Inauguration speech

[L.O.A.S.]

Looking for comments on the President's inaugural address. If possible (and I am doubtful), it would be nice to focus only on the messages of the speech, and not bring up your likes or dislikes for the man himself.

[Maeve_Mari]

He said the word 'freedom' 27 times.
That's pretty neutral on my part!

[noodle]

i don't like him
/duck

seriously, though, he didn't really say much, just standard political jibber jabber.
the only thing that seemed to strike me is his implication that america is on the lookout for countries where democracy is being oppressed and will be coming for them, or something of that nature. yipes.

[Larrison]

I didn't see the speech or a replay, so I had to go read it..

A couple of key phrases I think..

"The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world."

"Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave. Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our Nation. It is the honorable achievement of our fathers. Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation's security, and the calling of our time."

"So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world."

"This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities. And when the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own. "

"America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way."


Not bad -- my perspective is this seems to be one of the better inaguration speeches and definitely one of the better Bush ones.

Now, we'll see if the policies and programs he proposes match this...

[L.O.A.S.]

Originally Posted by noodle

the only thing that seemed to strike me is his implication that america is on the lookout for countries where democracy is being oppressed and will be coming for them, or something of that nature. yipes.

"All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppressions, or excuse your oppressors. When YOU stand for your liberty, we will stand with you." Emphasis on the second sentance. We'll help once you get the ball rolling.

[Gav]

Well I would like to pose the question:

Is it freedom if it is imposed on you?

[Maeve_Mari]

from: Robert G. Kaiser, washingtonpost.com chat:

"We saw again today, I thought, how good President Bush's speechwriters are. These are wordsmiths of the first rank. It was a lovely speech.

"But what did it mean? I confess to feeling there's something of a contradiction between his ringing endorsement of freedom everywhere and his administration's dependence on some of the ugliest, least free governments in Asia and the Middle East to prosecute the war on terrorism. If, as Bush said today, 'it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture,' what about Egypt? Pakistan? Uzbekistan? Kazakhstan? Saudi Arabia? None of these is remotely free, yet the Bush administration never criticizes or pressures them in any visible way. How can the imprisoned dissidents in all those countries possibly take the President's words seriously?

"I re-read Bush's first Inaugural Address this morning, and there is a striking consistency between that speech and today's. They are obviously written by the same fine writers, and they express the same broad (and uncontroversial) sentiments in favor of freedom abroad and more justice at home. Does that portend a second term similar to the first? I doubt it. I think we're in for discontinuity somehow, though I can't today predict how. In my lifetime, only Eisenhower had a second term similar to the first. The odds are against it."

[telkanuru]

I found it hillarious that a man who has come out against gay marriage had the gall to talk about equality. Let us just say this speech did not go without firewater, even if it was at noon.

[esskreemr]

I've heard that Halliburton is renaming the company to Freedom, Inc. Their new motto: "Freedom Inc, because Freedom isn't always free, or cheap for that matter!"

[scrapinpeg]

I thought it was one of the more visionary inaugural speeches. He echoed Francis Fukuyama's theory of history as a progression towards freedom, and put into words what the world has known for decades, that the United States is dedicated to helping those who seek freedom.

"Because we have acted in the great liberating tradition of this nation, tens of millions have achieved their freedom. And as hope kindles hope, millions more will find it. By our efforts, we have lit a fire as well--a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress, and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world." -- the fire of freedom in response to the fires of terror and tyrrany was a particularly good metaphor.

"It is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world." -- that sums it up.

Yes, that is ambitious. And of course there are those who will respond with cynicism and doubt. But consider this bit:

"Today, as an old order passes, the new world is more free but less stable. Communism's collapse has called forth old animosities and new dangers. Clearly America must continue to lead the world we did so much to make.

"While America rebuilds at home, we will not shrink from the challenges, nor fail to seize the opportunities, of this new world. Together with our friends and allies, we will work to shape change, lest it engulf us.

"When our vital interests are challenged, or the will and conscience of the international community is defied, we will act--with peaceful diplomacy when ever possible, with force when necessary. The brave Americans serving our nation today in the Persian Gulf, in Somalia, and wherever else they stand are testament to our resolve.

"But our greatest strength is the power of our ideas, which are still new in many lands. Across the world, we see them embraced--and we rejoice. Our hopes, our hearts, our hands, are with those on every continent who are building democracy and freedom. Their cause is America's cause."

As you probably already know, that's not from Bush's speech. That's from Bill Clinton's 1993 inaugural address. These ideas are not new, nor do they belong to one party or another. It's just what Americans do.

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by telkanuru

I found it hillarious that a man who has come out against gay marriage had the gall to talk about equality. Let us just say this speech did not go without firewater, even if it was at noon.

What does gay marriage have to do with equality?

[jeff]

Originally Posted by prototoast

What does gay marriage have to do with equality?

It has to do with that part of the population having the equal right to be married (and the attendant tangible and intangible benefits) as the rest of the population.

[esskreemr]

Originally Posted by prototoast

What does gay marriage have to do with equality?

How about the "freedom" to choose ones [b]consenting[\b] partner in life?

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by esskreemr

How about the "freedom" to choose ones [b]consenting[\b] partner in life?

freedom != equality

[Welted 24/7]

Er...

"So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world."

"America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way."

Nobody else sees the problem there?

[HillBilly]

he's bush, i see problems with him talking everywhere. What about the seperation of church and state? There were TWO people who prayed at the Inauguration!

[noodle]

doesn't really matter
since he doesn't have to worry about reelection, he could've jumped on the podium and done a fancy jig.

probably would've gotten a standing ovation, too; those crowds are rigged

[L.O.A.S.]

Originally Posted by Gav

Well I would like to pose the question:

Is it freedom if it is imposed on you?

No its not. "When YOU stand for your liberty, we will stand with you." This is a theme that he stresses numerous times.

[L.O.A.S.]

Originally Posted by jeff

It has to do with that part of the population having the equal right to be married (and the attendant tangible and intangible benefits) as the rest of the population.

There is domestic partnership laws to provide them equal benefits. What the small percentage of the population does not have the right to do, is redefine an age old institution in an attempt to impose their beliefs on society.

[Inquartata]

Originally Posted by noodle

doesn't really matter
since he doesn't have to worry about reelection, he could've jumped on the podium and done a fancy jig.

probably would've gotten a standing ovation, too; those crowds are rigged

Eh...did you notice Kerry and Clintons, at all? Just as a for instance.

Did you watch the many, many people in the crowd who weren't applauding and were looking bored or disapproving whenever the cameras were on them?