Otter Limits

Here I have finally decided to comment on the Inaugural Address of our country’s newest President.

Below are some highlights from it and a bit of commentary on them:

“Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility …..”

Thank goodness someone in power finally pointed it out.

“On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recrimination and worn-out dogmas that for far long long have strangled our politics.”

Only time will tell how far this “proclamation” turns out.

“….our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions – that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”

I agree, I think it is high time our government stop catering to the special interests that represent such a small minority of the country’s population.

“The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works….”

I love this quote!

He goes on to mention after this bit about restoring the “vital trust between people and their government.” That sounds good in theory but really naive. I am not optimistic enough in ANY elected official to believe they can restore trust between me and the government. That damage was done long ago and quite honestly is beyond repair. Nice sound bite though.

“The nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.”

Amen Mr. President!

“And so, to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born, 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.”

It could happen.

“[earlier generations]..understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please.”

Amen again!!!

“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.”

I wonder how many citizens of Muslim nations believe that and if so, are they willing to do something about it?

And here is the bit of the speech that I think will be one of those historic bits…

“With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter..”

In general, to be honest, there was not a whole lot about the speech that was really memorable. There wasn’t really any “ask not what your country can do for you…” lines or a “the only thing we have to fear is….” or anything like that. There were some bits that were moving but, again to be honest, it was not really all that memorable and in my opinion sounded more like a campaign speech than by a man who did not need to campaign anymore. Dude! You already got the job!

That’s okay though, the man has some interesting ideas. How about we all forget our petty differences. Forget about our reds and blues. Our Democrats and Republicans. Our conservatives and liberals. Let us all stand together and get behind our new President. At least give him the benefit of the doubt and no matter how much some of us (some more than others apparently *wink*) don’t agree with everything he says, at least stand behind him and see what he can do for our country.

That is all…..for now….

By the way, you can read the entire address here.