President Obama’s inaugural speech touched on all the key issues of which he’s spoken of so eloquently over the last two years.
On service to the nation…
“Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America,”
On a different approach to politics and restoring trust in government…
“On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.”
“What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply,”
On forging a new approach to battling terrorism and nuclear profliferation…
“…you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.”
“As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expediency’s sake.”
“They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.”
On restoring America’s leadership role in the world…
“And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity,and that we are ready to lead once more.”
On a new approach to diplomacy…
“To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
On the significance of an African American president..
“…a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.”
On his commitment to the nation…
“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.”
On hope…
“On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.”
And so, with the words and the ceremony behind us, the work now begins…
I have stumbled upon this site and find it most welcome.
I am a proud American..a white American, and I look upon this leader with great expectation. I believe Obama’s goals will not all be fulfilled…. but I believe with his determination and intelligence, he will diligently steer this great Country in the right direction,
God Bless America and God bless our new President
Thank you, Lara. I hope you’re right for if there was ever a time when America needed a new direction, it’s now.