenry -- and best interests -- will not be served by mainstream journalism.

Then there's the chasm that exists between the principles and philosophies of Dubya and the unprincipled and philosophically vacant rhetoric of the Democratic left. Practioners do not wish to claim God's inspiration or guidance, yet neither do they wish to allow anyone else to do so. So they decry each and every invocation of God's holy Presence and Will, while doing their level best to ignore the same. In Senate hearings it is already apparent that the spirit of Tom Daschle is more of a motivator for their actions than any other kind; obstruction continues at an even more frenetic level than before. It could be a long year.

The MSM and Dems have their talking points organized again and the word is "Hubris." They see it rearing its ugly head with every nomination, every official proclamation. They are attempting to create a self-fulfilling prophecy in order to say, "See, we told you so! Now will you turn the running of the country back over to us, the natural masters of patronage, class warfare and dependency?"

Again, none of this is a surprise, yet the level of opposition -- indeed, the exhibition of sheer hatred -- is a reminder that while great opportunities abound for this Republic to move boldly forward, the road ahead is perilously fraught. As Obi-Wan told Luke, "We must be cautious." How bold can an administration, or a people, become when such caution is necessary? Perhaps the real risk is being too cautious and accomplishing only small victories instead of great ones. The President seems to understand this. Unfortunately many of his erstwhile allies in Congress do not seem to understand.

We agree that it is better to be optimistic, and to coin a phrase, maybe we just picked a bad year to give up drinking.