Bush Greets New Citizens, And Protestors

4th Of July Ceremony For New Americans At Monticello Interrupted By Cries For Impeachment

(CBS/AP)  President Bush welcomed new U.S. citizens at a swearing-in ceremony for naturalized Americans at Monticello this morning, but was also on the unwelcome receiving end of calls for his impeachment.

Our nation's newest citizens, pledging their allegiance to the United States on the 232nd anniversary of the colonists' Declaration of Independence from King George III, witnessed an object lesson in free expression Friday on the grounds of Thomas Jefferson's home.

Mr. Bush said he was honored to be present for the naturalization ceremony, saying "I'll be proud to call you a fellow American."

However, throughout the president's remarks, protestors in attendance one by one got up and shouted statements like "Defend the constitution" and "Impeach Bush."

"That man is a fascist!" one man yelled. "He has brought fascism to this shore!"

At one point the president responded: "To my fellow citizens-to-be, we believe in free speech in the United States of America."

Seventy-six men and women from 30 countries became Americans today.

Mr. Bush mentioned neither the war in Iraq nor the battle against terrorism in his speech, other than to say that "we pay tribute to the brave men and women who wear the uniform."

For those assembled at the naturalization ceremony, he said: "When you raise your hands and take your oath, you will complete an incredible journey. ... From this day forward, the history of the United States will be part of your heritage.

"Throughout our history," he said, "the words of the declaration have inspired immigrants around the world to set sail to our shores. ... They made America a melting pot of culture from all across the world. They made diversity a great strength of our democracy.

"You all have one thing in common - and that is a shared love of freedom ... and this is the love that makes us all Americans.

(Left: A protestor is confronted by Secret Service agents during remarks by President Bush at Moticello's 46th annual Independence Day celebration and naturalization ceremony on Friday, July 4, 2008 in Charlottesville, Va.)

"The principles that Thomas Jefferson enshrined in the Declaration became the guiding principles of the new nation. And at every generation, Americans have rededicated themselves to the belief that all men are created equal, with the God-given right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thomas Jefferson understood that these rights do not belong to Americans alone; they belong to all mankind. And he looked to the day when all people could secure them."

Some 150 or so demonstrators, from a variety of groups opposing Mr. Bush's policies on the war in Iraq, also rallied along the path of the president's motorcade to Monticello.

[smilingez50]

Happy Birthday to the United States of America.

To the brave soldies, God protect you and bless you.

[smilingez50]

Happy Birthday to the United States of America.

To the brave soldiers, God protect you and bless you.

[naucoming4u]

I wonder why we celebrate "Independence Day" anymore when this country is FAR from being independent!

- We are DEPENDENT on foreign oil. No matter how much oil we *attempt* to drill in our own country, the vast majority will still have to come from other countries, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, etc.

- We are DEPENDENT on foreign manufacturing for even the most basic necessities of living. Even our military is dependent on foreign manufacturing for some components.

- The typical "American Dream" is DEPENDENT on cheap gas in order to maintain the lifestyles the middle class once enjoyed in this country.

But mostly, this country (our government) is extremely DEPENDENT on foreign countries floating our debt so our government can create needless wars-for-profit and other wasteful spending!

This is what we get when Americans chose the corrupt two-party system, (some more corrupt than others), time and time again.

So with that being said...

HAPPY DEPENDENTS DAY!

Now lets all go enjoy some fireworks shows!
(Dependent on fireworks imported from China)

[jumkey]

No, what they are are dumb hippy flower child children who can''''t stand whenever they don''''t get their way with everything in life. They''''re spoiled rotten brats and have absolutely no appreciation for what our troops are doing for their sorry butts to preserve our freedoms.

Posted by globalcool08

Spoken like a true fascist.

I thought this was a naturalization ceremony, not a referendum on your support of sending our troops to die for your authoritarian leader. Perhaps instead of using the troops and their lives simply as props for your political objective you should get off you fat a$$ and actually contribute to this nation.

But of course EVERYTHING is just an opportunity to assault freedom and civil liberties for you blackshirts. Anyone who voices an opinion must be mocked and silenced.

You and your ilk wrap yourselves in the flag and cry crocodile tears for the "troops" but actually hate the freedoms they were supposedly sent to defend.

Traitor.

[cdfoxtrot]

About time people started harassing this a$shole and hounding him wherever he goes. Good on yer, those who showed up.

[cdfoxtrot]

No, what they are are dumb hippy flower child children who can''''''''t stand whenever they don''''''''t get their way with everything in life. They''''''''re spoiled rotten brats and have absolutely no appreciation for what our troops are doing for their sorry butts to preserve our freedoms.

Posted by globalcool08

We don''t need the troops to do what they''ve been doing in "Eye-Rack". Afghanistan is a different story, but the protests are all about "Eye-Rack", and what US troops are doing there is harming our country, not helping it.

[steeepe]

About time people started harassing this a$shole and hounding him wherever he goes. Good on yer, those who showed up.

Posted by cdfoxtrot at 03:59 PM : Jul 04, 2008

Amen!!!!

[deacon20081]

So did anyone EGG the presidents motorcade?
When he came into office, his drive down Washington Avenue or what ever, was met with thousands of people throwing eggs in protest.

[whiskyrocker]

I think they were protesting more than the war in IraQ.

[nssherlock1]

It''s too late for impeachment, but he does need to be prosecuted as a War Criminal. He along with his henchmen.

[cybernaz]

I pissed on Jesus Christ''s Statue and *** on Bible today. Happy dependents day!

-------------------------
God Bless our Troops, God bless our efforst in fighting Islamic fundamentalism, and GOD BLESS THE USA, land of the free, home of the brave. For any of you brave heroes who are in Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other foreign territory fighting these wicked jihadists preserving our freedoms, I salute you, and please ignore the cry baby posts of the libs who fail to appreciate what you are doing for our country on this Independence Day Holiday!

God Bless you!

Psalm 33:12

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord

[ponco seno]

BUSH AND CHENEY and THE ADMINISTRATION WILL BE EVENTUALLY PROSECUTED.

[skyk-2009]

I wonder how many American''s are watching this thinking how they wished they could have been there! I would sure like to tell him what I think and it would NOT be good you can bank on that. At least they didn''t treat these people like they did the citizens in WVA, or at least I don''t think they did.

[cybernaz]

I pissed on Jesus Christ''s statue and took a sh-it on Bible today. Happy dependents day!

-------------------------
God Bless our Troops, God bless our efforst in fighting Islamic fundamentalism, and GOD BLESS THE USA, land of the free, home of the brave. For any of you brave heroes who are in Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other foreign territory fighting these wicked jihadists preserving our freedoms, I salute you, and please ignore the cry baby posts of the libs who fail to appreciate what you are doing for our country on this Independence Day Holiday!

God Bless you!

Psalm 33:12

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord

[skyk-2009]

I think they were protesting more than the war in IraQ.

Posted by whiskyrocker at 04:25 PM : Jul 04, 2008
+ report abuse

Well there IS no lack of things to dislike about this President and his Party that is for sure.

[skyk-2009]

BUSH AND CHENEY and THE ADMINISTRATION WILL BE EVENTUALLY PROSECUTED.

Posted by RealityToday at 04:33 PM : Jul 04, 2008
+ report abuse

I think you are right. They seem to have no feel or idea as to how angry the people of this nation are at them. They also, seem to think that because we were attacked on their watch that all the broken laws will be over looked. That is not the message I get from talking to people.

[yankeerebel7]

The new US citizens were probably like, "***?". It''s probably their first introduction to America''s hippie liberal ****** demographic.

[jcwebb3]

skyk:

I am also an American and the people I speak to feel pretty much the exact opposite of what you describe. Of course, those who only watch TV and never actually read or engage in people of opposite viewpoints believe everything they here. I would have loved to have been there to shake the President of the United States'' hand and thank him for keeping us safe here at home for the past 8 years. And, I am glad alot of the world doesn''t like him...it shows me he is doing something right!!

[jcwebb3]

skyk:

I am also an American and the people I speak to feel pretty much the exact opposite of what you describe. Of course, those who only watch TV and never actually read or engage in people of opposite viewpoints believe everything they here. I would have loved to have been there to shake the President of the United States'' hand and thank him for keeping us safe here at home for the past 8 years. And, I am glad alot of the world doesn''t like him...it shows me he is doing something right!!

[jcwebb3]

skyk:

I am also an American and the people I speak to feel pretty much the exact opposite of what you describe. Of course, those who only watch TV and never actually read or engage in people of opposite viewpoints believe everything they here. I would have loved to have been there to shake the President of the United States'' hand and thank him for keeping us safe here at home for the past 8 years. And, I am glad alot of the world doesn''t like him...it shows me he is doing something right!!

[yankeerebel7]

MCVet...thanks for you post, I needed a good laugh today.

[whiskyrocker]

Let them get sworn in in peace. At least they did it the right way.

[jcwebb3]

skyk:

I am also an American and the people I speak to feel pretty much the exact opposite of what you describe. Of course, those who only watch TV and never actually read or engage in people of opposite viewpoints believe everything they here. I would have loved to have been there to shake the President of the United States'' hand and thank him for keeping us safe here at home for the past 8 years. And, I am glad alot of the world doesn''t like him...it shows me he is doing something right!!

[love234ameri]

jumkey, why don''t you move from this great country to somewhere far, far away. You do not appreciate what this country offers its citizens. I have been to most foreign countries and I kiss the American soil when I return. You''re really just some dumb *** who don''t know a thing about freedom. Go drink some more beer or some more pot, that''s all your good for.

[yankeerebel7]

President Bush has already secured his place as one of the greatest leaders in US history. So how are a few filthy, white trash hippies going to make any difference?

They''re just ruining the immigrant''s ceremony.

[jcwebb3]

mcvet:
I do believe I am safer...sorry for having an opinion, I thought you guys were all about free speech. I guess that only applies when it agrees with you. We have not been attacked on our soil in 8 years. That is a fact! I don''t care about the rest of the world or what they think of us or our President. And, if you want to do more than protest toward our President give it a shot, I am sure the Secret Service would love to engage with you and your buddies.

[fluffytoes-2009]

I am glad these people stood up to Bush. They are true patriots. He is a traitor to America and a warmonger.

[soldat44]

Dumb libs can''''t even celebrate our nation''''s birthday. They have to use it as a protest day instead. Spoiled rotten brats.

Posted by globalcool08 at 03:35 PM : Jul 04, 2008

You Moron! Independence Day IS about protest! Do you think that we could''ve gained our Independence from Britain if we all just nodded our heads yes every time the Brits issued a new tax or law??

sigh

[soldat44]

President Bush has already secured his place as one of the greatest leaders in US history. So how are a few filthy, white trash hippies going to make any difference?

They''''re just ruining the immigrant''''s ceremony.

Posted by yankeerebel7 at 04:50 PM : Jul 04, 2008

You are absolutely clueless.

[ajaxtheleast]

The only thing in his 2 terms as president

that George Bush has been successful at is

keeping us guessing as to whether he is

demented of stupid.




Do I hear "both" coming from the back row?

[soldat44]

President Bush has already secured his place as one of the greatest leaders in US history. So how are a few filthy, white trash hippies going to make any difference?

They''''''''re just ruining the immigrant''''''''s ceremony.

Posted by yankeerebel7 at 04:50 PM : Jul 04, 2008

BAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHA yeah right! IF they have a place for the BIGGEST LIAR he''''s in great shape... OTHERWISE, he''''ll be forgotten 6 months after he leaves office. ROFLMAO People all across the Country are planning parties to rejoice the idiot being gone... ROFLMAO What''''s the chance their kids, baring something like Joe McCarthy''''s attack of Truman, deciding he''''s a great leader... I''''ll put money on him being tried for crimes against the people. ROFLMAO SIEG HEIL BUSH

Posted by MCVet at 04:58 PM : Jul 04, 2008

Hey Vet...Let me buy this round...That''s a pretty good reply there.

[jcwebb3]

MCVet:

Its obvious you have no clue and are a very unhappy person. I am so sorry. And, before you call me a fascist let me make this comment...I do not agree with everything the President has done, but he is the President. I respect the office, unlike you. I even respected it while Pres. Clinton was there, as hard as that was for me. You should be thankful you can say the things you say about the leader of this country. Say those things in places like China and you don''t make up in the morning. God Bless this country, even if there are people like you in it

[secundus2]

Isn''t it a tad extreme to suggest shooting the exhibitionists from Code Pink et al.?

The sight of hysterical, middle-aged protesters acting like college freshmen with no more idea about serious political activity than a hole in the wall probably drives sensible people in the other direction.

These are the remnants of the Kucinich space rangers. Have no fear; they''ll be attacking Obama within the month.

Their whole aim is to draw attention to themselves, but they make even bad politicians seem sane and sober in comparison. Not one in a hundred has the vaguest idea how impossible it would be for a Congress that has authorized force in Iraq to impeach anyone in the Exec. branch.

BTW, even before the Constitution, one of the rights or powers sought by the Continental Congress in its Declaration of Independence was the power to "levy war". If you want a pacifist constitution, try Japan.
Happy Independence Day.

[jcwebb3]

MCVet:

As loud as you scream I will scream just as loud. There are more of us out here than you think. There were 3 people the other day protesting the war were I live. There were over 100 on the other side of the street with signs being supportive of our efforts over there. I suggest a book for you...its called "Lone Survivor" and it is written by a Navy Seal who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. And, for the record...those LIES you speak of were also mentioned Pres. Clinton, the Pres. of France, Germany, and many others all throughout the 90s. I haven''t heard you call for their heads in all of this. Know your history.

[whiskyrocker]

I always think about the "Boston Tea Party" on our countrys independence day.

[scout228]

I enjoy seeing different groups bickering about our rights. When, without even knowing it they are exercising those rights that so many of us take for granted. We call one another names and tell others they can leave the county, when it is diversity that makes our country that %u2018great American melting pot%u2019. I say to each of you, continue to express your opinion, continue to call each other names, continue to exercise those freedoms. Happy Independence Day to you all!

[neo267-2009]

Deport those terrorist-loving protesters to someplace they deserve - like Pakistan or Somalia - and that will leave more room for people that appreciate this country.

[rdurga2]

jcwebb, I fully agree with you. Regardless of what our president has done. Its the idea of the President that we must respect and hold dear. I dont agree with the war in Iraq, but I am thankful and care for every single one of those brave men and women who serve our great nation. McVet, honestly protest is the sole reason our country exists, because a few people were unhappy with the conditions they lived in. We should respect these ''stupid white hippies'' for people like the founding fathers are no different. you dont have to agree with their views but in the name of america at least respect it. Happy July 4th!

[soldat44]

BTW, even before the Constitution, one of the rights or powers sought by the Continental Congress in its Declaration of Independence was the power to "levy war". If you want a pacifist constitution, try Japan.
Happy Independence Day.

Posted by secundus2 at 05:11 PM : Jul 04, 2008

Look...You can''t pick and choose what parts of the Constitution you want(Like Bush does)...you have to take it all. And part of that wonderful document is the Right of Free Speech...for everybody...not just certain groups. The day we loose our right to Redress of our Grievances is the day that this country is no longer the Great Democracy that our Founding Fathers envisioned.

[soldat44]

"because a few people were unhappy ..."
Posted by rdurga2 at 05:17 PM : Jul 04, 2008

A few? Those ''few'' just spoke for a great majority of Americans. Just look at the latest polls...His rating is worse than Nixon''s...that''s pretty bad. A lot of people feel the same as those protesters...trust me.

[hurtmorons]

Looks like them hippies are at it again. No class. There is no bigger facist on the planet than the hippie protester. Disagree with them and youre a Nazi or a warmonger. They ought to be ashamed of themselves that they werent spending the day with thier families on a holiday, instead they were heckeling the commander and chief of this nation (He IS and there isnt one thing you can do about it) and some new U.S. citizens. Pathetic.

[jsl45]

After 1/21/2009, I only hope that when Shrub the Dumbnificent goes anywhere in public he gets jeers and boos from the public. I know if he shows up in my home town I''ll be there to make sure I get to boo and jeer him.

[hurtmorons]

GW Rules!

[whiskyrocker]

Neo267

Make sure to fall in line when the man says so you bootlickin'' Nazi. Because people are protesting doesn''t make them terroist lovers. Go crawl back in your cave.

[jcwebb3]

One last thing from me before I leave the computer and have a life this afternoon. 20 years from now we will all have a different impression of what is going on now...maybe better or maybe worse, who knows? We can sit here and cry, yell, and complain but only time will tell. It is obvious none of us on either side will change their mind on this issue. I will go to my grave believing Iraq was necessary and the right thing to do. Some of you will go to your grave believing it was the wrong thing to do. Either way, the soldiers deserve our honor and respect on this day. Have a great Independence Day!

[nuffera]

The site of the protesters warmed the cockles of my heart! He can''t hide, he will be reduced to spending his "free" time in the outhouse that will be called his "library" because the man is so full of it his eyes are brown and nobody sane wants him anywhere near them! The rest of you yokels deserve him!

[Markus]

HEY Hurtmorons,I SUPPOSE YOU''LL BE HARMING YOURSELF ANY MINUTE NOW.GO PLAY WITH YOUR BLOCKS AND STUFF A SOCK IN IT.

[hurtmorons]

MIKETNT303
SOMEONE LEFT THIER CAPS LOCK ON!
Do you write in big block letters too?

[stezzer]

Happy Birthday America. God bless your wonderful country.

Best Wishes to you all from a grateful Brit.

[oneamerican-]

Code Pink and the rest of the lunatic left are experts on humiliating themselves in public.

You''re not endearing yourselves with anyone, liberals.