Obama inauguration – speech


by Sunny Hundal    
January 20, 2009 at 4:34 pm

Updated, now with speech highlights:

On foreign policy, a clear repudiation of Bush and the war-mongers that urged and defended him over Iraq.

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.

Having a global perspective, this bit I also like:

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.

Economically too, a speech that I can agree with – standing up unashamedly for the power of the state to also do good.

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.


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Sunny Hundal is editor of LC. Also: on Twitter, at Pickled Politics and Guardian CIF.
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Reader comments


Best watched on Fox….less punditry!

2. Laurie Penny

The time has come to put away childish things.

I declare today a half-holiday from all fretting about the state of the world, all political despair, all cynicism and depression and running up the down escalator of cultural history. Today, no bile, no rage, no casting about for the exit. Today, I think we can allow ourselves a break from the job of growing up and sorting the fuck out of our own mad little country.

Are you enjoying it? Good, because tomorrow we’ve got work to do. Now be of great grinning and go about your business.

Well, I’m already disappointed.

4. Laurie Penny

Tch. The youth of today, eh?

“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.”

Leftwing? By US standards perhaps.

Something for everyone there – BO’s strong point!

A victory for minorities worldwide. Anything is possible, in spite of anything.

Well, I’m already disappointed.

Sorry mate, I think the far-left beat you to the punch last week ago. If you want to beat them, I suggest burning his effigy. Don’t think anyone has done that yet.

Christopher Hitchens on C4 news – Obama could have been quoting GWB on tough attitude to terrorism.

Crikey – he really does have a wide appeal!

His work begins tomorrow – though I suggest that it is already under way in the background.

It was a speech that outlined what he wants to do, and as such we should respect that. He is taking over from a failure – there is a lot to be done.

You saw a great weight lifted today, we all were a part of history. He needs a chance to get things done and I do believe he will do it.

11. dreamingspire

Late last night BBC2 ran (re-ran?) President Hollywood, showing that art first imitates life and then life imitates art: Mat Santos in The West Wing was based on the early Obama (but transformed into a Latino for the TV series), and now Obama has done in life what Santos did in the TV series. (You can watch again on BBC iPlayer.)

He’s in the wrong because…other people decided to use private jets? Nice one cjcjc ;)

And Christopher Hitchens has suddenly metamorphosed from a demagogue to an expert on terror policy for how long? Not exactly the most rational, objective person to quote from cjcjc.


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