Disappointed with the Speech
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Disappointed with the Speech
| Tue, 01-20-2009 - 12:53pm |
I was actually a little bit excited about the inauguration ceremony today and anxious to hear our new president's speech. It could have been so good. It could have been inspiring. Instead I thought it was a downer. It seemed like President Obama is still in "campaign mode". He needs a new speech writer. President Clinton would have understood that the nation, so excited by this historic day, would want to hear an inspirational speech on a day like this. I think he blew a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am a little sad instead of excited after hearing it.

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I agree. I had always liked that fact that he seemed very genuine.
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I'm not so sure that it was the "right"ward turn that necessarily did it in for everyone....But it became obvious that he was doing the bidding of other folks and no longer being his own person. The fact that he compromised his true self in order to pander to the extreme elements of his party/base (and looking very uncomfortable in the process) instead of sensing the mood of the American public at large was what did him in. His pick of Palin didn't help either (though it certainly fired up the more radical base, as she was right in her element).
His generous concession speech was wonderful though. I thought it reflected the "true" McCain once again (but it was obviously too late).
I think he's actually qualified (though lacking a lot of experience)....but he has other gifts (gifts like communication and a quick mind that no amount of experience or training could ever provide) that will probably make up for this.
Personally, I'd feel a bit sorry for anyone taking on the mantle President of the United States at this point in time (no matter how stellar their qualifications or extensive their experience). Certainly there's no time to get a "feel" for the job (though he has probably worked harder during the transition than any other president-elect in recent memory...if ever). He'll have to jump in with both feet on day one.
Of course time will tell what will happen.
<< In order to win the presidency you must be able to raise huge amounts of money. The selection of Governor Palin accomplished this for him.>>
And the fact that he selected her for that reason (not solely, but primarily) was another turnoff for a lot of people. The votes they picked up by spending more money were offset by the votes they lost because of the way they chose to do gather those additional votes.
'Everything in moderation' is a wise rule that applies to many aspects of our lives.
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http://www.pnhp.org/news/2009/october/meet_the_new_health_.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQTBYQlQ7yM
I agree with your first paragraph but not at all with the second.
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I don't think he duped people at all. Undoubtedly, some folks have duped themselves though. He's always stressed hard work, and he got that from hoardes of people who came out and worked like dogs on his campaign (AND got results because of it). What he has been consistent about (and this won't change) is Obama's vision of and for America - what you noted in the first paragraph. If I'm not mistaken, these are values that all Americans hold dear (and most of us up here in the Great White North too ;o). Certainly I do.
Timelines may have to be altered depending on circumstance....Some of the issues he raised in the campaign may move up or down on the priority list, some plans may be revised due to additional knowledge provided by folks working together and being encouraged to share their views and ideas....But ultimately, the goal remains the same. That as many people as possible (AND future generations) have the opportunity, and are inspired to reach for and attain, the "AMERICAN DREAM".
While I don't really want to dwell too much on the race issue, I must say that it was wonderful to hear so MANY African Americans say that they can now look their kids in the eye, say "If you work hard you can do anything"....and actually believe it. It was nice to see so many children of colour say that they have ambitions to stay in school and work hard too. If this ends up inspiring large numbers of children to dream big and have goals....If it gives them and their families a different kind role model so many are lacking, I can't help but think how invaluable that will be for American society.
There are people who pooh-pooh the idea of "hope" (some on this very board)....but I know that when there isn't any, it's human nature to feel helpless or angry and not be bothered to change their situation....much less respect themselves or others around them, look to the future with optimism or reach for the stars.
Chilly, whether someone was inspired by his speech or not, the important thing - the thing I am most interested in is seeing the steps his administration, along with Congress, takes in getting the country back to being economically sound, jobs increasing and protecting our country and our rights.
It really doesn't matter any longer, if it ever did, who did what to cause what.
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What I think has been sorely missing and the biggest part of the problem has been the voices of moderate Muslims (either through fear and intimidation or a feeling of isolation and lack of support/understanding)....and there are millions of those. I agree, one cannot really shift the views of rabid fundamentalists (particularly within a foreign society)...but it is possible to work to prevent so many future ones. It is possible to be a good example. It is possible to help create an atmosphere where those within these problem communities who do not think that way can feel it's both necessary and productive to make their voices heard. The West and the US cannot solve this problem without the participation and respect of moderate Muslims all over. However, it's IMpossible to kill every fundamentalist loonie out there (weaken for a while, perhaps....but at the price of strengthening their resolve). These are a renewable resource that can flourish and grow under certain circumstances (and one can argue that for the past 50 years, and certainly most recently the circumstances have been optimal). It HAS to come from within.
I liked these parts of his speech (my caps for emphasis). The whole world was watching, in unprecedented numbers for a presidential inauguration...I wonder what they thought when it came to this part.
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"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.
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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."
Edited 1/21/2009 2:22 pm ET by suemox
ITA!
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