Having made a pilgrimage to the shrine and touchstone of American liberties in the National Archives, Apostle of Freedom George W. Bush will be sworn in for his second term at high noon today.

Gnomon will reiterate here our view that Mr. Bush is where he is Providentially, and is one of the more extraordinary Presidents in our history. American Presidents have not always been men that rose consistently to the occasion and met it well. In our crisis moments, though, such men have always somehow found their way to office.

This is such a crisis moment, when the forces of barbarism battle the forces of civillization. Mr. Bush has proven himself over the past four years to be a President uniquely suited to join this battle. He has in fact met virtually every challenge wisely, creatively, and decisively.

One could wish for the gift of Reagan- or Kennedy-esque oratory. But barring some unforseen and unlikely second term scandal, we feel certain historians 100 years from now will rank him as one of the great or near-great Presidents.

And we certainly wish you well today, Mr. President.

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UPDATE: President Bush's graceful, inspiring Inaugural Address is reprinted below.