WaPo Prints Overwrought Letter: John Roberts Oath Flub 'a Disgrace'

Among the five "Scenes From an Inauguration" letters the Washington Post published from readers in its January 21 edition, one took the cake for over-the-top left-wing derangement.

The letter, by one Ed Burke of Warrenton, Virginia, launched a screed at Chief Justice John Roberts, calling his mistake reciting the presidential oath for Barack Obama "a disgrace" whether it was "through design" or "an amazing lack of preparation."

Of course, most observers -- apart from Joe Klein -- regardless of political leaning would say it was likely an innocent rookie mistake, this being the chief justice's first of hopefully many inaugurations to come. Yet the Post saw fit to publish Burke's melodramatic screed.:

Nearly every aspect of yesterday's historic inauguration of our 44th president was conducted with the honor and dignity appropriate for such a momentous occasion. The glaring exception was the administration of the oath of office by Chief Justice John Roberts.

Justice Roberts, whose 2005 nomination was opposed by then-Sen. Obama, recited the oath incorrectly. An obviously surprised Mr. Obama looked at Justice Roberts for direction. Justice Roberts then spoke over Mr. Obama, creating a very awkward moment.

What could have been a moment for the ages was marred by Mr. Roberts's thoughtlessness. News outlets will report that the first words of our new president were "confused." Whether through design or an amazing lack of preparation, Justice Roberts's behavior was a disgrace.