There was something borrowed, something old, but little new today at the inauguration of Barack H. Obama in Washington DC. For those who expected to get more, they'll have to settle for having gotten less.Let's be clear here. As inaugural speeches go, this one fell woefully short on substance, and most importantly, offered no visions for all Americans to wrap their hands, and their hearts around. The lofty oratorical skills prominently on display during his campaign, eluded President Obama on this, his most important day. One might suggest that anyone attempting to wring the kind of speech to last, while in the grasp of an ideology foreign to the best interests of his country, was doomed to failure from the get-go. And that would be a fair criticism.
President Obama, it has been said, wrote this speech himself, while ignoring the reality that even a lawyer, which he is, in defending himself, would have a fool for a client. There is absolutely nothing wrong at all with wanting to give one of the more memorable inauguration speeches in this country's storied history. This, I believe I could do. Not because I might be the better at it, but simply, because I would have history, and it's lessons on my side. How easy, how Reaganesque it would be to state emphatically that it is the greatness of America, and it's many citizens, which point the way out of the doldrums. Reagan's telling us that ""...We have every right to dream heroic dreams..." is one such vision that lingers still in the minds of those who heard him on that January day, in 1981, at his own first inauguration. In saying this, my very thoughts were validated, as I am sure, were yours also.
Yes, there were moments during Obama's speech, when he borrowed, literally, from Reagan. I find no fault in that, for anything evoking the memory of one of America's most venerable patriots, is welcome. Obama though, is no Reagan. Let that be understood. In his second inaugural address, Reagan opined that "...We will ever be vigilant, and never vulnerable...". How is that for a vision of hopefulness, and of determination?
In reading through the many previous inaugural addreses, made by the presidents past, it was never about them, but about us, and about America's rightful place in the world. And that brings us to today.
The poet, Elizabeth Alexander, gave to us her poem "Praise Song For The Day". It seemed to be little more than a recital of past sins, and of former grievances, as now having found their day forward to the sun shining brightly above. In his benediction, the "rhyming reverend, Joseph Lowery, said to a laughing audience, "We ask you to help us work for that day, when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around, when yellow can be mellow, when the red man, can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right." This was more a political speech, rather than a benediction. Besides, who needs the likes of the Reverend Lowery? We have no need, nor desire to be lectured to on this very important day. Or were they admonitions of a sort?
The swollen crowds got their last chance to greet former President Bush one last time, and they did so gleefully with a one fingered salute, or to be fair, were the salutes given from the ends of arthritic stricken hands? Just wondering.
The appointed hour came, and the opportunity to strike conciliatory chords disappeared in but an instant. Then again, there is always the next inauguration, isn't there? Sarah, are you still there?
Today was a day of major disappointment, but not a disapponting day. Mount Rushmore is safer than ever, and the granite blocks will have to wait for better days. Engravers go home!
A moment of continuity assured, was cast aside in favor of a so-called "New Day Beginning". The only historical lapses are those never recorded by the people making what would become history. Yet, we are told, that we must "recast America". Into what, and from what?
Wouldn't you have loved to have heard Sarah give a similar speech? A speech truly drawing the strings of a divided country closer unto itself?
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3 comments:
It is painfully clear Mr. Atkinson, that you have a clear hatred of Afican Americans, and would have been an obvious member of the Klan. What gives you the right other than, freedom of press to continue to be a self rightous
and self centered person. If Mr.
Obama had been a white man with less polish you would have jumped with glee. You need to take a deep look at yourself and take inventory of the laws of God. Please publish an answer if you don't agree with these allegations?
My 38 yr old sister and her husband John were there today, and they told of promise and hope.
As we approach 2009 with much cause of optimism. The election of Mr. Obama stirred our souls, and provides a basis for real hope for the future in many areas, including climate change, renewable energy, health care, and foreign policy. In hopes that it is only in tough times that we can make real progress as a nation and planet, I choose to celebrate with my friends and family and daily experiences, and look to the future ready to act on my hopes.
Sir: You should publish these remarks into a book. You are clever and quite obviously well read and educated.
Your art of the English language is
brilliant. You are the Bill Buckley of the new generation!
Your Fan Club in Ohio
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