Like many Americans, I wished I were in Washington last Tuesday to personally witness the unfolding of history and hope during the inauguration of the first African-American to become president of a nation that struggled through a great civil war and centuries of civil rights battles to arrive at this stage of its history.
It was fitting that President Barrack Obama’s swearing in came a day after the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and barely three weeks before the 200th birth anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln, two leaders who were mostly responsible for the emergence of a man of color as the president of this great country.
Like an Indian chief summoning the souls of his ancestors, Obama harnessed the wisdom of at least four great presidents in rallying the American people to join him in the work of “remaking America.”
Realizing the importance of Lincoln’s role in the long struggle of African-Americans for equality and justice, Obama took his oath before the same bible used by Lincoln in his first inauguration on March 4, 1861. And following the footsteps of Lincoln, who believed in the balance between market economy and government guidance, Obama hinted that the government would take an active role in the conduct of business and industry in the country.
“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. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end,” Obama stressed.
He added: “Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.”
In rallying Americans to bear with the government as it fights to overcome the economic crisis, Obama invoked the words of America’s first president, Gen. George Washington, when he rallied his troops in the crossing of the icy Delaware River on Christmas Day 1776 in a surprise attack against the mercenary Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey that helped turn the tide for the American revolutionary forces.
“At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: ‘Let it be told to the future world … that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive … that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”
“America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come,” Obama said.
Obama also echoed President John F. Kennedy’s call to the people in his own inaugural speech on Jan. 20, 1961: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do your country.” He called on the people to choose “hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord” to overcome the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
“Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin the work of remaking America.” He said that all Americans have roles in rebuilding the nation by renewing the traditions of hard work, honesty and fair play, tolerance, loyalty and patriotism.
“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 price and the promise of citizenship,” he added.
Before he rallied Americans to the effort of “remaking America,” Obama warned that it would be a difficult task, in much the same way that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt laid out the cards in his first inaugural speech on March 4, 1933.
Roosevelt said then, just as America was reeling from the worst economic crisis ever: “This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
Obama said: “The challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America – they will be met.”
On foreign policy, Obama made it clear that America will continue to lead in the world’s quest for peace and prosperity. While America will embrace those who seek peace, he said, it will fight those who sow violence.
“And so to all 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 that we are ready to lead once more,” Obama said.
“To the Muslim world,” Obama said, “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.”
He also sent a warning to corrupt and tyrannical leaders: “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.” The Philippines’ Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should take heed.
Although for the first time in years both chambers of Congress are controlled by Democrats, it seems Obama will not have the same compliance as Roosevelt had during his first few days of his presidency. Democrat leaders in both houses have already signaled disagreement with parts of Obama’s stimulus proposal, the tax cuts in particular. But they and others say they hope to get a bill passed within six weeks.
Obama is certain to focus on the economy in his first days, hoping to get the same cooperation from lawmakers as when they agreed to release the balance of the bailout money approved during the last weeks of the administration of President George W. Bush. Obama has urged Congress to act quickly on what he calls “a bold, aggressive investment and recovery package.”
The atmosphere of hope and enthusiasm that prevailed during the days leading to Obama’s inauguration will hopefully continue as Obama and his Cabinet start buckling down to work. It is now up to the people to respond to his call to “pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”
It was a great speech, and was warmly welcomed by the American people. But the time for oratory is over. Now, the hard work begins.
(valabelgas@aol.com)