Ceremonial swearing in of Codoleezza Rice as Secretary of State by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg this morning
"We love her . . . I'm not sure I'm supposed to say that about a Secretary of State," says GW:
All of us admire and appreciate the service of Colin Powell. Welcome, Andy (Young) in coming. I want to thank you members of the diplomatic corps for coming. It's a good thing to come and honor your new boss. Good diplomacy.
The advent of democracy [in Iraq] will serve as a powerful example to reformers throughout the Middle East. Our nation will be more secure and the world will be more peaceful as democracy advances. Each task will require good relations with nations around the world, and Condoleezza Rice will lead with character, conviction and wisdom.
Condi takes the podium, praising Colin Powell and noting that under GW's leadership "the nation has risen to meet the challenges of our time":
The President and Mrs. Bush have been a strong support system and friends for me. I am honored by your confidence in me, Mr. President. The time for diplomacy is now. After 9/11, we see more than ever how our values and our interests are linked across the world. We do not simply seek the absense of terrorism. We seek a world where the aspirations of men and women for freedom are realized. We will not accept that today's reality has to be tomorrow's. The hard work of freedom is the task of generations, yet it cannot be deferred. The great mover of history is the power of the human spirit. Mr. President, you have given us our mission, and we are ready to serve our great country and the cause of freedom for which it stands.
Godspeed, Madame Secretary.
If you go to the State Department web site - Condi's welcome speech from yesterday has been posted along with an audio - it's wonderful!
Posted by: Teresa | January 28, 2005 at 05:54 PM
Dear Rice
First of all let me introduce myself. Then I will Disturb you for some moments. I will tell my story in brief. I think my story is interesting for you and for all those concern HUMAN RIGHTS.
I was born in a peasant family. My father was a land owner and my family chief source of incom was farming.
When i was 6, my father died and my mother grow up me and two other brothers. My father's legacy was her main financial support in this respect.
After the event of ISLAMIC REVOLUTION, islamic gov. dispossessed us from our lands.
We went on in poverty, and all our complaints were denied. i was frightened from consequences of dealing the problem in international authorities.
After graduation from medical faculty, the islamic government did'nt allow me to have occupation in hospitals, and my occupation in Spcial Security Hospital( called Fayaz Bakhsh) was canceled by Gozinesh ( an institute wich do the inspection and inquisitohn).
I passed several up-graduating exams to take speciality, but GOZINESH refused all.
i can not get a orkinary job nor can i have my farmlands. nor can i continue my up-graduating.
I and most peoples like me are glad when hear the possibility of UNITED STATES inflluence in regard to RETURNING DEMOCRACY for IRAN.
LONG LIVE IRAN.
LONG LIVE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN IRAN AND UNITED STATES
WE ARE WAITING YOUR HUMANISTIC ACTION,, BUT NOT YOUR BOMBS!
POOR DOCTOR OF MEDICINE
SHAHROOZ FARHANG BIGVAND
Posted by: sh.fb | February 19, 2005 at 12:29 PM