A Report: Bush's 2001 Inaugural Celebration: 40,000 Attend Lame, Boring and Uninspiring Program

[Better Believe It]

-This is a news report from someone who obviously supported George W. Bush's appointment.-

Nation Gives Warm Welcome to President-Elect

By : Daniela Ricci

As the gray skies sent a steady drizzle on over 40,000 spectators that gathered on the Mall, tents were set up to cover the drum sets and other musical instruments on the stage. This caused some problems for the Rockettes, who had to redo their routine to adjust to the limited space. They still looked impressive as they high-kicked in their star-spangled blue velvet leotards and sailor hats.

The United States Navy Band began to play, seeming to lift the clouds. Eyes turned heavenward into the mist as The Golden Knights, The United States Army Parachute Team, sailed down with their yellow parachutes, trailing red smoke. As the US Navy band played "Anchors Away," the Color Guard, representing every state of the Union, lined up on the backlit monument, holding flags and creating an aisle down the broad steps of the Memorial.

Trumpeters began to play the National Anthem and the notes accompanied President and Mrs. Bush, Vice President and Mrs. Cheney as they appeared from between the columns to walk down the steps. They paused to wave to a crowd which erupted into cheers to welcome their new leader. Many waved cowboy hats. The couples retreated to the warmth of their tent to the right of the stage, ready to take in the performance.

Again all eyes looked up as every branch of the armed forces sent jets and helicopters overhead. "The country's most listened-to voice" brought the focus back to the stage - Master of Ceremonies Larry King introduced the black-leather-clad country western band, Brooks and Dunn, getting the show underway.

Twelve-year-old Welsh singing prodigy Charlotte Church, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sandi Patti, Jon Secada, Wayne Newton and Marilyn McCoo were all part of the festivities. "There's lots of excitement in this crowd," said President Bush. "I don't know who they're more excited to see, Dick - you or Ricky Martin!"

Bush spoke for a brief three minutes, saying he was "honored to serve and ready to start;" that he would "treat the office with care," and "restore dignity to the White House."

Read on at:

http://dcpages.com/Government/Inaugural_Events_2001/Opening_Ceremony/

[The_Casual_Observer]

1. It went down hill from there

[firedupdem]

2. That sounds as boring as it probably was. Of course I didn't watch

it!

[Better Believe It]

3. It got worse! Bush got on stage and tried to dance with Ricky Martin!

He can't dance.

[Better Believe It]

4. But in 2007 Ricky Martin Made An Obscene Gesture While Singing Bush's Name!

Ricky Martin has a new message for Bush
Singer makes obscene gesture while singing president's name
Associated Press
February 16, 2007

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Ricky Martin, who was a headliner at the 2001 inauguration ball for President George W. Bush, has a message for the American commander in chief about war.

At a recent concert, the 35-year-old singer stuck up his middle finger when he sang the president's name in his song "Asignatura Pendiente," which includes the words, "a photo with Bush." The gesture last Friday prompted cheers from thousands of fans in the San Juan stadium.

On Thursday, the Puerto Rican heartthrob repeated his criticism of the Iraq war and explained his changed position on Bush.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17184296/&usg=__W6liFRAXh-KdMCGFtvZtk84woKw=&h=273&w=371&sz=15&hl=en&start=3&um=1&tbnid=Ctmqn5VFpauRqM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=122&prev=/images%3Fq%3DBush%2527s%2B2001%2BInaugural%2BCelebration%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

[muntrv]

5. On Tuesday, there will be NO empty space on the mall.

[jberryhill]

6. The Rockettes? Really?

Geez... that's just bizarre.





Patriot porn. Oy.

[Pennie109]

7. I must have missed Bush's inaugral celebration.

I don't remember any celebration. It's been a nightmare ever since.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[JimGinPA]

9. I Like Charlotte Church A Lot...

I would have enjoyed hearing her sing. Other than that...

[EraOfResponsibility]

10. BWAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

I cannot WAIT to compare the two inaugurations!

[xxqqqzme]

11. Good lord! With the incredible line-up

today, I was wondering who or what was performed for the chimpster. I remembered Martin but the rest was a blur but then I didn't watch either. I didn't give a rat's ass then and don't now.

[davidpdx]

12. I honestly don't remember it

Maybe I have it mentally blocked out. But if you had been in the dark the last eight years and suddenly read the description in that article, it sounds more like a funeral then a inaugural doesn't it. Too bad that was the case.