New president taking charge in Washington

Today, George W. Bush is being sworn in as the 43rd President of the United States, inheriting a nation sharply split on many social issues and with a Congress reflecting that split. He likewise inherits a vigorous economy, a nation with the lowest unemployment in 30 years, a national debt severely paid down than from Clinton’s predecessors and less crime as well. Bush also steps into office untainted by the scars of Clinton’s sex and impeachment scandal, eager to take on the challenges of the coming four years. In a brief farewell address Thursday Clinton again boasted of achievements in his eight years in office and rides out on a high approval rating of the job he had performed. At the same time Clinton leaves Washington with the scarlet letter of the Monica Lewinsky scandal which will forever blemish his record of public service. Also at the same time Clinton spoke to the nation (backed by photos of Hillary and Chelsea Clinton), this same nation was rocked with news that the Rev. Jesse Jackson had fathered a child out of wedlock. This was the same Rev. Jackson who acted as Clinton’s spiritual advisor in the depths of the Lewinsky scandal, and his personal influence will likely take a sharp nose dive. The atmosphere of Washington will undergo a sea-change, as Republicans still mourning their heyday of the Reagan years will again step into positions of power while Friends of Bill will find their phone messages unanswered. Sen. Hillary Clinton has already made her mark on Capitol Hill, and it remains to be seen what influence she will have in this sharply-divided Congress. She, however, is making no bones about her own ambitions to the Oval Office, and it should make for a rocky four years while she tries to establish herself as a potential candidate. The River Parishes will even be represented at the Bush inauguration, as Democratic State Rep. Bobby Faucheux of LaPlace is present for the gala. On the other hand, Louisiana’s Republican Gov. Mike Foster will not be present. We certainly wish President George W. Bush all the best for a successful, prosperous and scandal-free administration, whether it be for four or eight years. The nation can certainly use a break from the unrelenting scandal of the Clinton years, and we all need a time for healing, for cooperation, for open communication and for keeping priorities straight – not for personal advantage, but what is best for America and Americans, no matter who they are.

L’Observateur