Barack Obama is now officially the 44th president of the United States. For those of you who missed it, here is the full text of his speech. OBAMA: "My fellow citizens: 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 cooperation 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 forebears, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. 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. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 shortcuts 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 plowed the hard earth. For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn. 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. 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. 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. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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, 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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." What did you think?
Hearing the speech is more enlightening because of the tone/pauses etc in President Obama's voice, but analyzing the text is still good.
My boss actually called to tell me to watch the inauguration. It was pretty cool. History happening on streaming video on the internet.
I heard the speech. It was a nice speech, but it was just that, a speech. So I'm not going to cry tears of joy over it. Now the real work starts. He's in the hot seat and now we're going to see if he can meet the promises he's made.
Yup, it was pretty amazing. But on the channel we were watching, a poet came on after Obama to say something, and the announcer guy just kept talking, trying to break down Obama's speech. It was really making me mad, because being a lover of poems, I really wanted to hear it. Luckily the other news channel had it blaring...
The great socialist experiment has begun. Burning questions beg to be answered. Can Obama change all of America to reflect his only political experience in life...slums of Chicago? Will this man of great vision be capable of sustaining the class hatred he spewed during his campaign? A master of empty rhetoric...his speech echoed across mindless masses, much like Hitler mesmerized Germans in his early days. Ah yes, the Obama-era...perhaps the end days of America's greatness...is upon us. God save the Queen! (We just might need her back before he's done!)
We're definitely headed for tough times. I hope that God moves Obama's heart, maybe shows him the error of previous ways. And if that's not possible, I hope this at least leads to a shift in power like the Carter and Clinton administrations did.
I know you really don't like Obama and are fearful of what is to come, but today is a beginning of something new. Can we at least try to have some hope? At least, let's not burst the bubble of those of us who do hope that our country can start to repair itself? Obama hasn't had the chance to do anything to make us crawl back to the queen begging for help.
New is just new. We have yet to see if new is good. New could be worse. Hope is good. But hope shouldn't crowd reason. We won't burst the bubble. Don't worry. I think it's going to burst all on it's own eventually. See, the bubble has gotten quite large, and large bubbles pop very easily.
*bored voice* Obama's not a socialist... He's slightly left of the centre. No offence, but America wouldn't know the difference between that and real socialism if it punched them in the face...
Carmina, I like you personally, but I don't share your enthusiasm for this man. He has no experience in business or politics. His role models in life were people like the hate-preaching reverend and a known domestic terrorist. Class-envy was the foundation for many of his welfare-mentality, socialist promises. His promises, if kept, will destroy investment, reduce our national capability for national defense, increase dependence on government welfare...in essence, he will erode the core values that helped our country become a world leader nation. His agenda MUST be resisted! By the way, I am NOT a Republican. I say these things as a California Democrat of nearly 40 years who has watched closely as MY party brought California to the brink of bankruptcy. Now, Obama-Pelosi political leadership, threatens to make ALL of America into a reflection of California. They MUST be resisted!
I say we wait and see what happens. Personally, I say, as long as he isn't as bad as Bush, then it's a step up... Even if he doesn't turn out to be as great as others think he will be.
Ah, but what if he takes the Bush mess, and makes it worse? It's a likely possibility nobody thinks will happen, but it just could. Then what?
I just thought it would be hilarious if, after all the hype and promises from the media, if he stood behind the podium and said: "America, you have entrusted me... WHICH WAS A MISTAKE!" then removed his outer layer of skin to show horns and hooves and declared himself the antichrist. I mean, it would suck, 'cause it'd be hell on Earth, but it'd still be funny.
I shudder to think of it getting worse. I will stick with my guarded optimism. I don't believe Obama is the great savior, but I think this is a chance for some change. After 8 years with Bush, I welcome change.
McCain was slightly left of center, barely. Obama is a socialist: Redistribution of wealth. That's textbook classic socialism. He's living in the mercantilism mindset of fixed wealth, which is total nonsense. Socialism is the direct descendent of mercantilism, and Obama doesn't believe in wealth creation - just redistribution. Add to that the calls for a doomed-to-fail national healthcare, auto czars, youth community service organizations, taxing the rich to death, appeasement, continuing bailouts and government control of private industry - yeah, the guy's a socialist. Europe has surpassed standard socialism long ago and is now creating a new hyper-socialism that makes Obama drool with envy. I'd say we should hope Obama gets some sense knocked into him and doesn't go that route, but I'm a realist and I know that's highly unlikely. Thank goodness we've got some Congressional and Senate seats up for election in 2010. There may be time to stop the damage he'll do without permanent effects.
He's undoubtedly a great orator, but it remains to be seen whether he can make America fairer and more caring towards its citizens while having to take the lead in leading Western nations remains to be seen. Good luck to him. At least the US government is out of the awful Republicans' hands.
I shudder to think of it getting worse too. The bright spot is that maybe the American people will want a real change. I don't see Obama as change. He's been in congress for 4 years now. I think we had the chance for some change and blew it. I think we're headed for more of the same, the same congress that has slowly torn us apart for 2 years. I really don't think anything will change anytime soon.
I'll wait to see how it all goes before I decide whether I think he's better or worse etc. He hasn't really done anything yet so I can't really hold that against him... oh wait I can because he hasn't done anything yet XD XD. Obama is socialist. Maybe not 100% hard core socialist but he's definitely more socialist than less. America was due to realize the failures of socialism sooner or later. That is of course if he can get any of his ideas through congress which he very well might seeing how our congress is even less effective than Bush (and that's just sad).
Bush was a terrible president. Yes, he initially reacted well to the terrorist action, but having served in Vietnam, I was against the invasion of Iraq from the beginning. It was sheer stupidity. It just added to the terrorists' American death toll...along with Brits and other nations who are involved. Aside from his initial response to terrorism, he has done a terrible job, leaving our country in need of "healing". Instead of "healing", we now have this amateur president throwing dirt into America's wounds. Our economic slide is NOT due to Bush...rather, it began with a spike in oil prices and a drop in house values. Democrats (yes, my damn party) in congress pushed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into lowering standards for home ownership. It was a liberal social experiment authored by Barney Frank that led to many high-risk mortgages (commonly referred to a sub-prime loans) and subsequent foreclosures. Oil prices spiked due to investment speculation about worldwide pending shortages. How do you stop such speculation? Simple, threaten to increase the supply...i.e. offshore drilling to add a high amount of crude oil to the supply. During the presidential debates, as soon as it looked like there might be an increase in supply by the popularity of the "Drill here; drill now" slogan...what happened? Crude futures fell like a rock! And what happened to the stock market? Again, we can thank our Democrat moron from Massataxes...Barney Frank...because all those bad loans got packaged as "sub-prime" bundles and sold to the major banks. When the loans failed, the banks failed, credit dried up, businesses could not borrow to make payroll, layoffs happened...thank you Barney Frank for your social experimentation. Bush is guilty of doing nothing...or more likely, being totally oblivious to the problem...as inept politicians like Frank created a world disaster. Now is not the time for more social dabbling by incompetent politicians. Hell, congress couldn't even balance their OWN budget...why should we trust them with the whole economy? And, along comes "the messiah" with promises of even MORE experimentation. Just remember one thing...be careful what you wish for because you might get it! I fear America will come to rue the day they installed this new administration.
This was the first time I watched the whole shebang. All that swearing on bibles and saying the Lord's Prayer totally freaked me out, sorry. Can't you just ask for God's help and have done with it? Is the entire US of A Christian? Anyway, most of the guy's family are muslim. Okay. Rant over. But I have SO had it with people claiming that in Turkey is a 'muslim country'. We actually keep God totally out of government.
The stock market is dropping like a rock today. Shows how much confidence there is in Obama leadership. Socialism kills productivity. madhoca - your country is smart to keep religion out of government.
