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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThis is an absolutely AMAZING Inauguration speech by Pres.Obama.
Last edited Tue Jan 22, 2013, 12:55 AM - Edit history (1)
Revolutionary. Powerful. Current.
A 21st Century Manifesto of Liberalism & Patriotism.
malaise
(269,049 posts)Don't fugg with social security or medicare
senseandsensibility
(17,063 posts)I'd like to know exactly what he said about that. I'm listening, but there are a ton of distractions in my house at the moment.
IWelcome TheirHatred
(50 posts)speaking of which, it will take a Democrat to "fix" social security just as it took a Republican to go to China (Nixon)
Glitterati
(3,182 posts)See below.
jillan
(39,451 posts)Glitterati
(3,182 posts)I am inspired.
rurallib
(62,423 posts)WOW what a speech
ReRe
(10,597 posts)A clear shot across the bow of the GOP: don't mess with SS, Medicare, and - when he referred to the investments for our future - don't short change education and WIC, etc.
Notice that he didn't say anything about strengthening the defense. Hopefully, that would also indicate reducing the monies spent on the military-industrial complex.
BumRushDaShow
(129,084 posts)As Prepared for Delivery
Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:
<snip>
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
We, the people, still believe that every citizen deserves a basic measure of security and dignity. We must make the hard choices to reduce the cost of health care and the size of our deficit. But we reject the belief that America must choose between caring for the generation that built this country and investing in the generation that will build its future. For we remember the lessons of our past, when twilight years were spent in poverty, and parents of a child with a disability had nowhere to turn. We do not believe that in this country, freedom is reserved for the lucky, or happiness for the few. We recognize that no matter how responsibly we live our lives, any one of us, at any time, may face a job loss, or a sudden illness, or a home swept away in a terrible storm. [font size="5"]The commitments we make to each other through Medicare, and Medicaid, and Social Security these things do not sap our initiative; they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great.[/font]
We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity. We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms. The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries we must claim its promise. That is how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure our forests and waterways; our croplands and snowcapped peaks. That is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God. Thats what will lend meaning to the creed our fathers once declared.
Edit to reduce it down...
malaise
(269,049 posts)1StrongBlackMan
(31,849 posts)See ... He didn't actually say,
malaise
(269,049 posts)1StrongBlackMan
(31,849 posts)I should have referred you back to the thread and wrote: "See?"
(Some segments of) DUers never fail.
malaise
(269,049 posts)and move on. Not everyone is as happy as we are today.
hopemountain
(3,919 posts)well, then take a listen (cnn, nbc, cbs, faux, & even c-span) to how the repubs interepreted these words. they totally got the message and they are not happy.....budget this and budget that....blahblahblah.
ReRe
(10,597 posts)THANK YOU! BumRushDaShow for posting this!
Cheers and a Salute to you!
proverbialwisdom
(4,959 posts)Glitterati
(3,182 posts)First, it was BEAUTIFUL - the whole speech!
He said We, the People, don't fix our budget on the backs of the people who BUILT this country. We, the People, don't allow our seniors to live in poverty. We, the People...........
It was as good as speech as JFK's Ask Not.......
malaise
(269,049 posts)Glitterati
(3,182 posts)as I said, I was paraphrasing!
What an amazing speech!
malaise
(269,049 posts)The commitments we make to each other - through Medicare, and Medicaid, and Social Security - these things do not sap our initiative; they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great.
jillan
(39,451 posts)My heart is overflowing with appreciation of this wonderful man!
malaise
(269,049 posts)Wonderful
Tweety is delighted
Glitterati
(3,182 posts)The entire speech was so personal, so touching. None but the hardest hearted can come away with any feeling but, We, the People!
Coolest Ranger
(2,034 posts)a gay man who deserves his chance to marry who he wants
Glitterati
(3,182 posts)Glitterati
(3,182 posts)From the link above
forestpath
(3,102 posts)Glitterati
(3,182 posts)We...........the People..........intend to make you more miserable for the next 4 years!
With Barack Obama as our leader.
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)the meaning of the words.
You are both right. The President made an inspiring, sweeping, generalizing statement about the commitment of the nation to Social Security, Medicare and taking care of disabled children.
At the same time, in that inspiring, sweeping, generalizing statement, there was no vow to refrain from cutting benefits from the Social Security, Medicare and programs for disabled children.
Both appreciation and skepticism are appropriate in response to that statement.
The emotions we feel listening to the speech are wonderful, but we have to also view it with our rational, practical eye. And we have to ask questions. The President's speeches do not answer specific questions.
Glitterati
(3,182 posts)answer specific questions.
That would be more appropriate for a State of the Union, a press conference, or a campaign speech.
Not an inaugural.
An inaugural is meant to say, election's over, I won, now we have to come together. Unite as a country.
This speech said, I have formed my army, my electors, and united, we are going to do big things.
We....the People...... (the inference was hop on for the ride, or stand there scowling - we don't care). We can accomplish great things without you. We.....the People.......
forestpath
(3,102 posts)forestpath
(3,102 posts)I didn't make it up - President Obama put SS cuts on the table. And frankly, if you don't like that, tough shit. You will not shut me up, as much as you obviously want to.
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)Asked by ABCs George Stephanopolous whether Obama will only sign a budget deal if it includes new revenues, Plouffe agreed.
Yes, its got to be balanced, said Plouffe, who expects to leave his first-floor West Wing office soon. We need spending cuts, entitlement reform and revenue. We have to have that.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congress/senate-democrats-say-they-will-oblige-gop-calls-to-pass-budget-warn-it-will-include-taxes/2013/01/21/23e1d8a8-63af-11e2-889b-f23c246aa446_story.html
I worked hard to get him election, but he cannot count on my support if, at my age, he cuts Social Security and Medicare. It's a double-cross. I don't want to have to ask my children for money. Neither do most other seniors. And having to ask your children for money is what entitlement reform would mean for most seniors.
forestpath
(3,102 posts)from under me - as I now fully expect him to do - don't know what I'll do either. Not many jobs for us retired folk these days.
hopemountain
(3,919 posts)and celebrate...the small and seemingly insignificant as well as the great. "find the good. and praise it." forward!
try it. you'll feel so much better after working so tirelessly to gnaw every bit strength and snuff every ray of light to affirm the darkness of hopelessness.
forestpath
(3,102 posts)Glitterati
(3,182 posts)on a day when the rest of us are enjoying ourselves.
I'm not surprised, though. Every one of the posters I watch tear up Obama every day are still at it.
Even on a day when you and I are basking in our win and a wonderful speech.
IWelcome TheirHatred
(50 posts)Are you aware of the "grand bargain" he wanted to make regarding SS? Are you aware of how he praises Simpson-Bowles?
You're getting swept up in the flowery rhetoric that every politician uses just before they plunge the knife in your back.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
Or in the words of St. Reagan - Trust, but verify.
Glitterati
(3,182 posts)The inaugural is obviously killing you.
I'm inspired. And no one who watched it, except the Republicans who realize We, the People, are coming.........
IWelcome TheirHatred
(50 posts)I'm just not going all out rock-star groupie on him like it seems some people are doing. I'm too old for that and have seen too many lying bastards go back on their words.
Not trusting a politician is called "democracy".......small "d" democracy is based on not-trusting they will do what they say. You have to hold them to their word.
Mouthing the words vs. actually doing the act are two different things. Seeing is believing.
Glitterati
(3,182 posts)Because that speech was intended to unite us all as We, the People.
I'm sorry you are so cynical and miserable, but leave us to enjoy the personal touch he put in that speech for the rest of us.
He talked to me. He talked about the things that matter to me. He spoke to UNITE us as We, the People.
If you can't take that, you need to stop trying to ruin the moment for the rest of us.
IWelcome TheirHatred
(50 posts)By all means have a ball enjoying the moment. Just a note, don't take any wooden nickels.
Glitterati
(3,182 posts)must make you an absolutely miserable human being.
You really might be happier over with the Freepers who are crying in their milk as well.
IWelcome TheirHatred
(50 posts)Son of Gob
(1,502 posts)Glitterati
(3,182 posts)Looks like we'll be handing out granite pizzas most of the day.
This inauguration is killing them!
hopemountain
(3,919 posts)Honest_Abe
(155 posts)that tomorrow is the day we start holding his feet to the fire, thanking him for his successes and criticizing him where he missed the mark. Today IS the day to go all rock-star groupie on him.
I understand the glass half-full/half-empty thing, I just can't understand the people here who can't seem to acknowledge the water that is there.
Just my 2 cents.
IWelcome TheirHatred
(50 posts)I think the problem with Obama was this...
The Bush years were a crime. Obama came along and inspired many to think real change was going to happen. He had bad economic advisor's (Geithner and Summers). Obama tried to play nice with the other side too much and for too long to the detriment of the country (to which I mean the (R)'s retook the House in '10)
Single-payer was not allowed to be even discussed as an option.
Lacking any military knowledge or experience, he allowed the Generals to roll him on Afghanistan "surge" nonsense.
That was the bad.
The good - He's ending Iraq/Afghanistan. He seems to be finding a spine as far as the debt-ceiling "debate"
He mouths words that seem to be in favor of upholding the social safety net. He talks of infrastructure building.
All great things.
Now, if only he hadn't played footsie with the (R)'s in '09 and '10 he might have a majority (D) in both houses of Congress to actually get things done.
malaise
(269,049 posts)Fearless
(18,421 posts)ReRe
(10,597 posts)...respectfully allow the rest of us celebrate?
appacom
(296 posts)STFU, but can't conceive of anything more appropriate.
forestpath
(3,102 posts)Glitterati
(3,182 posts)Not surprised at all.
forestpath
(3,102 posts)Glitterati
(3,182 posts)Making an observation is not an attack.
forestpath
(3,102 posts)Cha
(297,290 posts)previously banned troll.. and, taking this celebration of PBO's Inaugural Speech thread to piss, whine, and moan.
Glitterati
(3,182 posts)to throw cold water on our celebration.
It's what they live for.
Sadly.
Cha
(297,290 posts)of cow puck pizza, either.
Showing their true colors. They just can't resist.
forestpath
(3,102 posts)cuts" I wouldn't trust him on that either.
cynatnite
(31,011 posts)panAmerican
(1,206 posts)I like the allusions to our higher ideals, while reinforcing the themes he fought for during the reelection campaign. We are not a nation of takers!
OKNancy
(41,832 posts)one for the ages IMO
Glitterati
(3,182 posts)an amazing speech!
We, the People............
LisaLynne
(14,554 posts)just said the same thing. Just as powerful. We will be quoting from that speech for years to come.
Glitterati
(3,182 posts)I think this one was even more inspiring. His delivery, the words, the tempo, the meaning. It was simply amazing!
We.........the People.........
Wow!
But, I was a child for JFK, so that may have well had an effect.
This was just amazing!
ecstatic
(32,707 posts)I caught the tail end of his speech.
Volaris
(10,272 posts)ecstatic
(32,707 posts)Volaris
(10,272 posts)AND..I got the distinct impression he was not intending to screw around anymore.
It was one of the most ELEGANT "Fuck You's" ever put to a microphone.
I am impressed. Espically that line "We. THE PEOPLE."--just the change in emphaisis from one word to another changes the whole context, without changing AT ALL the original meaning. Brilliant.
Glitterati
(3,182 posts)We..........the People..........
Strong, invigorating, inspiring!
malaise
(269,049 posts)I listen well -I know what I heard.
No one is spoiling today for me.
geomon666
(7,512 posts)If we can accomplish even a fraction of what he laid out in that speech this country will be so much better.
Politicub
(12,165 posts)I agree - so current. He no longer has blinders on about the obstructionism of republicans.
In_The_Wind
(72,300 posts)AverageJoe90
(10,745 posts)If anybody knows, will there be any re-runs? Heck, even a 'Net link will do fine, really.
handmade34
(22,756 posts)even MTV has it up!
flamingdem
(39,313 posts)Most important issue of our time ... let's support him 1000% on this one against the KOCH klan
avebury
(10,952 posts)I would have like to have heard one line that would go down in history, like along the lines of JFK's "...Ask not what your country can do for you what you can do for your country."
bemildred
(90,061 posts)All the dividers and war lovers and money lovers and haters. Lincoln would be proud. Jimmy Carter must be proud. Martin Luther King would be proud.
Scurrilous
(38,687 posts)UrbScotty
(23,980 posts)Benton D Struckcheon
(2,347 posts)I almost fell over. I was making a fire, had the tv on the speech while I was doing that, and I turned around and stared when he did that. Couldn't believe it.
He compromised when he had to in his first term. I think this second is going to give us an idea of what it would have been like to see Lincoln have two terms.
Cha
(297,290 posts)Welcome to DU, Benton
SunSeeker
(51,571 posts)He raised it all, from "Seneca Falls, to Selma, to Stonewall." He even brought up Newtown. And climate change. For such a short speech, I am struck by how many times I had to wipe away tears.
Amonester
(11,541 posts)Inspiring. Uniting.
What a contrast with the depressing 43rd...
left coaster
(1,093 posts)Our journey is not complete until all American women can live their lives free from the threat of sexual violence and abuse, and that these same women; our mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, no matter which state they reside in, have full and absolute autonomy over their own bodies and lives, through unhampered access to all facets of reproductive health care and family planning, including the right to choose abortion.
Glitterati
(3,182 posts)It felt intensely personal, like he was speaking personally to many of us. Deeply personal issues, pain, worry were called out and put up there on Obama's list to be addressed.
It was as if he was saying I heard you, now let's get busy! United, strong and together to address and solve each and every one.
Collectively, together, we can do this!
hopemountain
(3,919 posts)he did reach out to many of us on many levels. and i am overjoyed with his commitment to addressing climate change.
with strength, integrity & respect he acknowledged issues which others have ignored.
i hope tomorrow every one of us awakens with a renewed sense of commitment to do our share in making sure issues important to "we the people" - the grassroots, the youth, the elderly, our vets, the disabled, the middle class, et al, - reach the ears of our legislators.