There go the network anchors and Washington gargoyles, gushing the lukest-warm water of mindless patriotism, prattling on about what a great ceremony of democracy this is
In a fit of recycling, out comes the platitude of bipartisanship and the lie of American superiority. But in no inauguration in our history has that platitude rung so false, that lie echoed so hollow.
Here we have a President who stole his first election and dubiously prevailed in Ohio to win the second one.
Here we have a President who is more disdainful of our laws and treaties than any in our history, with the possible exception of Richard Nixon.
Here we have a President who has dragged the nation into war on the falsest of premises.
Here we have a President who has besmirched America with the hoods and the wires and the leashes of Abu Ghraib.
Here we have a President who shows no respect for the separation of church and state.
Here we have a President who is trampling on environmental protections more so than any other in the last 100 years.
Here we have a President who is savaging Social Security and undermining the right to organize.
Here we have a President who wants to turn back the clock on women's rights and gay rights.
Here we have a President who violates our civil liberties and due process rights, and uses the Secret Service to shield himself from all varieties of legal, nonviolent dissent.
So, no, I will not well up with tears about what a great ceremony of democracy this is today.
No, my salty tears are for something quite different: They are for a democracy that is drowning.