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.

[ioweign]

The protesters have a right to protest. In my opinion they also have a right to prove to all they have no class. They did both. Case closed.

Posted by thgdriver at 12:41 PM : Jul 06, 2008

You voted Bush.
What would you know about class...

[truth-b-toll]

Kudos to these patriots for speaking out against this evil administration! Our country has been hijacked and held for ransom! Ransom to be paid for by taxpayers and our grandchildren.

[truth-b-toll]

Kudos to these patriots for speaking out against this evil administration! Our country has been hijacked and held for ransom! Ransom to be paid for by taxpayers and our grandchildren.

[boudica13]

ttinsly,
your are so right on. Thank you for giving me hope that some of the people that read and watch mainstream news
are not all bad. I think what you wrote was great. I usually have to go to Huffington-Post to get the real deal. Once again thank you.

[whiskyrocker]

This is America. Protest as much as you like.

[boudica13]

thgdriver, what makes you think the repukes aren''t trying to do it again? Race has become an issue since Hillary is out, or don''t you read? The truth hurts doesn''t it? The mainstream media helped cover up the worse time in American history, you know it, the world knows it, so do something better with you strange opinions. The case will never be closed, we take it to the streets like what was done in the past. It seems only now that the youth of the day are actually questioning their government as oppose to watching the idiot box, for instance Fox news. It''s about time the young do what they do best, they question, they rebel, and they have now been forced to take a good look at what a mess this Country is in, thanks to the dictator in the WH. If Bush could find a way, he would, so instead he has a clone that has a different look and the same exact agenda that''s taking place now. Don''t kid yourself, two hi-jacks and everyone looked the other way. The repukes are not above anything that would keep them in power.

[thgdriver]

The protesters have a right to protest. In my opinion they also have a right to prove to all they have no class. They did both. Case closed.

[thgdriver]

Boudica13

If the Republicans were able to hijack two elections we would hijack a third. You *** some posters here for using their 1st right yet say all can protest anytime anyplace. Hummmmmmmm, that makes no sense. Then you bring race up to boot.

[boudica13]

All the repukes that write idiotic comments should go back to school and really learn what America is about. Not the illegal administration that hi-jacked two elections. I am an older white woman who is voting for Obama gladly. Bush should be charged with crimes against humanity and every American has the right to protest anywhere any time. Some of the people that commented here should have lived in another country, not mine. They seem to enjoy being controlled by a dictator.

[whiskyrocker]

Our president is the best. He really does care.