The Speech

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 will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do. *** We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. 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. *** As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all. For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate. *** This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath. So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: "Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]." 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.

January 20, 2009

Today, there is cheering. Today, there are tears of joy and triumph. Today, the people's voices are rising up and joining together. It must feel so amazing to be Barack Obama today. To be in the limo, hearing the cheers, the screams, the joy, the excitement. What a contrast from 4 years ago. Reports of the Inaugural Parade being met with protests and booing and hissing and back turning. I wonder how it feels to be in that limo with Obama, knowing and feeling the difference in reception from 4 years ago to now. To remember the expressions of dissatisfaction and even hate and to be witness to the excitement and acceptance and joy for this new President. *** Charlie Gibson's word of the day is "minutiae." The man can't stop saying it. Granted, the details he is sharing are mostly interesting. But find a synonym, man! Maybe detail or trivia? Mix it up a bit, please! *** I did find a bit of the minutiae interesting. Ronald Reagan started a tradition when he left the White House. He left a letter on the desk for George Bush, Sr. And it's been done by each President since. I would love to know what those "passing of the torch" letters say? Does it give details about how to flush the Oval Office toilet when the handle sticks? How to get that window in the kitchen to open on a humid day? What restaurants are the best in town? A map of the secret tunnels? Which Secret Service Agents have a good sense of humor?

January 20, 2009

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

A house divided against itself cannot stand. Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them? Any people anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up, and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable - a most sacred right - a right, which we hope and believe, is to liberate the world. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

JOHN F. KENNEDY

I look forward to a great future for America - a future in which our country will match its military strength with our moral restraint, its wealth with our wisdom, its power with our purpose.

Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.

The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were.

RONALD REAGAN

Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation. You will have opportunities beyond anything we've ever known.

My philosophy of life is that if we make up our mind what we are going to make of our lives, then work hard toward that goal, we never lose - somehow we win out.

Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.

BARACK OBAMA

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.

If the people cannot trust their government to do the job for which it exists - to protect them and to promote their common welfare - all else is lost.

There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and there are patriots who supported the war in Iraq. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.

There's not a liberal America and a conservative America - there's the United States of America.

***

No matter who you voted for, I believe that most citizens, and certainly most of the world, recognize the historical importance of today's Inauguration.

I've heard grumbling from Conservatives about the hoopla being made over this Inauguration. About the coverage and air time and the giddiness of the media.

I think it is well deserved. I think it is overdue.

I've got my little black and white TV on at my desk and am watching the coverage on ABC this morning. While I am awed by the tradition of the visit to St. John's and the final coffee with President Bush... I am moved to tears to see the crowds, to see people celebrating and crying and dancing and praying.

I am hearing stories of what it feels like to be in D.C. these past few weeks. Of changes in how Republicans and Democrats approach each other. Of the energy passing between people.

No matter what... change is upon us and the citizens of this nation are hungry for it.

This is impressive, awe-inspiring, history making, emotionally powerful happenings.

I will most likely post throughout the day as moments of the Inauguration impact me.

Back to the Corners

Naptime for baby and Dance Class for preschooler so we are back to the Debate!! They are still talking about the economy. Lehrer asked a good question- what are you willing to cut from your current plans if this $700 billion bailout goes through? The answers started in the last post- where they both seemed to just prioritize their plans. No one really directly answers what will get cut. Obama did say that, for example, alternate energy is a large idea and there would be pieces of it that would have to be reviewed and cut. McCain is talking about fighting excessive spending. I agree with the idea. And I do like Obama calling him out on being connected to Bush and McCain voting FOR Bush's budgets. That is a VERY important point. You want to cut spending but you've been approving the budgets of the spendiest president in history. McCain points to his long record of being a maverick. And bringing up his maverick partner (and then he blinked really weirdly a few times). Huh. Lemme pause the DVR. On this topic of government spending. I think our government spends oodles and oodles of money they don't have. I think that there are definite areas where spending can be cut dramatically. I have no clue what those areas are since I've never reviewed the federal budget. But I still firmly believe that I will forever be taxed. And that my tax dollars will continue to fund these federal budgets. The important thing, to me, is who is making decisions about where the money goes. Until there is radical change (like, say, The Fair Tax), I will always have part of my income taken from me and spent in ways that I didn't directly approve. My state representative certainly hasn't called to ask if it's ok to spend my money on war. So the money is always going to be taken from me. MY preference is that my money be used to help people who need it. Social programs. Building infrastructure. Improving education. Making higher education more attainable. Job opportunities. Back to the debate. "We did not use our military wisely in Iraq." I AGREE. I also agree with McCain. He said that the next President will have to decide how we leave and when we leave. However, this is the same guy who says he can see us in Iraq for the next 100 years? I doubt his Presidency, if it ever happens, would last that long. Might feel like it. YES! The surge was a TACTIC to fix the previous mess. I soooo agree. Anyone else notice that Obama is willing to talk directly to McCain and looks at him but McCain doesn't seem to ever look at Bush or talk directly to him? Tactic vs Strategy. Tactic, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a device for accomplishing an end. Strategy, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is the art of devising or employing plans towards a goal. Huh. McCain seems to think there is a huge difference between these 2 things. I have to admit to being a little tired of rehashing the past. Mistakes were made with the Iraq War. We shouldn't have gone in for the reasons we were led to believe. I think it is important to recognize that mistakes were made and to admit that we have to fix it and get out. I would have a lot more respect for McCain if he would admit mistakes were made instead of only trying to look forward. Afghanistan. All I have to say is- I loved the pointed look at McCain when Obama said "strategic." Anyone else catch it?? Alright. Enough politics for my blog for now. One of these entries may actually introduce my readers (of which I currently have 3, I think) to me and my family and my life!

In This Corner...

I'm watching the Presidential Debate. Are you? If you aren't, you should be. If you are, follow along with me! First of all, I know it is called "playing to the camera," but I love how Barack can make eye contact with me through my TV. He's done it twice now. I swear. First thought. Obama pointed out that they had not yet read the proposal for this economic plan so he can't say whether he supports it or not. McCain stated he'll vote for it. Without reading it? McCain says he will veto any spending bill... but there are programs that need funding. Like that war he supports in Iraq. Jim Lehrer seems to be struggling. Huh. Energy. Health Care. Education, Science, Technology, Affordable College. Infrastructure- including broadband to rural areas. Eliminate programs that don't work. Eliminate ethanol subsidies. Fixed cost contracts. Defense spending under control. Clean out the bad apples from government agencies. And now I pause for the evening. As much as I would like to be a political afficionado... I am a mom first. And my daughter needs me. So off I go and I will watch more of the debate on the DVR over the weekend!