Quote of the Day II

How soon we forget.

After the oath was administered, Bush told the staff – and 100 or so family members on hand – "You all are here because you have my full confidence."

"Today, everything is so promising and new," the new president said. "I'm hoping the day will never come when any of us take this place for granted."

Bush warned that he expected his White House staff to meet the highest ethical standards, avoiding not only violations of law, but even the appearance of impropriety.

"We must remember the high standards that come with high office," he said. "This begins careful adherence with the rules. I expect every member of this administration to stay well within the boundaries [that] define legal and ethical conduct.

"No one in the White House should be afraid to confront the people they work for over ethical concerns, and no one should hesitate to confront me as well."

Bush told his staff that he sees civility as a central part of the required behavior of White House staff. "There is no excuse for arrogance and never a reason for disrespect toward others," he said. "I expect each of you … to be an example of humility and decency and fairness."

And he concluded that the ultimate goal of White House service is to advance the agenda Bush was elected on. "We are here for a reason," Bush said. "You and I and the vice president share the same goals for our country … we are here to make progress. We are not here just to mark time."

Marking time? Try lame duck.