    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [January 28, 2005]
    [Pages 106-107]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Swearing-In Ceremony for Condoleezza Rice as Secretary of State
    January 28, 2005

        Thank you all for coming. Laura and I are
    honored to be here. Over the past 4 years, America has benefited from
    the wise counsel of Dr. Condoleezza Rice and our family has been
    enriched by our friendship with this remarkable person. We love her. I
    don't know if you're supposed to say that about the Secretary of State.
    [Laughter]
        Condi--appointment and confirmation of Secretary of State marks a
    remarkable transition in what is already a career of outstanding service
    and accomplishment.
        Today also marks an opportunity to honor another career defined by
    service and accomplishment. Throughout a lifetime spent in public
    service, Colin Powell has asked nothing in
    return. For over four decades, millions at home and abroad have
    benefited from his bravery, his dignity, and his integrity. He's left
    our Nation a better place than it was when he began his career in public
    service as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. His
    magnificent wife, Alma, I am certain
    is pleased that a grateful nation is giving back her husband--
    [laughter]--and all of us admire and appreciate the service of Colin
    Powell.
        I appreciate the fact that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg administered the oath. It was neighborly of her to
    do that. [Laughter] I want to thank Congresswoman Jane Harman from California for joining us, as well as Juanita
    Millender-McDonald from
    California. We're honored you both are here. Thanks for taking time to
    honor your fellow Californian, Condi Rice.
        I see sitting between you two is a fine American in Andrew
    Young. Welcome, Andy. Thank you
    for coming. I shouldn't start going around the room heralding all the--
    [laughter]--accomplished souls who are here. I do want to thank members
    of the diplomatic corps for coming. I appreciate Your Excellencies
    taking time to honor Condi. I want to thank the distinguished guests and
    members--folks who work at the State Department for joining us as well.
    It's a good thing to come and honor your new boss--[laughter]--good
    diplomacy--[laughter].
        Colin Powell leaves big shoes to fill at
    the State Department, but Condi Rice is the right person to fill them.
    As National Security Adviser, she has led during a time when events not
    of our choosing have forced America to the leading edge of history.
    Condi has an abiding belief in the power of democracy to secure justice
    and liberty and the inclusion of men and women of all races and
    religions in the courses that free nations chart for themselves.
        A few days from now, these convictions will be confirmed by the
    Iraqi people when they cast their ballots in Iraq's first free elections
    in generations. Sunday's election is the first step in a process that
    will allow Iraqis to write and pass a constitution that enshrines self-
    government and the rule of law. This history is changing the world,
    because the advent of democracy in Iraq will serve as a powerful example
    to reformers throughout the entire Middle East. On Sunday, the Iraqi
    people will be joining millions in other parts of the world who now
    decide their future through free votes.

    [[Page 107]]

        In Afghanistan, the people have voted in the first free Presidential
    elections in that nation's 5,000-year history. The people of Ukraine
    have made clear their own desire for democracy. The Palestinians have
    just elected a new President who
    has repudiated violence. Freedom is on the march, and the world is
    better for it.
        Widespread hatred and radicalism cannot survive the advent of
    freedom and self-government. Our Nation will be more secure, the world
    will be more peaceful as freedom advances. Condi Rice understands that.
    And the terrorists understand that as well, and that is why they are now
    attacking Iraqi civilians in an effort to sabotage elections. We applaud
    the courage of ordinary Iraqis for their refusal to surrender their
    future to these killers.
        No nation can build a safer and better world alone. The men and
    women of the State Department are doing a fine job of working with other
    nations to build on the momentum of freedom. I know our Nation will be
    really well served when the good folks at the State Department join with
    Condi Rice to face the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
    In the coming months and years, we must stop the proliferation of
    dangerous weapons and materials. We must safeguard and expand the
    freedom of international marketplace and free trade. We must advance
    justice and fundamental human rights. We must fight HIV/AIDS and other
    diseases and reduce poverty.
        Each task will require good relations with nations around the world,
    and each will require a Secretary who will lead by character and
    conviction and wisdom. To meet these times and tasks, America has its
    best in Dr. Condoleezza Rice, now Secretary Condoleezza Rice, our 66th
    Secretary of State.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:58 a.m. at the U.S. Department of State.
    In his remarks, he referred to former U.S. Ambassador to the United
    Nations Andrew Young; and President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) of the
    Palestinian Authority. The transcript released by the Office of the
    Press Secretary also included the remarks of Secretary Rice.