If Tuesday was indeed a "moment that will define a generation," as President Barack Obama said in his inaugural address, there was a historic crowd on hand to witness it.
Has there ever been a bigger gathering of Americans -- perhaps up to 2 million -- in one place? Ever?
Those expecting soaring rhetoric were not disappointed. He spoke eloquently of America's heritage, its overcoming past challenges, and the work needed to surmount today's difficulties.
He warned terrorists that, "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." But to the larger Muslim world, he extended an olive branch: "We seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect."
The key word, of course, being "mutual."
In a line that may be remembered for years, President Obama promised to Muslims in other nations that "we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."
In a particularly pointed jab at unnamed world leaders who "seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West," Obama said bluntly that "your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy." That line earned the applause it deserved.
Perhaps out of enthusiasm for the task ahead, we do think the new president articulates an unfairly dim view of American life -- ironic for one who so often preaches themes of hope. We've got challenges, certainly -- but the country is hardly in ruin.
When he says, for example, that "we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders," it's almost an insult to this nation. Both publicly and privately, no other nation on Earth does more for those outside its borders. President Bush's policy on AIDS has done more for Africa than about anything in memory. And no president will ever know how many Americans use up their vacation time or delay their schooling or careers to make mission trips abroad to build schools, churches and lives.
This country is anything but indifferent.
We do think that in this instance, the president is guilty primarily of hyperbole. And one can forgive that at such an overwhelming, historic time.
We also welcome his calling for a "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."
The irony, of course, is that current trends in government policy run counter to "a new era of responsibility." Americans, famous for their history of self-reliance, have never been more dependent on their government and its foreign creditors. And it's only going to get worse if we dig ourselves $800 billion more into that hole in the name of "stimulus."
We hope the new president returns often to the theme of responsibility and self-reliance -- and that his governing reflects those values.
By background, by temperament and by heart -- and now by virtue of being the leader of the free world -- Barack Hussein Obama may have a unique opportunity to press for peace and security, particularly with Muslim nations.
May God guide him and bless this country.
Comments
This was meaningless inauguration patter, pandering to the base. The job defines the man and we'll have to see if Obama will choose the best interests of America. As far as responsibility and self-reliance goes, this has never been the message of the left and I doubt that part will change. Of course, I'd love to be wrong on this point.
"Government alone can't do it..." Obama seems to be taking a new tack, or it was just inauguration patter.
Another great thing about this election is it passes the torch to a new generation. As patriciathomaas represents so well, the cold war and bitterness of society is being left where it belongs; in the past.
You're right shivas, now maybe all of the whining will end. Of course, that will leave many on the left quiet.
If we get the liberal press to be objective it will be amazing. Chris Matthews on MSNBC was trying to top the thrill running up his leg he feels line, when Obama talks. He said he can feel the excitement being in the same room with Obama. Then he repeatedly said the Bush's are being sent into exile like the Romanoff's. Y'all know how the Romanoff's ended up. When the elder Bush came out walking badly the commentators made fun of the way he was moving. Cheney, in the wheelchair, represented a "metaphor" of the outgoing administration to them. What happened to an unbiased press?
Correct as well, shivas. Previous generations are the ones doing the whining while the current generation has hope for the new president.
...hope for change we can live with...
I second the Augusta Chronicle when they wrote.."May God guide him and bless this country"....
And of course some in attendance showed their lack of class by booing the outgoing President.
Obama knows change is an emotional matter that appeals to everyone. Even if the way you move causes more pain the act of moving is attractive.
I am the younger generation and I have to say that I have little hope for the future of this country for at least the next four years and possibly beyond. DO NOT
DO NOT make an assumption about everyone of my generation because you are only getting the picture that the biased media wants to show.
Riverman1, you're right. Change for the sake of change appeals to millions, but not to the intelligent.
I was really impressed by VP Joe Obiden. He looked good out there walking along the walled off parade route, heck, he even jogged a few times. He was especially charasmatic when he stopped twice at a 7-11 and asked for directions.
As a Christian and a conservative I felt like Obama's speech was pretty generic to me. Most Inaugural addresses have always tried to appeal to the masses and this one was no different to me. I thought it was a fairly good speech and I am hoping that his policies turn out to be a postive thing for the U.S. I hope this Democratic administration does not fall into the practice of appeasement like the previous Democratic administration. It is one thing to offer an olive branch to certain groups, but it is another thing to do nothing after these groups have attacked U.S. interests repeatedly at home or abroad. I will give Obama the benefit of the doubt for now and see which direction he takes on the issues and I will let him know through my Congressmen and Senators how I feel about his direction.
If Cheney in the wheelchair was a metaphor for the outgoing administration what message can we take from the tons of trash left behind by the inaugural guests? Is that what President Obama meant by "a new era of responsibility"? That is, others are responsible to clean up your mess?
"Has there ever been a bigger gathering of Americans -- perhaps up to 2 million -- in one place? Ever?" ------ Yellow journalism is even more popular. Does that mean by numbers and popularity it's more important and kosher? NO!
Chris Matthews speaking of MSNBC said, "This is the network of the 21st century. This is the network that has opened its heart to change." In other words, they will keep up their pornographic like biased reporting that makes fun of people in wheelchairs, old people walking and says the Bush's are ending up like the Romanoff's, who were all shot.
justus4, as long as there are people like you, racism and bigotry will never end; obviously, you have no pride in yourself, let alone in the people you claim to represent. Your thoughts towards others who do not look like you are cruel, heartless, and selfish--your unconcern for others speaks volumes about your lack of integrity, honesty, and respect. Over a long period of time, many posters have asked you what have you done to make the world a better place to live; not surprisingly, you have never answered the question. Your remarks about the good that President Bush has done to help combat the devastation of HIV/AIDS is unforgivable. If you think Obama is going to make a difference because you think he is 'black,' you are wrong; it takes character and dedication to accomplish change--he says he has those qualities, it is now time for him to prove that. Unfortunately, you and those who share your attitude will diminish any greatness he might achieve. Perhaps it's time you joined Obama's stated efforts in helping to make relevant positive change that will affect us all. America became a great world power through the efforts of ALL its citizens, not through slavery.
oh cry us a river pat and 14putt.obama was gracious to have thanked bozo bush for his service, it's not his fault only a handfull clapped.bush and cheney are despised by many here and abroad, but who cares? you brought it on yourself.now go away! reading newsweek last night even they bash bush to the hilt, seems like the old cheerleader can't find any publishers to offer him a book deal. said several writers "no one in interested in anything he has to say". it looks like the only friends bush has left are the losers on this board, hah hah.as for cheney no one would have missed him had he not been there anyway.yes, old joe who is only a few months younger than cheney, does look good for his age.remember the pathetic medical misfit cheney couldn't even stand 90 minutes years ago to debate edwards.all in all the nightmare is finally over!
Way to go, MABLE8! I wonder how that toad, JUSTUS4, has managed not to realize that the overwhelming corruption of most third world governments--mainly African and black-- has blocked so much of the aid sent by the United States-- both from the government itself and from private citizens by the millions-- from ever reaching the people for whom we have wanted to help. We send it, the African government officials steal it, over and over and over. You think we'd learn what a waste of time it is to try to help, but that's the way we Americans are. We'd rather keep trying to help, hoping that at least some of our aid gets through to the people who need it. And how much have you given to charitable causes, JUSTUS? What percentage of your income do you share? It counts, you know. There really is a scorecard.
The Chronicle, bless their heart, did make an attempt at a fair assessment, through conservative lens.First, I believe President Obama was saying he was going to give peace a chance. Then, if that don't work, you had your chance. And second, we are the most generous nation, but we can always do better. President Bush, to his credit, provided 30 billion dollars to Africa over a five year period, to stem the Aids related deaths. That's great and it helped a lot. But, he sends 12 billion a month to Iraq to fight a needless war. Like I say, we can do better, starting right here at home. Finally, the 800 billion to help restart our economy, is essential. Every economist, left and right agree, only the government has the money neccessary to kick start this economy. What the conservative fear, is the money will come from ending their beloved tax cuts. Tax cuts is their crack, they will do anything to get it. The party is over!!!! Marble8, there is never a reason to continue racism. It didn't start with Justus and it want end with him, either.
JesusIsComing - it's funny that you talk about cleaning up a mess left by someone else. Obama really has a job to do from the mess that was left behind by the outgoing administration. Yesterday was a historic moment and for those who deny that, too bad. It doesn't matter whether you voted for the man or not, history was made at noon on yesterday. PT - do you think Obama will not choose the best interests of America? By the way, when you talk about the best interests of America, you are including everyone and not just Republican interests, right? ERIN - poor thing, you sound depressed. AC - saying indifference to suffering outside our borders isn't an insult to this nation. We are selective in the nations we choose not to assist (genocide in Darfur and Rwanda) but we've had troops in Bosnia and Kosovo for years. We only spent about 2 years in Haiti so the indifference claim can be truthfully stated. We all look at the world through our own racial lens and we don't see the same things. I continue to hear people respond concerning responsibility and self reliance like it only belongs to one race but all races have those who aren't responsible or self reliant.
Part of this country's problem is that it interfers to freely in other countries. We need to focus more the problems in our boundaries and let other countries deal with their own. Africa's, Asia...ect. They are not our problem and we need to quit focusing so much on them that we do not take of our own people. We have homeless vets, homeless people period, abused children, unwanted children, we have a class of people who contribute nothing to society etc. Fix these problems then worry about 3rd world countries.
extra!extra! read all about it ! mexicans and others are taking over the USA.so black/whites just keep fighting your voices will not be heard.WHY DON'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONE!join hands with our new president and make a change!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DMac, you're right that yesterday was historic, but the truth is that we were ready for a black president years ago. There are plenty of African Americans who are well-qualified Americans, and the only hypen they claim is between 'well' and 'qualified'. I just hope we survive the man who was inaugurated yesterday. It's not the economics and the disposition of our natural defense or war effort that scares me. It's what he will cause culturally, societally and for our national integrity and conscience. If you wonder what that means, just read what will happen if he gets to push through his pet project, FOCA. You talk about our picking and choosing whom to help and about seeing things differently because of the racial lenses that we use. I wonder if you've looked at FOCA and understand who really will be doing the suffering and dying if it passes.
PUMPKIN, sweetie, I think you dropped your pom pom while hitting us with all the exclamation points.
RCR, I decided to give you another chance today, in a spirit of unity and understanding, and because I thought that, with the new day, you might be less vitriolic about immediately assigning the "racist" label to everyone who disagrees with a liberal policy. So far, I think I'm right, so we might be able to have a few interesting exchanges as time goes on. I read your post today, which seemed pretty evenhanded. Let me disagree with one point you made, though: "Every economist, left and right agree, only the government has the money neccessary to kick start this economy." That is inaccurate. Every KEYNESIAN economist agrees on that. The problem is that Keynesian economics get you in trouble every time. We've heard a number of people say in the press (and on these boards), "Well, it can't get any worse!" I lived through Carter; it can get worse. I'm the generation whose parents grew up in the Depression; it can get worse, by orders of magnitude. Conservatives (not republicans--conservatives!) are always for lower taxes, b/c conservatives are always for smaller government. The govt has already spent/allocated $350Bn, the Fed has already backstopped...$1.5Tr?
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