The most important political speech of my generation

[Politicub]

I've been reading editorials about the inauguration all day. It's what I do after each of Obama's big speeches or when something is going on in the news that grips the nation.

I couldn't have realized it at the time, but Obama, perhaps more articulately and succinctly than anyone I've ever heard, connected our tradition of progressive liberalism to the politics of our time. He talked about an active, modern liberalism suited to solve the greatest problems our country faces.

And as a gay man, words can not capture the emotion that I felt when he included Stonewall as the flash point for the modern gay rights movement. To have our national leader mention it in the same breath as Seneca Falls and Selma takes away any doubt about his commitment to freedom and equality for all people.

Not only did the speech make history today, it set the tone for how the administration is going to pursue its agenda over the next four years.

While the congress will continue to have gridlock, it won't stop the executive from going about the job of governing. Setting policies that take into account our common struggle. Leaving no question that GLBT Americans deserve their full measure of equality as our birthright.

And sentiments about the importance of the speech and how it didn't mince words dominate the coverage. America is getting to hear about Stonewall. It may pique the curiosity of schoolchildren to read more about the GLBT liberation movement. Over time, textbooks will begin to include our story.

And don't forget - today is the first day of his second term. We're just getting started. And the transformation of his political operation to Organizing for Action is being led by steady hands and will be as important, or more important, than legislation for bringing about change to our country.

I'm optimistic about the next four years. I think about my nieces and nephews and how they are the Obama generation.

We have a tremendous amount of work ahead of us, and we continue the struggle, but now with the wind behind our back.

[catbyte]

1. Great post, Politicub

[Politicub]

4. Thank you :)

[freshwest]

6. +1

[Glitterati]

2. Beautifully said, and

I can't agree more.

[arcane1]

3. I haven't seen the speech yet, but I've read a line or two

I'm saving the speech for later

Excellent post!

[Politicub]

5. I've had passages from the speech playing in my head all afternoon

Each sentence, phrase and word is charged with meaning.

This is one for the ages.

I will admit I'm slightly jealous but for a silly reason - I would love to be able to hear the speech for the first time again just to capture the feeling .

[LeftofObama]

7. When I heard the Stonewall reference

I just about fell out of the chair! You rock, Mr. President!

[Number23]

8. K&R "takes away any doubt about his commitment to freedom and equality for all people"

To me, a heterosexual, the president has always made gay rights a priority. To my eyes, he has always talked about gay rights and equality and has always made it a priority. Including referring to his desire to eliminate DADT in his very first State of the Union address.

So while I've never understood the language that has come from certain quarters re: this president, I am always so glad to see the huge amount of support he enjoys from gay organizations and many individuals.

[Politicub]

9. He's a good man and a great president!

[Whisp]

10. That was a wonderful read. Thank you. n/t

[PoliticalBiker]

11. Haven't seen the speech yet...

... will when I get home from the dvr, but well stated

[cate94]

12. Great post!

My reaction was similar to yours when I heard the Stonewall reference. It was an awesome speech.

[Politicub]

16. I'm excited about what the future may bring

Gay rights has never had a champion with as much stature as Obama.

[RainDog]

13. k&r

[union_maid]

14. It was a stunning speech

In terms of policy it was unabashedly liberal. Liberal. LIBERAL. Amazing. It's been a very long time since a significant American political figure - let alone a president - has spoken this way. Let us hope that it does what some of the punditizers say it will, which is bring these ideas back into the mainstream. Funny thing is that I bet that if Republicans had just been half-way reasonable this would not be the speech he gave. But they weren't and he did. Oh, yes he did.

[Politicub]

15. He did, indeed! I think his words inspired many

And I'm eager to see how OFA takes part in bringing this vision of LIBERAL America to fruition. (I liked your all caps)