My fellow citizens:
This threw me off here, historically the addresses always started 'My Fellow Americans", what is this implying? It seems immigration and those who don't hold citizenship are not welcome with this little departure from tradition with a tighter focus on address.
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and co-operation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because 'We the People' have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
This is what I was expecting, it is good, solid and patriotic rhetoric that is reverent and full of inspiration, transcending all differences
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. (Pretty cocky to state that with the person to whom he is referring to is sitting just a few feet away, a very thinly veiled cheap shot and contradictory to paragraph #2) Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many (Pease tell me this means advancing NCLB and not dummying down the curriculum and playing to the teacher union's requests); and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. (Um, this sounds very familiar, oh yea, it was Bush who said that in a State of the Union address a few years ago, except for the threatening the planet part, 1/2 point for originality there)
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights. (I am confused here, help me out, is this stating that the perception is the national recovery is a useless effort and my daughter is to lower her ambitions and hopes of success and prosperity? Is this an attempt at sarcasm, if so it did not work and the fact I am confused and mentioning this means I am taking this as the former, he is sating we have to lower or sights... so what is the talk about education in paragraph #3, please not this is contradiction #1)
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 this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. (So McCain was campaigning on a platform of fear, conflict, and discord, cheap shot #2. What was with the warm reception and kind words to McCain at the formal dinner the night before and then follow it up with a cheap shot and personal attack the next, sounds like lack of class, character, and tact to me)
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. (Amen! To bad his cabinet is mostly recycled Clinton people, Chicago machine cogs, and there has already been an initial political fight with Pelosi and Reid over the Bush Tax Cuts and when to repeal them, sounds like business as usual thus fat, but it makes for a great sound bite)
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness. (thus far the best line of this speech, odd how it mentions religion twice, be careful your atheist lefty friends will get offended)
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and ploughed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn. (Which one of these does not look like the other, which one of these does not belong... As a vet looking at this list I am shocked by its purposeful inclusion and missing names on the list, for those not knowing let me enlighten you. Concord was a great Revolutionary War victory and the turning point of the war for our independence. Gettysburg was the great War Between the States victory and was the turning point of the war preserving the Union and the country. Normandy was the great World War II costly victory and was the turning point of the war toward victory in Europe. All 3 are great national war victories that defined, saved, and showed the strength of the nation. Khe Sahn was the Vietnam War battle that was the defining moment pushing the war over the brink for support in America and sealing the utter failure of our military and political presence and influence in the region. Why mention Khe Sahn, a failure, and not Falujha where the surge sealed the current path of victory we have in Iraq? Why stop at Vietnam, a national disgrace, when you have the Baltic War, both Gulf Wars, and current operations in Afghanistan? This was on purpose and it is an insult as to include Khe Sahn in this list, using Iraq is a logical and better choice, given the fact we are still there and THE SURGE WORKED!!!)
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction. (That is what I was expecting! The above is reminiscent of the speech Obama gave at the DNC convention where he sounded more moderate and American then he ever has since. These are all great points, except the one outlined above, and will echo with conservatives, moderates, and middle of the road liberals and demonstrates our true national values, ideals, and expectations)
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America. (You are on a roll! Don't stop now, I will forgive the contradiction #2 from paragraph #4 above that states we have to 'lower our sights')
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost (Um, when was science in a wrong place in our educational or medical priorities? Are we talking about funding stem cell research to include something not in the current plan, and we all know what that is. I am a little unsure what is being said here). We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories (Whoa whoa whoa, stop the buss! I'm onboard with all but this soil thing. Ethanol is a negative efficient alternative and food production needs to go towards animals and people, not my car! It takes 1 and 1/10th a gallon of Ethanol to equal 1 gallon of gas and the amount of grain it takes to produce cost more fuel in planting, fertilizing, harvesting, refining, and shipping then gas and that is less food that farm animals and people can eat that increases meat and meat product food prices sparking mass inflation, this is getting much worse now... fast). And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage. (free men... oh, I see what this is, not commenting any further for obvious reasons. Oh, here is an immigration plug, but it does not mention anything solid to offer hope or inspire our current immigrant issues)
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. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government. (Our government is too big in its current incarnation, period. You are right, the government does not work. I applaud the call for responsibility and accountability, show me the results, I seem to remember hearing all this before many many many times before, as the Jerry McGuire line states, 'show me the money!')
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good. (I can agree with this, however the last part is a little suspect but I will give the benefit of the doubt)
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 expedience’s sake. 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. (Ok, I am getting back onboard, this is sounding good, but will he really get rid of warrantless wire taps and renditions???)
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. 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. ('With great power comes great responsibility', I believe it and want to see it)
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people (um begin? Begin? Um sorry to say but since the SURGE worked we have began to draw down in Iraq, Baghdad is handed over to the Iraqi government, the Iraqi government has agreed on a time table for US troop withdrawal, the leaving of Iraq is in the works and has been since the SURGE stabilized the war there and gave their government a chance), and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you. (Oh, this is a message to radical Islam militants! This too I can get behind and defend, don't give an inch and they have nothing to take, Bush kept us safe at home for 7 years, lets make it 11 and we can go from there)
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect (This only works for the moderate Muslims, the radicals want us destroyed along with Israel, there is no compromise or negotiating with them as they want us destroyed and they have no tolerance or quarter about it, watch the beheading videos of westerners). 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. (Aimed at North Korea, Iran, and African nations this unfortunately will fall on deaf years as they don't really care, otherwise they wouldn't do it in the first place)
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it. (Foreign aid is good and a good message for others to follow, this kind of wealth we should spread around)
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all. (This almost makes up for the Vietnam mention above, almost. At least you acknowledge the existence and service of current service members and vets of the current conflict and their sacrifices, God bless them all)
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the fire-fighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath. (Amen, the last 3 paragraphs are rock solid and truly American all the way, I wish transcending politics like this would be this easy, still I like this part)
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: “Let it be told to the future world…that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive…that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations. (Strong finish, great and solid, not very historic or memorable but solid none the less. The finish is back on track for something we can all believe in and follow)
Thank you. God bless you.
And God bless the United States of America.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/01/20/Text_of_Barack_Obamas_inaugural_address/UPI-45861232473668/
Ok, some may be asking why God and religious references are underlined, glad you asked. Most of the resources on the Internet cut out the last 2 lines form the official transcript, mostly because liberals seem to take offense to mentioning God in any political or public address at all, remember the lawsuits over school prayers and any reference to God in any public place or institution. Well, for those far left atheists your candidate rock star mentioned the Holy 8 times, 7 plus the religion breakdown of our countries citizens. Overall I agreed 13 times. Um, hey that is one for each of our original colonies, strips on our flag, maybe this is a sign. I disagreed a total of 13 times, whoa, is that right? Let me double check... yep. So what does that mean? Seems the speech overall is a wash, I agreed and disagreed with the same amount of points. Again I have to defer to Obama's actions and deeds, not his words or promises. I will give him a chance and not begin to go all "NYT on Bush" which is more then any liberal can ever say with a straight face. The bar is now set high, yes high. Obama has to do as good or better then Bush and if you closely look at the record and the bars he has to meet or exceed it is a HUGE task! Good luck, God speed, and God bless the US of A. The next 2 years will be crucial and we are all hopeful Obama can fix or solve as many issues as he can and restore the country, that is our hope and he is our president. We, as a nation, are all behind you President Obama so get to work and lead us out of this mess and into a better future!
