Inauguration Day

We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth.

And because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

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.

-- President Barack H. Obama: The Inauguration Speech

It began somewhat inauspiciously with a Dubya-esque slip during the oath and swearing in, but I gather that it was Chief Justice Roberts who flubbed it, but still not a promising omen. Then it was Obama rising true to form, the oracular speaker who won a long, tough campaign, which is but a token of the political challenges in front of him now.

Godspeed, Mr. President, and good luck to us all!

( Inauguration Speech )

Inauguration Day

We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth.

And because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

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.

-- President Barack H. Obama: The Inauguration Speech

It began somewhat inauspiciously with a Dubya-esque slip during the oath and swearing in, but I gather that it was Chief Justice Roberts who flubbed it, but still not a promising omen. Then it was Obama rising true to form, the oracular speaker who won a long, tough campaign, which is but a token of the political challenges in front of him now.

Godspeed, Mr. President, and good luck to us all!

( Inauguration Speech )