US Inaugurations: History In Quotes

BBCNews ^ | January 25, 2009

[Steelfish]

US inaugurations: History in quotes

Inaugurations give presidents a chance to address the nation, the world and history. Here are some highlights from past inaugural speeches.

George Washington Thomas Jefferson James Madison Andrew Jackson Abraham Lincoln

Theodore Roosevelt Woodrow Wilson Franklin Roosevelt John F Kennedy Ronald Reagan

George Washington: The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people. The first US president also announced in the 1789 speech that he would accept no pay for being chief executive

Thomas Jefferson: Let us reflect that, having banished from our land that religious intolerance under which mankind so long bled and suffered, we have yet gained little if we countenance a political intolerance as despotic, as wicked, and capable of as bitter and bloody persecutions. Jefferson's first inauguration, in 1801, took place amidst bitter partisan rancour between federalists and anti-federalists

James Madison (1813): As the war was just in its origin and necessary and noble in its objects, we can reflect with a proud satisfaction that in carrying it on no principle of justice or honour, no usage of civilized nations, no precept of courtesy or humanity, have been infringed. The war has been waged on our part with scrupulous regard to all these obligations, and in a spirit of liberality which was never surpassed. How little has been the effect of this example on the conduct of the enemy! They have retained as prisoners of war citizens of the United States not liable to be so considered under the usages of war. Madison's 1813 speech was the first presidential inauguration during time of war - the US was fighting Britain

[Wolfstar]

President George W. Bush, First Inaugural Address, January 20, 2001, a mere 7 months and 22 days before the terrorist attacks (and virtually simultaneous anthrax attacks):

After the Declaration of Independence was signed, Virginia statesman John Page wrote to Thomas Jefferson: "We know the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong. Do you not think an angel rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm?"

Much time has passed since Jefferson arrived for his inauguration. The years and changes accumulate. But the themes of this day he would know: our nation's grand story of courage and its simple dream of dignity.

We are not this story's author, who fills time and eternity with his purpose. Yet his purpose is achieved in our duty, and our duty is fulfilled in service to one another.

Never tiring, never yielding, never finishing, we renew that purpose today, to make our country more just and generous, to affirm the dignity of our lives and every life.

This work continues. This story goes on. And an angel still rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm.

I doubt if there's been a more beautiful, haunting, and prophetic Inaugural Address in U.S. history.

[Steelfish]

GWB 1st inaugural is as good as it gets. Good post.

[ETL]

Introducing 'Pocket Obama': Must-have Anthology of Obama Quotes ['Little Blue Book' like Mao's Red]

"This is a tiny, pocket-sized book filled with 'quotations borrowed from Barack Obama's speeches and writings.'.."

According to its creators, 'It is an unofficial requirement for every citizen to own, to read, and to carry this book at all times'..."

Introducing 'Pocket Obama': Must-have Anthology of Obama Quotes ['Little Blue Book' like Mao's Red]:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2171132/posts
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"From May 1966, student members of the Communist Party were encouraged to carry copies of Mao's Little Red Book of quotations. Acting under Mao's leadership, these "Red Guards" used his quotations in their mission to weed out intellectuals. With themes such as Correcting Mistaken Ideas and All Reactionaries are Paper Tigers, the quotations became the standard by which all revolutionary efforts were judged."

http://www.historycompany.com/productdetails.php?p=128#

[Wolfstar]

Thanks Steelfish. I’m glad you are among those of us who admire this superb speech.

[Krodg]

I'm surprised they didn't mention any quotes from Obama's speech.

I'm also shocked that spellcheck doesn't already have Obama listed.

[definitelynotaliberal]

Thank you for posting that. I love the 43rd President (more everyday, I think).