Obama's Inauguration Speech

Obama’s captivating Inauguration speech gave food for some thoughts. Critics rate it as not so good as JFK’s or FDR. However I consider it as good if not arresting.

As a die hard of fan Richard Dawkins I was really floored when he included “non believers’ in his speech. At least he has recognized non-believers have a right to exist.

His assurance on economy warms our hearts.

“but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control--the nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.”

His call,” To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.” Would they reconcile is another matter.

“We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.”

I hope these are not mere empty words. He gave a warning to,

“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.”

World (we in India included) would watch his steps in his brand of war on terrorism. Would he bold enough to restrain Pakistan in their export of cross border terrorism?

He gave a passing mention to the poor nations and also cautioned the developed nations to understand the widened gap between the haves and have not.

"To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect.The world has changed; we must change with it."

Next four years will decide whether they are mere words or not.

Link to the full Text

For Inuguration Photos