Obama Takes Oath as 44th President of the United States
January 20th, 2009 |
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| President Barack Obama |
Video below…
Click here to add your comments below the historic speech text…
Barack Obama took the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States today and pledged to “begin again the work of remaking America.”
Addressing a throng of about 2 million people on The Washington Mall and millions of others watching on television around the world, Obama recognized the multiple crises now afflicting the nation at a time of war abroad and economic turmoil at home. But he sought to rally Americans to a “new era of responsibility” and the promise of a brighter future.
He cited a profound “sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.” The challenges are real, serious and many, and “they will not be met easily or in a short span of time,” he said.
“But know this, America — they will be met. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.”
“Starting today,” he said, with the local crowd totally silent in respect of the historic moment and the words almost as powerful watching on screen from afar, “we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”
In his much-anticipated inaugural address, Obama sketched out a broad vision for the coming years in domestic policy, while urging rejection of the “false choice” between security and American ideals when it comes to foreign policy.
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On the domestic front, the new president pledged to create new jobs, build up the nation’s infrastructure and “restore science to its rightful place.”
He said the United States would “begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.” He pledged to work with other nations to fight the dangers of nuclear arms and the threat of global warming.
But he also warned: “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.”
Obama extended a hand to the Muslim world, while also cautioning that leaders who sow conflict or blame their ills on the West will be judged by their people “on what you can build, not what you destroy.” And to those who “cling to power” through corruption, deceit and repression, he said: “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.”
To watch the video and read the comments, click below…
Obama’s Swearing In and Inaugural Address
Full text of speech in the comments section below…
January 20th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Text of President Barack Obama’s inaugural address on Tuesday, as prepared for delivery and released by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
OBAMA: My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
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.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
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.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. 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. 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.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
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.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
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 sixty 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 20th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
From Anthony Johnson via e-mail:
The installation of Barack Obama means new leadership for the country and for the world. The essence of America is founded upon basic and essential freedoms. We as a people have chosen a democratic way of life as set by our founding fathers. This season is a season unity, purpose and vision. Our 44th President has issued a clarion call to be responsible citizens and to shoulder our own various callings in life. We must rebuild our country, restore the constitution, and restore our faith in the American Dream.
Rev. Anthony A. Johnson, MDiv
January 20th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
[...] For the full story, photos, videos and the text of the speech and comments, check our sister blog The Locust Fork News Journal. [...]
January 20th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Worth pointing to specifically is the new president’s commitment not to sacrifice our ideals for the sake of security. Benjamin Franklin said much the same thing, and it’s more important today than ever to understand the proper role of government in a free society – to protect liberty, not to eviscerate it. Now, we have rejected the neoconservative authoritarian view of government and embraced again the Franklin ideal with the inauguration of President Obama. Let’s close Guantanamo quickly and leave Iraq with all due deliberate haste.
Sanity seems to have appeared, at last, in Babylon-by-the-Potomac.
January 20th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
President Obama sounds like he has actually been listening to us, really knows Americans live out here, well, in America. That will certainly be a big change.
January 20th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Watching them walk the final two blocks to the White House on C-SPAN, trying to get some thoughts together for a column…
January 20th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
“We’re here, we’re home, it looks great,” said Michelle Obama as she walked in the White House door…
January 20th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
It was a splendid affair with much well spoken promises for a new direction in American politics. I am ready for change and believe we have a leader who will make great strides but it will not happen overnight. Dems and GOPs need to remember we all have a stake in the future and President Obama deserves ample time to implement new policies.
January 20th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
There’s the University of Tennessee marching band playing Rocky Top…
January 20th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
And there’s the University of Arkansas. Ron at The Southerner Journal will be happy to see that…
January 20th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Just in from Don Siegelman via Google mail:
Two Blessings: Bush out – and Obama in!
Don Siegelman
January 20th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
YES! YES! YES! I agree with Don whole-heartedly!
Now is the time for all Americans to unite and show the world that we are a solid country, built on dreams and freedom and our beliefs that we are a united country.
We will stand solid to protect what we love!
January 20th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Just in from William Crane in Montana via e-mail:
No, i didn’t make to the DC festivities.
How’s Birding?
Good to hear from you.
William
—
Story:
Crow ready to ride in D.C.
Carl Venne, Crow tribal chairman, is one of 24 Crow riders who will take part in today’s inaugural parade.
“I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us,” Venne said Monday from Washington, D.C.
For more of this story, click on the this link…
January 20th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Good to hear from you too. Not much birding lately, but the Backyard Bird Count will be coming up in February. May get a look at something in The Smokies coming up here real soon…
We’ll be getting a good look at the coal ash spill situation and interviews with the damaged folks. Also stories on the Darwin anniversaries, the Smoky Mountain National Park 75th anniversary, and a certain e-mail related story in Chattanooga, if you know what I mean..
We’ll be working with a videographer up there too…
January 20th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
From Willie Cook of Montgomery via e-mail:
What a historic day today has been. While our campaign has been underway for a few weeks, we believe today is an appropriate time for us to announce that we have launched our website. We want to remind you that we are the true Democratic campaign in the race.
Please take a moment to visit
http://www.williecookformontgomery.com
and let us know what you think.
Willie Cook for Mayor
P.O. Box 20321 Montgomery, AL 36116
January 20th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
The last quote, from the final ball, after one final dance with Michelle:
“Y’all have a good night. Let’s go change America…”
January 21st, 2009 at 11:06 am
This just in from Pam via e-mail:
We came, we saw, it’s official! We have a new President and it is truly the dawning of a new day!
I have never experienced two million people in one small area before and I’m here to tell you it IS quite an experience. I believe awesome would be the correct word to describe it.
The freezing temps were another thing this Southern girl had never experienced and I hope I never have to experience it again!!!
We went to the Southern Ball last evening with our former SoS Nancy Worley and her beau, Wade Lipscomb. Our camera malfunctioned so pictures will be posted when we get home later this evening.
I will be happy to be back home in “Alabama the Beautiful,” I am kinda homesick and I miss my little dog, Dylan. Thanks go out to Joe, Bill and Peggy Webb for taking such special care of our ‘baby’.
Be home and back online soon!
Pam
January 21st, 2009 at 11:01 pm
[...] The Locust Fork News-Journal » Blog Archive » Obama Takes Oath as … [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:37 am
Can’t wait to see and hear more…
It’s still cold down here too, 26 at the moment according to the weather on my new iGoogle page.
Talked to JS today. She says “we made it.”
Bush actually got on the helicopter and went back to Texas!
But Karl Rove was there in that bunker in Waco, and I think he’s got a new plant here in Alabama, sending me all kinds of crazy e-mails. Maybe I should publish some of them and reveal the guy’s ID and IP.
Maybe later. It’s Yuengling time…
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:29 am
This just in from Jeff Miles via e-mail:
I was there today on the mall in Washington DC for the inauguration of Barak Obama, I was in one of the front standing areas for the silver ticket holders.
I was a part of history today.
It was extremely cold.
We waited in long lines for hours, the metro was packed beyond belief.
When you see shot of the mall, there will be a bunch of jumbotrons, you will see one on the left and then a row of a bunch of them on the right, we, my wife and I, were just to the left of the one on the left and about fifty feet back.
Did I mention it was COLD. I had on three pair of socks, shoes, pants, a t-shirt, a denim shirt, a sweater, a leather coat, a top coat with a wool liner, a scarf, leather gloves, lined with thinsulate, foot warmers in my shoes, hand warmers in my gloves, my Tilley hat, and it was still cold. We got on the metro about six in the morning, it took close to an hour to get what would usually take 15-20 minutes for the trip, but the traffic on the rail was heavy and we would stop and have to wait on other trains, then were told that the stop we needed to get off at was closed due to heavy crowd levels at the station, we got off at the next station and had to walk about 10-12 blocks in the cold, and then waited about three hours in a huge crowd to get to the security check point, we would stand for a long time then the crowd would move a bit, shuffle, shuffle, shuffle and move 5-10 feet, then wait a while longer. There were no problems and the crowd was calm, everyone was excited to be there.
But I was there along with about two million other people.
At the ball on Tuesday night the Vice-President, Joe Biden and his wife showed up about 11:15 and President Obama and his wife showed up a bit after midnight.
DC is too cold for someone from the South.
January 23rd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
This just in from Kay in Knoxville, who offered me a ticket to be on the train with Obama coming into DC for the inauguration. I declined because I had no desire to be in a crowd of 2-4 million in DC in sub-freezing temps.
I told her, like I told Karl Rove’s henchman who keeps harassing me in e-mail, that I like going to DC in the same conditions I like when I play golf: On a Tuesday when no one else is around…
She said:
It was an adventure; got back late last night, am trying to get my pipes fixed (they froze the night before I left).
Later,
Kay
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Which reminds me…
Now that Bush is gone, I can play golf again!!!
Giving Up Golf For the Good of the Country
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:02 pm
[...] Giving Up Golf For the Good of the Country [...]