Today, Barack Obama made history as he was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America.
In his inaugural address, he didn’t shy away from the mess we’re in, stating that we are in an economic crisis, “badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices…”; as well as acknowledging, “Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.” These statements, dropped right at the start, were a clear sign that he’s ready to roll up his sleeves and dive into the chaos.
When it comes to the economy, he made the usual politician’s promises about creating new jobs and reviving our commerce. There was even a subtle nod to FDR’s “New Deal” in there, hinting that he might have a similar approach up his sleeve. Let’s just cross our fingers that it won’t take another global conflict to drag us out of this economic hole, like it did for our forefathers.
On the subject of our ongoing conflicts, Obama reminded us that we’ve already “faced down fascism and communism,” not just with military power but with political savvy too. That’s a nice way to remind everyone of past victories while setting the stage for his own foreign policy, which seems to be leaning towards mutual respect with the Muslim world and lending a hand to developing nations. He also took a moment to honor the US Armed Forces, both the living and the fallen—a respectful nod that many will appreciate.
He wrapped up his speech with a bit of hopeful rhetoric:
“America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”
And so begins the 44th president’s term. He’s got some tough roads and even tougher challenges ahead. If he succeeds, it could pave the way for others of diverse backgrounds to step into the world’s most powerful role. Here’s hoping the universe grants him the wisdom and strength to tackle what’s coming his way and keeps him safe while he’s at it.
Time Magazine’s Full Text of Obama’s Inaugural Address
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