Obama stands up for dissent and freedom of speech in his Inaugural Address today!

[ddeclue]

"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." - Inaugural Address, Barack Obama, 20 January 2009

I was particularly gratified by this passage and also by:

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.

Our founding fathers ... 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 the 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.


I thought this was the best Inaugural Address given in my life time and that it ranked up there with Lincoln's two inaugurals, FDR's first inaugural, and Kennedy's inaugural in the all time great inaugural addresses.

It spoke not in the special interest cafeteria menu politics of recent addresses but rather in terms of the grand principles which form the bedrock of our national character and aspirations. It spoke in terms of humility, in terms of a respect for the rule of law, and in terms of a reverence for our history.

Finally it was strong and to the point without being braggadocios, pompous, or bullying - its brevity gave it a Lincoln-esque power. Obama did NOT drone on and on like so many of his predecessors but got in and got out in 20 minutes flat.

Doug D.
Orlando, FL

[av8rdave]

1. Well said

I thought it established direction while reminding us to not lose sight of the fundamentals that are so important.

Fantastic speech!

[Lugnut]

2. Proud to K&R. n/t

[Laelth]

3. It was fantastic.

My wife and I read it several times together last night. We needed to parse it. Even googled and read Bush's inauguration speech from 2001 (odd how he telegraphed the invasion of Iraq even then). By comparison, Obama's speech is brilliant. His call to public service is particularly noteworthy. Where Bush says, in effect, "There's terrible poverty and crime in this country. The American people should fix that. Don't expect my government to do it," Obama says, in effect, "Public service is a noble calling, and I'm going to create a lot of federal jobs, so that any person who wants to work can work. We won't do this out of charity, but because we'll all be better off in the long run."

After several re-reads, it became clear that Obama was slamming the Republicans on several fronts while touting genuine, liberal policy solutions to America's problems. For the first time since Jimmy Carter, I feel I have a President who represents me and who will advance the interests of ALL Americans.


Hail to the Chief! :patriot:

:dem:

-Laelth

[Shiver]

4. I loved that part too

Just remember, though, if someone disagrees with you, they aren't trying to silence dissent. ;)