“The revolution of common sense” – President Donald J. Trump, 47th President of the USA

by Nancy Thomas, publisher

Photo: The White House website

There was enough pomp and circumstance for all in the full day’s events of the Inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.

Moving the events of the day indoors due to temperatures at a below 14 degree wind chill, allowed more people to view, up close, details, including fashion, conversation, faux pas’ and, for those of us, who were once event planners, a panic at everything that could go wrong at a moment’s notice.

We could highlight the tea between President Biden and incoming President Trump, or pardons that came in the early morning for Dr. Fauci, etc. – and then just before services began, extending unprecedented pardons to his immediate family members (none have been charged with anything) – we move on to the ceremonies themselves. The only oops of the day was when music would not play for Carrie Underwood’s song and she engaged the 700 present in the Rotunda to help her sing a cappella. Another might have been with Justice Roberts started administering the oath of office before Trump’s family was fully gathered, leaving the president’s hand not on the bibles.

President Trump delivered a speech that held little back on what he thought of the past four years – with past presidents – and Pres. Joe Biden – literally sitting at his side. It was then on to the signing of Executive Orders. Some were done in the Rotunda – others at the Capital One Arena, where a small desk had been set up.

Perhaps the most amazing moment, and one that seemed to prelude how President Trump will engage with the media in his term of office. The signing of EOs in the Oval office, with media gathered round. His aid would read a summary of the Order to be signed and the sound of a black marker could be heard over and over again as 42 Executive Orders were signed, by an announced count.

You could hear respectful, quiet questions delivered by the bevy of reporters, unseen until the pool camera provided a shot. For over an hour he replied to each one, not always with the answer the reporter was trying to get at, and sometimes leaving verbal notes for staff to follow up on questions (such as the drone activity which he directed to Susie, one of his top aids, to find out what was going on so we can let the American people know). It was a civility unseen in quite some time when media engaged with the President.

At one point, Peter Doocy, Fox News reporter, asked if President Biden had left him a note – he said, let’s find out, and pushed his chair back to open the desk drawer. Sure enough, he had left a small note, and the President showed it to the press – addressed to “47”. Prompted to read it then and there, he nearly did, then said maybe he should read it himself, first.

Before the President left with the first lady to attend 3 balls in the DC area, the Executive Orders were posted on-line – along with a new website for the White House. “X” has restored his account as @POTUS as well.

The one to impact Rhode Island the most is in the section on Energy.

The “pause” on offshore wind is estimated to be for 90 days while further action is anticipated. What this means to RI’s strong commitment to companies engaged in wind turbines remains to be seen.

Read this Executive Order, HERE

Other EOs including pardons for January 6th jailed people – over 1,500 in total, with 6 others left for further research – the elimination of DEI – the mandate for all federal employees to return to the office – the withdrawal of the US from the WHO for “dues” issues – and the Paris Climate Accord – and, of course, the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Others: declaration that there are only 2 genders, military who had to leave because of COVID vaccine refusal will be restored and paid their back pay, CBP immigration app shut down, border closed with troops sent.

Today should be focused on deportations, though this could be begun in a more blended way than media outlets have led people to believe – no mass raids are anticipated. Those set for deportation are said to be known to ICE officials, including their whereabouts – and have existing deportation orders against them, which they have been avoiding. Chicago, NYC and Boston have been mentioned by the media, but not confirmed by immigration officials.

Amid all the festivities, Congress went back to work – passing the Lakin Riley Act which is likely to be the first bill President Biden will sign (RI Congressman Gabe Amo voted against this bill).

As if on cue, statements of 3 of the 4 Rhode Island congressman came in with the resolute “but we have concerns and we’ll fight for what’s right tone” – Congressman Reed did not send out a statement, but did issue one tweet about MLK Day – as we have said before, we fail to see what a tiny state that runs Democrat, with not 1, 2, or 3, but all 4 of its Congressman staunch Democrats, stands to gain by poking the bear. The bear is a solid wall of Republican leadership – from the President, to both sides of Congress, and soon, every department head. There is that parable about how big the ocean is, and how tiny is our small boat. Perhaps we should remember this – as we all see that our little boat has many leaks and very big needs – from bridge(s) falling down to electoral counts to healthcare – to on and on…

You can read the full inaugural address, HERE!

This is a developing story