Freedom lost at inaugural

THE INAUGURAL parade of the 42d president was a formal event, as it should be. The inaugural process involves the induction into office by a formal ceremony. Security forces were in full force to ensure this. The theme of the inauguration seemed to be "freedom" and its filtration through the world in the eyes of the United States ("Bush resolves to spread cause of liberty worldwide," Page A1, Jan. 21).

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According to the American Heritage Dictionary, "freedom" means 1: The condition of being free. 2: a. Political independence; b. Possession of civil rights; 3. Ease of movement. 4. Frankness and boldness. 5: Unrestricted use of access.

It was this word and evidence of it that I was looking for during the presidential inaugural parade in order to see if our country was on par with the theme of the day. I flipped between ABC, CBS, and NBC and all three anchors, Peter Jennings, Dan Rather, and Brian Williams, commented on the extreme measures of the security enforcement and the anxiety regarding our president's safety. ABC even gave us a historical look on the past inaugural parades and how President Carter and others walked the entire 1.7 miles of the parade route. This was supposedly a demonstration to promote physical fitness, but more than that, it promoted "ease of movement, unrestricted access, and the condition of being free."

As the afternoon carried on, there was anticipation of George Bush carrying on this tradition. The motorcade sped through pockets of protesters and slowed down in friendly territory. At roughly 3:35 p.m. the motorcade stopped and out stepped the president and the first lady. They walked and waved in personal comfort. The crowd cheered and the post-9-11 security discomfort seemed to melt away. But only temporarily. At 3:45 p.m., back into the limo. So that's the way it is now.

I would only say this. If we are so vehemently promoting freedom throughout the world, wouldn't we want to understand its meaning here?

BEN PALMER
Boston