"...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...
...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...
...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."
6 comments:
Those were some of my fave's too. I also loved when he talked about the Market and those with a willing heart being given opportunity not out of charity, but because it's the way toward common good. I am sure I butchered that, but you know what he said.
Incredible speech.
Ditto to your highlights and Melissa's. I heard a French girl on a news report say, "I like America again." I hope there are many in distant lands that feel the same way.
I loved the speech even through feeding the baby and one tantrum by C. The lowlight of the morning was definitely the poet laureate, who stunk, big time.
Oh, I could have grabbed that Reverend Lowrey and run off with him to be my new very BFF. I ws so excited and moved by many things, but his benediction had me swooning.
I know there are some (more than me) conservative commentators who felt he was being divisive, but I felt the praise and prayer sections in the beginning were so moving and then the levity and gentle mocking of racial references was a lovely way to lighten the mood.
And his fabulous voice!
That first line nearly had me in tears. I was there in DC for the inauguration standing in the North Standing Area. I couldn't see a thing but the speech was amazing. It's a new day.
Can I get an add to your blogroll m'dear? Dropping you on mine.
Can't seem to get to your blog via your blogger profile, Marauder. Who ya be?
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