Virgil

What a great American day, the free transfer of power from one individual to another, from one political party to another. It certainly is not to the person and political philosophy I ascribe to, but elections are the will of the people and that is sacred. We now have an obligation to wish him well and support him when we agree.

And what an interesting inaugural speech. It wasn’t a great speech in terms of the craft of speech making. I did not hear or see anything reaching poetic phrasing or even interesting language. But it was well delivered. Perhaps when an orator is so skilled at delivering a speech he doesn’t strive to strengthen the language. I don’t know. Others may disagree with my opinion.

But it was an fascinating speech for its philosophic echoes. Here are the passages that really caught my ear and why I think I may be pleasantly surprised in Obama (I like him already as a person, but I mean as President) in the end.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less.
It has not been the path for the faint-hearted, for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame.
Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up

and

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.

Wow, that sounds like Ronald Reagan. That’s an understanding of free markets. It goes to show you that the debate is not between capitalism and socialism. Socialism is a proven failure and everyone but the radicals acknowledge it. It’s a debate over where to adjust the safety net, to respect private property and enterprise, and to understand that capitalism is the engine that drives prosperity. Isn’t it amazing that the left appease the radicals during the elections and then govern differently?

We will not apologize for our way of life nor will we waver in its defense.
And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that, "Our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken. You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.”

Oh my. That sounds like GW Bush. In fact it’s a direct paraphrasing of his “We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail,” and frankly better phrased by Bush I might add. And President Obama actually had the audacity to say we are a nation at war and will not apologize. He even mentions our nation at war a number of times. Good gosh, don’t say it too loud for the Liberals to hear.

This is the source of our confidence: the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

Oh my, another Bushie moment, the source of our freedom actually coming from God. Shhh! Don’t say too loud, Sir.

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, 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.

Ha!! He honors our soldiers and their selfless duty and service. Good gosh, Didn’t John McCain build a whole Presidential platform on this? Yes of course, and good for you for acknowledging them as heroes Mr. Commander In Chief and not some criminals.

In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by nine campfires on the shores of an icy river.
The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood.
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."

Oh wow!! He quoted George Washington, and capturing him in a moment of Generalship, a soldier fighting a war, a man facing adversity and risking life and death for it. He called him the “father of our nation.” A patriarchal white man who actually owned slaves and he acknowledges him as a patriarch.

So wow, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, John McCain, George Washington, and I haven’t mentioned Abraham Lincoln (who was a Republican President and a great believer in industrialism and free enterprise). Of course the details may separate us Mr. President, but an inaugural address is a listing of values and guiding principles, and there is much to agree with you. This vision is not of some beatnik or left wing ideologue. It is based on our traditions, and for that I am relieved.

I may be a flag waving, Yankee doodle dandy, but damn it I love this country.