This is an absolutely AMAZING Inauguration speech by Pres.Obama.

[JaneyVee]

Last edited Tue Jan 22, 2013, 12:55 AM - Edit history (1)

Revolutionary. Powerful. Current.

A 21st Century Manifesto of Liberalism & Patriotism.

[malaise]

1. He told them clearly

Don't fugg with social security or medicare

[senseandsensibility]

3. What were his words?

I'd like to know exactly what he said about that. I'm listening, but there are a ton of distractions in my house at the moment.

[IWelcome TheirHatred]

6. I didn't hear a thing about not touching social security.....

speaking of which, it will take a Democrat to "fix" social security just as it took a Republican to go to China (Nixon)

[Glitterati]

9. Then you missed it.

See below.

[jillan]

11. I heard it loud and clear. Will have to wait for the transcript for the exact words.

[Glitterati]

12. As did I

I am inspired.

[rurallib]

31. as did I and I was listening quite closely

WOW what a speech

[ReRe]

55. OH yeah...I heard it too!

[adieu]

68. Oh yeah

A clear shot across the bow of the GOP: don't mess with SS, Medicare, and - when he referred to the investments for our future - don't short change education and WIC, etc.

Notice that he didn't say anything about strengthening the defense. Hopefully, that would also indicate reducing the monies spent on the military-industrial complex.

[BumRushDaShow]

26. Transcript

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/01/21/transcript-president-obama-2013-inaugural-address/

As Prepared for Delivery –

Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:

<snip>

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”


We, the people, still believe that every citizen deserves a basic measure of security and dignity. We must make the hard choices to reduce the cost of health care and the size of our deficit. But we reject the belief that America must choose between caring for the generation that built this country and investing in the generation that will build its future. For we remember the lessons of our past, when twilight years were spent in poverty, and parents of a child with a disability had nowhere to turn. We do not believe that in this country, freedom is reserved for the lucky, or happiness for the few. We recognize that no matter how responsibly we live our lives, any one of us, at any time, may face a job loss, or a sudden illness, or a home swept away in a terrible storm. [font size="5"]The commitments we make to each other – through Medicare, and Medicaid, and Social Security – these things do not sap our initiative; they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great.[/font]

We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity. We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms. The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries – we must claim its promise. That is how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure – our forests and waterways; our croplands and snowcapped peaks. That is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God. That’s what will lend meaning to the creed our fathers once declared.

Edit to reduce it down...

[malaise]

32. Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah that should settle

[1StrongBlackMan]

38. Not really ...

See ... He didn't actually say,

Don't fugg with social security or medicare

[malaise]

51. Bwaaaaaaaaaahahahahaha

[1StrongBlackMan]

52. I guess ...

I should have referred you back to the thread and wrote: "See?"

(Some segments of) DUers never fail.

[malaise]

54. I just laugh

and move on. Not everyone is as happy as we are today.

[hopemountain]

72. oh, yeah?

well, then take a listen (cnn, nbc, cbs, faux, & even c-span) to how the repubs interepreted these words. they totally got the message and they are not happy.....budget this and budget that....blahblahblah.

[ReRe]

57. Bravo! Hear! Hear!

THANK YOU! BumRushDaShow for posting this!

Cheers and a Salute to you!

[proverbialwisdom]

70. Thank you!

[Glitterati]

7. Paraphrasing.....

First, it was BEAUTIFUL - the whole speech!

He said We, the People, don't fix our budget on the backs of the people who BUILT this country. We, the People, don't allow our seniors to live in poverty. We, the People...........

It was as good as speech as JFK's Ask Not.......

[malaise]

23. He was even more explicit than that

The commitments we make to each other - through Medicare, and Medicaid, and Social Security - these things do not sap our initiative; they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great.

[Glitterati]

30. He was!

as I said, I was paraphrasing!

What an amazing speech!

[malaise]

10. Here from the transcript

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/president-obamas-second-inaugural-address-transcript/2013/01/21/f148d234-63d6-11e2-85f5-a8a9228e55e7_story.html

The commitments we make to each other - through Medicare, and Medicaid, and Social Security - these things do not sap our initiative; they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great.

[jillan]

13. Yes !!!! And he mentioned me in his speech - mothers of children with special needs.

My heart is overflowing with appreciation of this wonderful man!

[malaise]

34. Same here sis

Wonderful

Tweety is delighted

[Glitterati]

37. Yes, you were right there!

The entire speech was so personal, so touching. None but the hardest hearted can come away with any feeling but, We, the People!

[Coolest Ranger]

43. He also mentioned me

a gay man who deserves his chance to marry who he wants

[Glitterati]

47. That, he did

Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law – for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.

[Glitterati]

17. And, here...

But we reject the belief that America must choose between caring for the generation that built this country and investing in the generation that will build its future. For we remember the lessons of our past, when twilight years were spent in poverty, and parents of a child with a disability had nowhere to turn. We do not believe that in this country, freedom is reserved for the lucky, or happiness for the few. We recognize that no matter how responsibly we live our lives, any one of us, at any time, may face a job loss, or a sudden illness, or a home swept away in a terrible storm. The commitments we make to each other - through Medicare, and Medicaid, and Social Security - these things do not sap our initiative; they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great.

From the link above

[forestpath]

18. Well, but Obama (and Pelosi) thinks chained CPI "strengthens" SS.

[Glitterati]

22. That inspiring speech is just killing you, isn't it?

We...........the People..........intend to make you more miserable for the next 4 years!

With Barack Obama as our leader.

[JDPriestly]

64. Some are caught up in the beauty of the rhetoric, and others are carefully analyzing

the meaning of the words.

You are both right. The President made an inspiring, sweeping, generalizing statement about the commitment of the nation to Social Security, Medicare and taking care of disabled children.

At the same time, in that inspiring, sweeping, generalizing statement, there was no vow to refrain from cutting benefits from the Social Security, Medicare and programs for disabled children.

Both appreciation and skepticism are appropriate in response to that statement.

The emotions we feel listening to the speech are wonderful, but we have to also view it with our rational, practical eye. And we have to ask questions. The President's speeches do not answer specific questions.

[Glitterati]

65. Thanks, but I don't believe an inaugural speech is meant to

answer specific questions.

That would be more appropriate for a State of the Union, a press conference, or a campaign speech.

Not an inaugural.

An inaugural is meant to say, election's over, I won, now we have to come together. Unite as a country.

This speech said, I have formed my army, my electors, and united, we are going to do big things.

We....the People...... (the inference was hop on for the ride, or stand there scowling - we don't care). We can accomplish great things without you. We.....the People.......

[forestpath]

76. Thank you!

[forestpath]

78. I will criticize any president who wants to cut SS as he has shown he wants to.

I didn't make it up - President Obama put SS cuts on the table. And frankly, if you don't like that, tough shit. You will not shut me up, as much as you obviously want to.

[JDPriestly]

81. Obama plans entitlement reform. Here is the proof.

Asked by ABC’s George Stephanopolous whether Obama “will only sign a budget deal if it includes new revenues,” Plouffe agreed.

“Yes, it’s got to be balanced,” said Plouffe, who expects to leave his first-floor West Wing office soon. “We need spending cuts, entitlement reform and revenue. We have to have that.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congress/senate-democrats-say-they-will-oblige-gop-calls-to-pass-budget-warn-it-will-include-taxes/2013/01/21/23e1d8a8-63af-11e2-889b-f23c246aa446_story.html

I worked hard to get him election, but he cannot count on my support if, at my age, he cuts Social Security and Medicare. It's a double-cross. I don't want to have to ask my children for money. Neither do most other seniors. And having to ask your children for money is what entitlement reform would mean for most seniors.

[forestpath]

82. I am retired, no kids, had a part time job I recently lost. If Obama pulls the rug out

from under me - as I now fully expect him to do - don't know what I'll do either. Not many jobs for us retired folk these days.

[hopemountain]

75. some people do not know how to take a day off

and celebrate...the small and seemingly insignificant as well as the great. "find the good. and praise it." forward!
try it. you'll feel so much better after working so tirelessly to gnaw every bit strength and snuff every ray of light to affirm the darkness of hopelessness.

[forestpath]

79. I am not taking a day off from being concerned about SS whether you like it or not.

[Glitterati]

83. And, some people show their true colors

on a day when the rest of us are enjoying ourselves.

I'm not surprised, though. Every one of the posters I watch tear up Obama every day are still at it.

Even on a day when you and I are basking in our win and a wonderful speech.

[IWelcome TheirHatred]

21. That statement says nothing about not touching SS.

Are you aware of the "grand bargain" he wanted to make regarding SS? Are you aware of how he praises Simpson-Bowles?

You're getting swept up in the flowery rhetoric that every politician uses just before they plunge the knife in your back.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Or in the words of St. Reagan - Trust, but verify.

[Glitterati]

25. Sorry you're so unhappy watching an amazing man

The inaugural is obviously killing you.

I'm inspired. And no one who watched it, except the Republicans who realize We, the People, are coming.........

[IWelcome TheirHatred]

35. Actually I'm happy Obama won. I voted for him. Twice 08 and 12

I'm just not going all out rock-star groupie on him like it seems some people are doing. I'm too old for that and have seen too many lying bastards go back on their words.

Not trusting a politician is called "democracy".......small "d" democracy is based on not-trusting they will do what they say. You have to hold them to their word.

Mouthing the words vs. actually doing the act are two different things. Seeing is believing.

[Glitterati]

40. Then, please go cry in your cup

Because that speech was intended to unite us all as We, the People.

I'm sorry you are so cynical and miserable, but leave us to enjoy the personal touch he put in that speech for the rest of us.

He talked to me. He talked about the things that matter to me. He spoke to UNITE us as We, the People.

If you can't take that, you need to stop trying to ruin the moment for the rest of us.

[IWelcome TheirHatred]

41. You make me laugh.

By all means have a ball enjoying the moment. Just a note, don't take any wooden nickels.

[Glitterati]

44. Being so negative all the time

must make you an absolutely miserable human being.

You really might be happier over with the Freepers who are crying in their milk as well.

[IWelcome TheirHatred]

50. I don't even know where to begin with this stupid statement.

[Son of Gob]

84. Bye Troll

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=profile&uid=298882&sub=trans

[Glitterati]

85. ROFL, why am I not surprised?

Looks like we'll be handing out granite pizzas most of the day.

This inauguration is killing them!

[hopemountain]

96. thank you. n/t.

[Honest_Abe]

42. Seems to me

that tomorrow is the day we start holding his feet to the fire, thanking him for his successes and criticizing him where he missed the mark. Today IS the day to go all rock-star groupie on him.
I understand the glass half-full/half-empty thing, I just can't understand the people here who can't seem to acknowledge the water that is there.
Just my 2 cents.

[IWelcome TheirHatred]

48. Fair enough.

I think the problem with Obama was this...

The Bush years were a crime. Obama came along and inspired many to think real change was going to happen. He had bad economic advisor's (Geithner and Summers). Obama tried to play nice with the other side too much and for too long to the detriment of the country (to which I mean the (R)'s retook the House in '10)

Single-payer was not allowed to be even discussed as an option.

Lacking any military knowledge or experience, he allowed the Generals to roll him on Afghanistan "surge" nonsense.

That was the bad.

The good - He's ending Iraq/Afghanistan. He seems to be finding a spine as far as the debt-ceiling "debate"

He mouths words that seem to be in favor of upholding the social safety net. He talks of infrastructure building.

All great things.

Now, if only he hadn't played footsie with the (R)'s in '09 and '10 he might have a majority (D) in both houses of Congress to actually get things done.

[malaise]

61. +1,000

[Fearless]

45. +1

[ReRe]

59. Well if you voted for Obama boths times, why not...

...respectfully allow the rest of us celebrate?

[appacom]

74. Trying to respond to you without using

STFU, but can't conceive of anything more appropriate.

[forestpath]

80. Exactly how I see it.

[Glitterati]

86. Not surprised you agree with the banned troll

Not surprised at all.

[forestpath]

87. And yet I am still here. Being attacked by you as usual. Not surprised at all.

[Glitterati]

88. ROFLMAO! Attack?

Making an observation is not an attack.

[forestpath]

89. I'm tired of your childish insults. Welcome to my ignore list. Froth away, I won't see it.

[Cha]

90. Yeah, shame on you for being such a

previously banned troll.. and, taking this celebration of PBO's Inaugural Speech thread to piss, whine, and moan.

[Glitterati]

92. No better time for the trolls

to throw cold water on our celebration.

It's what they live for.

Sadly.

[Cha]

94. No better time for them to get a piping hot slice

of cow puck pizza, either.

[Glitterati]

95. Amen!

Showing their true colors. They just can't resist.

[forestpath]

14. He didn't say he wouldn't cut SS. And after what Plouffe said today about "necessary Medicare

cuts" I wouldn't trust him on that either.

[cynatnite]

2. I think this is his best. n/t

[panAmerican]

4. Inspiring, yet grounded

I like the allusions to our higher ideals, while reinforcing the themes he fought for during the reelection campaign. We are not a nation of takers!

[OKNancy]

5. beautiful, progressive and just the right length

one for the ages IMO

[Glitterati]

8. As stunning and empowering as JFK's Ask Not...

an amazing speech!

We, the People............

[LisaLynne]

29. My mother, who listened to JFK's speech, ...

just said the same thing. Just as powerful. We will be quoting from that speech for years to come.

[Glitterati]

33. Honestly, as an observer of both

I think this one was even more inspiring. His delivery, the words, the tempo, the meaning. It was simply amazing!

We.........the People.........

Wow!

But, I was a child for JFK, so that may have well had an effect.

This was just amazing!

[ecstatic]

15. uggh. so pissed at myself! Was he sworn in already?

I caught the tail end of his speech.

[Volaris]

19. go back and watch the whole thing, it was REALLY good. Well worth your time.

[ecstatic]

24. found it online!

http://www.c-span.org/Events/Pres-Obama-Inaugural-Address/10737437409-1/

[Volaris]

16. It was indeed a magnificent speech,

AND..I got the distinct impression he was not intending to screw around anymore.

It was one of the most ELEGANT "Fuck You's" ever put to a microphone.

I am impressed. Espically that line "We. THE PEOPLE."--just the change in emphaisis from one word to another changes the whole context, without changing AT ALL the original meaning. Brilliant.

[Glitterati]

20. Oh, yes! The delivery was magnificent

We..........the People..........

Strong, invigorating, inspiring!

[malaise]

28. He was brilliant

I listen well -I know what I heard.

No one is spoiling today for me.

[geomon666]

27. I was moved to tears by it.

If we can accomplish even a fraction of what he laid out in that speech this country will be so much better.

[Politicub]

36. I believe it is among his best if not his best speech

I agree - so current. He no longer has blinders on about the obstructionism of republicans.

[In_The_Wind]

39. I agree

[AverageJoe90]

46. Sad to say I missed the inauguration, I think.

If anybody knows, will there be any re-runs? Heck, even a 'Net link will do fine, really.

[handmade34]

49. a quick google will do it

even MTV has it up!

[flamingdem]

53. He addressed climate change .. "we will respond"

Most important issue of our time ... let's support him 1000% on this one against the KOCH klan

[avebury]

56. I have to admit that I ended up tuining out.

I would have like to have heard one line that would go down in history, like along the lines of JFK's "...Ask not what your country can do for you what you can do for your country."

[bemildred]

58. Great speech. He called them out. He called them all out.

All the dividers and war lovers and money lovers and haters. Lincoln would be proud. Jimmy Carter must be proud. Martin Luther King would be proud.

[Scurrilous]

60. K & R

[UrbScotty]

62. It was even better than his DNC speech. It was that good. (nt)

[Benton D Struckcheon]

63. He mentioned Stonewall.

I almost fell over. I was making a fire, had the tv on the speech while I was doing that, and I turned around and stared when he did that. Couldn't believe it.
He compromised when he had to in his first term. I think this second is going to give us an idea of what it would have been like to see Lincoln have two terms.

[Cha]

91. Yes, it was Awesome that he brought up Stonewall!

Welcome to DU, Benton

[SunSeeker]

66. Brilliant, progressive, inspirational speech.

He raised it all, from "Seneca Falls, to Selma, to Stonewall." He even brought up Newtown. And climate change. For such a short speech, I am struck by how many times I had to wipe away tears.

[Amonester]

67. From Canada, With LOVE! :)

Inspiring. Uniting.




What a contrast with the depressing 43rd...

[left coaster]

69. My heart swelled, and I felt like President Obama was speaking directly to me when he said..

Our journey is not complete until all American women can live their lives free from the threat of sexual violence and abuse, and that these same women; our mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, no matter which state they reside in, have full and absolute autonomy over their own bodies and lives, through unhampered access to all facets of reproductive health care and family planning, including the right to choose abortion.

[Glitterati]

71. That's what was so good about this speech

It felt intensely personal, like he was speaking personally to many of us. Deeply personal issues, pain, worry were called out and put up there on Obama's list to be addressed.

It was as if he was saying I heard you, now let's get busy! United, strong and together to address and solve each and every one.

Collectively, together, we can do this!

[hopemountain]

77. thank you for reaffirming this part of the speech

he did reach out to many of us on many levels. and i am overjoyed with his commitment to addressing climate change.
with strength, integrity & respect he acknowledged issues which others have ignored.
i hope tomorrow every one of us awakens with a renewed sense of commitment to do our share in making sure issues important to "we the people" - the grassroots, the youth, the elderly, our vets, the disabled, the middle class, et al, - reach the ears of our legislators.

[riderinthestorm]

73. Oh it certainly was. Huge K&R!!! nt

[myrna minx]

93. I'm looking forward to watching a re-cast. The clips I've heard have been fantastic.