in any instance
violated the injunctions
incur punishment
Not sure what you think about on February 22nd but I often think of the old black and white John Wayne movie, Fort Apache.
After a long journey of crummy trains, stage coaches and other hardships, the new Commanding officer (Henry Fonda) and his daughter (Shirley Temple … yes that Shirley Temple) arrive at Fort Apache to find that not only were the officers at the fort not one bit concerned about the trials there new Commanding officer might be experiencing but having a party.
When he walks in the music and dancing comes to a halt and Fonda, cold, correct and angry, is introduced and everyone stands around staring at the floor until Fonda says, “… I take it this dance is not in my honor.’
There is quiet and John Wayne speaks up, ‘It’s a birthday dance, sir.’
Birthday. Whose birthday?
General George Washington’s, sir.
And Fonda shrinks down into the floor.
On Monday, March 4, 1793, George Washington was sworn in for the 2nd time as President of the United States.
He gave the shortest inaugural address on record.
With 135 words, General Washington said:
I am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. When the occasion proper for it shall arrive, I shall endeavor to express the high sense I entertain of this distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has been reposed in me by the people of united America.
Previous to the execution of any official act of the President the Constitution requires an oath of office. This oath I am now about to take, and in your presence: That if it shall be found during my administration of the Government I have in any instance violated willingly or knowingly the injunctions thereof, I may (besides incurring constitutional punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all who are now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony.
After serving as a Virginia Delegate to the Continental Congress, then serving as Commander in Chief of the Army, then Chairman of the Constitution Convention and finally, the General said that, after all that if there was any … ANY … instance found where he violated his oath of office (preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States) he deserved both Constitutional punishment and upbraidings or intense, formal, or severe criticism (according to the online dictionary).
Just something worth thinking about today.
Happy Birthday General.
No Haiku For You 