The Obama Inauguration Address, My Take, Part I

Like most Americans, I listened in earnest to Barack Obama's Inaugural speech today. Given the historic nature of this particular address, my expectations were very lofty, especially with all of the buildup and hoopla surrounding it,

I was expecting a "home-run" type of memorable phrase that would be remembered and quoted by all Americans throughout time. I was assuming that I'd walk away with a timeless, golden soundbite that would be repeated by generations, along the line of FDR's, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," or John F. Kennedy's, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."

What I was left with, unfortunately, was an ambiguous, melancholy, and conflicted speech that was beautifully delivered.

Below, I've chosen a few excerpts from today's speech, in quotation marks, followed by my brilliant commentary:

"My fellow citizens"

I think this was a nice touch. I rather, however, that he had used the term "my fellow Americans".

"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 co-operation he has shown throughout this transition."

The first sentence was an excellent choice and I'm very happy to hear that he is aware of the sacrifices that our ancestors have went through to obtain and continue our personal liberties. The second sentence above shows great class and should be a wake-up call to the Bush-haters and those that suffer from "Bush Derangement Syndrome," also known as BDS.

"Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath."

Technically, there have only been 43 when you consider Grover Cleveland's two non-consecutive terms, but who's counting? President Obama probably attended public school.

"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 forebearers, and true to our founding documents."

Actually, America has carried on in spite of the politicians in high office. I'm glad to hear that the President has changed his stance on our Constitution. Previously, he was quoted as saying that it was "inadequate and represented a "blind spot" to the nation. I consider this a retraction on his part, a welcomed one at that.

"That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood."

I know, because you constantly remind us. I think "crisis" is the most overused word in the English language. Former President Bush was accused by the left and the media of "talking down the economy," when he talked about the mini-recession of the early '90's. You can get away with it, because there is a double-standard in the left-leaning mainstream media. I'd recommend stopping the repetitive nature of the "worst economy since the Great Depression." We get it, already, and the echo is depressing, and the power of your words become a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you want to lead us out of this, begin by leading with your words. Great Presidents have been masterful at doing this. You can too.

"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.

How are we going to not feel fear when you continually thrust the doom and gloom upon us? The campaign is over, and you won. If you want to inspire us, please be less negative in your rhetoric.

"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."

He uses "met" here twice. I think he could have chosen a better word like "conquered."

"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."

I'd really like an end to the "false promises" that political leaders have used to hoodwink the American public over the years. Hopefully, the media will hold President Obama, and his administration, accountable (although in a much kindlier, gentler way than they did with the previous POTUS).

". . .the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

I'm glad President Obama acknowledges that our freedoms and rights come from God. I'm sure many atheists didn't like this one, but it even benefits them. If rights come from men, then men (or women) can take them away. With God, it's a lot tougher!

"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 short-cuts 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 labour, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom."

I thank President Obama for writing the above paragraph just for me. I guess the President will have to cancel that notion of giving tax-cuts to people who don't pay taxes. We used to have a term for that. . . welfare!

"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."

I'm going to have to disagree with you hear, Mr. President. American doesn't have to be remade. It was made by our founders and we must fight to insure that it isn't "remade." I’d also like to inform you that we don’t need the government to pick us up.

"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'll do the work, Mr. President. Please, just get the federal government out of the way. We’ve gotten out of every recession without the government's help, and we can do it this time too.

"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."

By "big plans," do you mean, "Big Government?" If so, our memories are excellent. We know that politicians tend to use "crisis" as a segue to more government power over our lives. And, we know that the big government plans of FDR were very popular politically, but only prolonged the Great Depression. Please don't go there. Please!

"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."

I'd love to hear which political arguments you're referring to, Mr. President. That statement has me a bit worried, quite honestly. Economic principles are timeless and don’t change, Mr. President.

"The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works."

Is this because in your mind, there is no such a thing as a government that's too big? Big government doesn't work, Mr. President, which is why your Democratic predecessor said, "The Era of Big Government is Over!"

I'll continue with the second half of my critique of President Obama's speech tomorrow.