President Obama: America Needs to Pick Itself Up
Today was a big day for the United States of America. Here are some highlights from President Obama's inaugural address:
“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.”
“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.”
“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 firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.”
“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.”
Watch the video of the speech here: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=6690067
Obama has done a great job in setting a new tone for the country. People are excited and more upbeat now.
Many of us has a high expectation from Mr. Obama -- for change! The feeling is shared around the globe. I am hoping that the spirit and the peacefull change of leader in the USA will also can be applied in my country for Kampanye Damai Pemilu Indonesia 2009 in the next presidential election.
As an Australian I can tell you that there was a huge collective sigh of relief when President Obama was sworn in. What’s really interesting about his inaugural address is that it has its focus as America primarily being a friend to the rest of the world, rather than a sheriff trying to enforce the law. Nice post Cara
-Mr John House
As a quilter I'm always interested interested in inspiration. I'm not sure if he can deliver but he is a very inspirational speaker.
Very nice article Cara. Positive thinking is the secret.
I think Obama freaks people out because no one remembers what it's like to actually respect a president and hear intelligent, well-spoken words delivered in such a clear way.
He has a lot to clean up and I think he's done one hellofa great job so far. Given the state of the economy and our status in the middle east, I think the country deserves a leader like this one.
What's even more important though, is that we don't get lulled into a sense of comfort with someone who seem as wonderful as Obama. Sure, Obamaniacs will say he can do no wrong but he is still just a man. Man is prone to make mistakes, so we must remain skeptical.
With that said, I am personally very impressed with the man. I hope he is one man who errs less and finishes more.
- Mr. Acai Berry from California
Not only is it a history-making day for our country, Mr. Obama is, in fact, the living fulfilment of the American Dream. However, let us not forget that he will need all our patience and good will as citizens to accomplish his goals.
The problems facing Mr. Obama are of a gargantuan magnitude and and it will take many years to fix them.
I sure hope President Obama can move this country in the right direction.
I do not agree in handing out more regulations to an already struggling auto industry. Let's get them on their feet before raising the bar.
And, I do not agree with closing Gitmo.
But let's hope he has the vision to move this country in the right direction.
Can you feel the change coming on? We pin a lot of hopes on our presidents. Let's not stand around hoping for a "change" or a better tomorrow will be handed to us. Let our leaders inspire us to make changes for ourselves, since that is what we really want.
Dan
Great highlights! Obama is truly an inspiration to every American, and I hope that he can bring about the change that we so desperately need.
Thanks Cara for this simple summary that captures the essentials of a really historic day and quite a powerful speech. Did you notice he never looked at notes? Or fumbled with the "ahs" or 'Ums" of the common speaker. It is indeed a sacred oath and there were tons of freezing witnesses!
here is to a powerfilled 2009 with a Yes We Can attitude.
BrHam