Inaugurated President Biden Says “Democracy Prevails”
By Worthy News Breaking News Team George Whitten and Stefan J. Bos
(Worthy News) – Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States Wednesday, saying “democracy has prevailed.”
But at an inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol that saw riots two weeks ago, he spoke of “this winter of perils and significant possibilities.”
However, “Together we write a story of hope,” he said.
With tens of thousands of troops and security forces securing the solemn ceremony held without mass crowds, he pledged to work on social justice and racial tensions.
History was made at Biden’s side, as Kamala Harris became the first woman to be vice president.
“I will fight as much for those who did not support me as much as for those who did,” Biden said. He added, “We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue.”
He said, “Hear me out as we move forward.”
The inauguration unfolded at a U.S. Capitol battered by an insurrectionist siege just two weeks ago, encircled by security forces. It’s devoid of crowds because of the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden at one point asked for a moment of silence for the 400,000 people that authorities say died of COVID-19.
President Biden called on Americans to overcome their divisions, declaring in his first address in office that “without unity, there is no peace.”
Biden said Wednesday that his swearing-in marked a day of “history and hope.” Biden stressed in his inaugural address that the country has “learned again that democracy is precious.” He added, “The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.”
Biden also pledged during his inaugural address Wednesday that he would be honest with the country as it continues to confront difficulties, saying that leaders have an obligation “to defend the truth and defeat the lies.”
Flouting tradition, Donald J. Trump departed Washington on Wednesday morning ahead of the inauguration rather than accompany his successor to the Capitol.
Former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton were attending. The other living former president, 96-year-old Jimmy Carter, previously announced he would not participate for health reasons.
Garth Brooks sang the Gospel and beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace” at Biden’s inauguration.
The singer took off his black cowboy hat and kept his eyes closed for much of the powerful song, performing it a capella and without strain. As the sun broke through, he asked people to sing the last sentences with him: “Not just the people here, but the people at home, to work as one united.”
After it was over, Brooks shook hands with Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Vice President Mike Pence. Brooks performed during the inaugural celebration of President Barack Obama in 2009.
He reportedly turned down a chance to play for President Donald Trump in 2017, citing a scheduling conflict.
Biden took the oath of office just before noon, with the presidential oath being administered by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.
President Biden was sworn in using a Bible that has been in his family since 1893 and was used during his swearing-in as vice president in 2009 and 2013.
The 5-inch thick Bible, which could be seen on a table next to Biden’s chair on the dais, has a Celtic cross on its cover and was also used each time he was sworn- n as a U.S. senator.
Biden’s late son, Beau, also used the Bible for his own swearing-in ceremony as attorney general of Delaware and helped carry the Bible to his father’s 2013 ceremony.
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