Ok, in fairness, this is what I did like about Obama's Inaugural Speech.

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I posted what I didn't like about Obama's Inaugural Speech, so in fairness, I'll post what I did like about it. I usually try not to watch presidential speeches on TV, so much of what they have to say is lost in body language, facial expressions and either very good or very poor delivery. Whether it's State of the Union addresses, campaign speeches or Inaugural speeches, I find that I get more of the meat of the speech when I read it for myself. Much of what I didn't like about his speech was the so-so delivery of it. I remember going to an Obama campaign rally. While I didn't agree with most of what he had to say, I was very impressed with his ability to speak. TV doesn't do it justice. I could see why those who support him are so infatuated with him. Through a well written, reheased and teleprompted speech, the guy could convince PETA to torture animals.. if he were so inclined to do so. So here are the things I liked about his speech.... ~~~~~ "My fellow citizens:" I thought this was an interesting way for a Democrat to start an Inaugural speech. The Democrat platform has long been "inclusion" of everyone living in the US, citizen or not. I also can't help but see this as an affirmation to the people who don't think he is eligible to be president; that he is a citizen. ~~~~~ "I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors." He wrote the speech himself, so I'l accept it as actual humility. I like that he acknowledged those of us living today, and those whose sacrifices built a nation. ~~~~~ "I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition." I really like that he thanked Prs. Bush for his service to our nation(I also wonder how many Democrats cringed at this line). I also like that he thanked Prs Bush for the gracious transition. ~~~~~ "We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." I like this part because it is a positive statement about working to continue what the Founding Fathers started. That rights are not things that government allows of us, but things that we are inherently entitled to... and that they were given to us by God. (I understand that a lot of people might not have liked that paragragh, but this article is about what I liked about it, not what others might not have). ~~~~~ "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 today, 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." Ok, seriously, what's not to love about his paragraph! ~~~~~ "So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying 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]."" It's great to hear the words "patriot" used as a postive word again. It is also great to hear someone from the left speaking of the Revelutionary War as something good and positive. ~~~~~ Overall, I thought it was a positive, motivational speech. There were parts that I didn't agree with, so I just left those out completely. I wish Prs. Obama, his family and his administration well. I pray that they base their decisions on what is best for our country in all things. I know they will make mistakes, and some of those mistakes will cost lives. I don't say that because I don't like that he's president, I say it because it is true of all presidents. It is part of the job. http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/20/obama.politics/?iref=mpstoryview&imw=Y