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Obama using MLK, Lincoln Bibles during oath
By The Associated Press
This article was published January 10, 2013 at 9:03 a.m.
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WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is putting a symbolic twist on a time-honored tradition, taking the oath of office for his second term with his hand placed not on a single Bible but on two — one owned by Martin Luther King Jr. and one by Abraham Lincoln.
The inclusion of King’s Bible is particularly significant since the inauguration comes on Jan. 21, the federal holiday in honor of the civil-rights leader, who delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech 50 years ago at the Lincoln Memorial. Obama will be facing the memorial as he takes the oath. King’s Bible, which his children say he used early in his career as a preacher, has never been part of a presidential inauguration.
The selection of the pair of Bibles announced Thursday is richly symbolic of the struggle for equality in America, beginning with Lincoln’s emancipation of slaves 150 years ago this month, through King’s leadership of the civil-rights movement, and ultimately to Obama becoming the nation’s first black president.
Inaugural planners say Obama plans to place his left hand on the stacked Bibles held by first lady Michelle Obama as he raises his right hand to repeat the oath administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. It hasn’t been determined which will be on top, with Obama’s hand actually resting on it, but King’s is larger, so it may need to be on the bottom.
Obama used the Lincoln Bible while taking the oath four years ago — the first time it had been used since the 16th president’s inauguration in 1861.
Obama’s inaugural committee says that the president plans to use the first lady’s family’s Bible for a private swearing-in at the White House on Sunday, Jan. 20. Public presidential inaugurations traditionally aren’t held on Sundays, even though the Constitution states that a president’s new term begins automatically at noon on the 20th.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 22 total comments
Jump to last page >>inquire says... January 10, 2013 at 5:57 p.m.
(sigh.) Those snide comments aren't exactly a big display of Christian spirit. If Obama were a Muslim, and he is not, according to the constitution, which right wingers claim to hold in regard, it would not be a problem.
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T6 says... January 10, 2013 at 6:21 p.m.
Being an enlightened Christian Inquire, YOU know how to sling those snide remarks Eh?
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T6 says... January 10, 2013 at 6:25 p.m.
Inquire....As a "christian" you condone Obama placing his hand on the Word of God and LYING?
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inquire says... January 10, 2013 at 6:38 p.m.
You are not the One with the knowledge of who is lying and who isn't.
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T6 says... January 10, 2013 at 6:59 p.m.
Where have you been? If his lips are moving he's lying.
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YUBNARicardohead says... January 10, 2013 at 7:36 p.m.
The symbolism that I see is using bibles from 2 killed by assassins bullets during a raging battle about gun control.
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djigoo says... January 10, 2013 at 7:49 p.m.
Look at all the Christian behavior here! Jesus would spit on each of you were he to return. Why are there so many hypocritical morons in Arkansas? Inbreeding?
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Populist says... January 10, 2013 at 8:19 p.m.
The Tea Party people pass out pamphlets about the original meaning of the Constitution. They think that they understand the Constitution better than James Madison even though they have never studied the Federalist Papers or constitutional law. Consequently, if a President thinks that it would be a good idea for the citizens to have access to healthcare and he is able to get such a law passed by Congress, they somehow believe that healthcare is unconstitutional because it was not provided by the government during the early years of the country. These people have no understanding of the powers of Congress and the President. They cannot distinguish between whether a law is a valid exercise of authority or whether it is in the best interests of public policy. If the Tea Partiers think that it is wrong, then gosh darn it, it must be unconstitutional. While I wish the government would scale back, I actually like healthcare. If people have access to healthcare, they make better workers. I believe healthcare is pro capitalism and the American way.
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djigoo says... January 10, 2013 at 8:30 p.m.
The average Teabagger needs an operations manual for toothpicks.
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inquire says... January 11, 2013 at 12:32 a.m.
They have short memories. They conveniently forget how many, many films and transcripts were shown to prove that Romney lied constantly. They don't specify what lies, or provide any evidence, just hatefully call PRESIDENT OBAMA a liar.
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