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Between the Lines (Some More)
Jan. 20th, 2009 08:41 pmToday, President Barak Obama gave his inaugural address before not just the nation, but the world. He spoke with clear and calm intent, proving himself once again to be an orator of considerable skill. If nothing else, we can be confident that the speeches for the next four years will be good ones.
This speech I watched it, live, and once again I've been inspired to offer my thoughts. It is, of course, a far longer speech than Bush's farewell had been, and for that reason I'm going to put the entire thing behind an lj-cut. I'll say first, however, that my initial response was how nice it was to see a Presidential address from a well-spoken, thoughtful, eloquent man. Those things do not a President make and yet there is something very presidential about them. I had no difficulty understanding his words and I was further impressed by his bearing. During the oath there was an element of nervousness and excitement but in the inaugural itself he was calm, confident and regal. There was nothing of a presentation in his stance or his speech but instead the impression of a man who meant what he said. I think it's also fair to say that there is nothing in this speech that has any relationship whatsoever with Bush's messages or agenda. Instead of fear, Obama speaks of challenges already overcome. Instead of good and evil, he refers to embracing our differences and seeking common ground. Where Bush speaks of Christianity as the sole measure of morality, Obama reminds us that we are a nation where all beliefs are welcome, even the lack of them.
Now I realize that all of these things are superficial. A man could be a complete ignoramus or an utter ass and still be an excellent actor with superior charisma. Furthermore, the difference between an inauguration and a farewell speech are profound. Being able to speak well of things that are not yet done is far easier than to put a pleasant spin on things that have been accomplished (or not), So I took a lot of what Obama said with a certain grain of salt and while I recommend the value of his words and will give my thoughts and opinions in the cut to follow, I urge the same of whoever might read it.
( My fellow citizens: )
This speech I watched it, live, and once again I've been inspired to offer my thoughts. It is, of course, a far longer speech than Bush's farewell had been, and for that reason I'm going to put the entire thing behind an lj-cut. I'll say first, however, that my initial response was how nice it was to see a Presidential address from a well-spoken, thoughtful, eloquent man. Those things do not a President make and yet there is something very presidential about them. I had no difficulty understanding his words and I was further impressed by his bearing. During the oath there was an element of nervousness and excitement but in the inaugural itself he was calm, confident and regal. There was nothing of a presentation in his stance or his speech but instead the impression of a man who meant what he said. I think it's also fair to say that there is nothing in this speech that has any relationship whatsoever with Bush's messages or agenda. Instead of fear, Obama speaks of challenges already overcome. Instead of good and evil, he refers to embracing our differences and seeking common ground. Where Bush speaks of Christianity as the sole measure of morality, Obama reminds us that we are a nation where all beliefs are welcome, even the lack of them.
Now I realize that all of these things are superficial. A man could be a complete ignoramus or an utter ass and still be an excellent actor with superior charisma. Furthermore, the difference between an inauguration and a farewell speech are profound. Being able to speak well of things that are not yet done is far easier than to put a pleasant spin on things that have been accomplished (or not), So I took a lot of what Obama said with a certain grain of salt and while I recommend the value of his words and will give my thoughts and opinions in the cut to follow, I urge the same of whoever might read it.
( My fellow citizens: )
