We'll see. (I know, I said I wasn't going to watch it, but I did, in the event.) As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. ... 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 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.
For myself, I think the speech lacked 'arc'. It also pulled punches, rhetorically and otherwise.
The most touching was clearly the civil rights acknowledgments that caused the crowd to cheer and rise. The most powerful section, however, was the section on foreign policy, which hit a wonderful cadence, at one point [edits are my own hubris, of course].way of life aspirations, 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[, no matter how soaked with tragedy,] is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you we will see you weaken and disappear, in God's time.For we know that Our [special] patchwork, [American] heritage is a strength, not a weakness, [in all our struggles]. 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; [and] that, as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself. that America must play its role I call upon all of you with ears to hear to share the burden of ushering in a new era of peace.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Did He "Enlist" Americans, Today?
