And while many of the children are still grumpy about having to learn spelling and math, they are enthusiastic about pledging allegiance to the flag.
Although Senator Orrin Hatch (R UT) described being FDA commissioner as "a thankless job," Hamburg seemed enthusiastic and pledged to restore scientific integrity to the agency, modernize antiquated food-safety systems, and, if confirmed, lead in a way "that appropriately balances innovation and regulation".
Ms. Whitman, surrounded by a crowd of some 350 well-dressed supporters, began by saying she enjoyed "being here in my hometown" and was "delighted to see so many friends," many of whom seemed enthusiastic about her pledge to "turn the Golden State golden again".
Would it not be better to have Mr. Bush help Mr. Sharon leave Gaza by agreement -- agreement not merely with the failed Palestinian Authority, but also with the wider Arab world, and with every outside player pledging enthusiastic backing?
Starting with a goal of $20,000, enthusiastic fans have pledged more than $55K so far.
President Bush today signed legislation to speed the building of a World War II memorial on the Mall in Washington and, on his first Memorial Day in the White House, spoke to veterans both at Arlington National Cemetery and here outside Phoenix, where an enthusiastic crowd cheered his pledge to repel "any foe who might ever challenge our national resolve".
These, I point out, are the guys who are supposed to have been impressed and even enthusiastic about the new Republican "Pledge to America".
Mr. Arafat was less enthusiastic than Mr. Barak but pledged that if Mr. Clinton called him, he would go.
At a rally in Peachtree City, Ga., on Friday night, Mr. Gingrich pledged to an enthusiastic crowd that "with your help, we're going to win the primary," and he cited all the candidates who surged and faded: Michele Bachmann, Mr. Cain, Rick Perry and Tim Pawlenty.
"We do this to review history, strengthen our faith in the party, uphold its traditions and improve our work," says one enthusiastic party member after giving his pledge.
In speeches to enthusiastic crowds around the country, they pledged to end poverty and help India regain its pre-colonial glory as a great economic power.Today, the euphoria is gone.
