|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
By Category |
 |
|
|
| |
|
| |
| |
India On Media |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| Politics
News |
|
| Obama's speech is urgent call |
| Obama's speech is urgent call for progressive values
|
| UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
, 22-January-2013
8:35:28 AM |
| He did not utter the words, but President Barack Obama's second inaugural address was suffused with the spirit of a favorite phrase: Martin Luther King Jr.'s call to heed "the fierce urgency of now."
This was a president unbound from much of what defined him upon taking office four years ago, a man clearly cognizant of time already running down on his opportunity to make his imprint on the country and on history.
Gone were the vision of a new kind of high-minded politics, the constraint of a future re-election campaign and the weight of unrealistic expectations. In their place was an unapologetic argument that modern liberalism was perfectly consistent with the spirit of the founders and a notice that, with no immediate crisis facing the nation, Obama intended to use the full powers of his office for progressive values.
"We must act, knowing that our work will be imperfect," he said.
After spending much of his first term "evolving" on the question of gay marriage and doing too little in the eyes of many African-Americans to address poverty and civil rights, he invoked "Seneca Falls and Selma and Stonewall" and cited responsibility for the poor, sick and displaced.
He acknowledged the budget deficit but emphasized protecting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. He mentioned jobs but highlighted global warming. He lauded the bravery and strength of the U.S. armed forces, but started his foreign policy remarks by asserting that "enduring security and lasting peace do not require perpetual war."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADVERTISEMENTS
Free offer!!! Become an administrator for your zip home page, "Post" local news (local to your postcode)& pictures, "Post" advertisement banners from local companies. Make Extra money.
|
 |
 |
|
|
| |
|
