but arguably the greatest in modern history. However, the financial crisis which was self-induced in America, has led to a critical meltdown in not only the American economy but those of most nations as well.In such a troubling time, I think Obama brings new hope and a new vigour to lead America out of the woods. I paid close attention to not only what he said but his voice and convictions as well. He is serious about leading America as President.
My wish is that he gets the maximum cooperation of Congress for the much needed reforms that must be made to stabilise the world system and for him to bring the world closer together.
[ photos: Times ]
Here is an Extract of the most Important points he made in his Inaugural Address which was about 20 minutes long.
Every so often, the oath of office is taken amidst gathering clouds, and raging storms. That we are in the midst of a crisis is now well understood.Homes have been lost, jobs have been shed.These are the indicators of crisis.
No less profound is the sapping of confidence … a nagging feeling that America is in decline.
We gather because we have chosen hope over fear.
The time has come to set aside childish things.All are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
We understand that greatness is never a given, it must be earned.
Our workers are no less productive, our minds are no less inventive.
Our capacity remains undiminished.
Starting today we must pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America.The state of our economy calls for action, bold and swift.
We will restore science ot its rightful place.We will harness the sun, the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.
All this we can do and all this we can do.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.
The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.
This crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control.
We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.
To all the other peoples and governments who are watching today … know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity.
And we are ready to lead once more.
Our power alone cannot protect us nor does it entitle us to do as we please.
We will not apologise for our way of life nor will be waiver in its defence.
Our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken.
You cannot outlast us and we will defeat you.
We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and non-believers. We cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward based on … mutual respect.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you.
The world has changed and we must change with it.
What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility. A recognition by every American that we have duties.This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains.
They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves.
And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.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.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed.
Why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
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