I somewhat agree with Noonan. There are times when I think the Bush people are mistaken with their rhetoric of "spreading freedom". For example the President said in his speech:
"Yet because we have acted in the great liberating tradition of this nation, tens of millions have achieved their freedom." as if to imply that our history is about liberating other people.
I felt the same way listening to the Republican convention when at times this "freedom spreading" rhetoric was also espoused from the podium.
IMHO, if we are in Iraq because it's a breeding ground for problems for us, that makes sense to me. If we are there because of some idealistic notion that the Iraqis should be free, that does not make sense. They have to do that for themselves. We can't do it for them.
On the other hand W did say some things I liked in his speech, such as:
"This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. "
and I liked the line about how "Liberty will come to those who love it." That I think is true and well said.
I tend to agree with Peggy. This was not a great speech, although it is historic for setting a new foreign policy. I love Bush and am 100 percent behind him. But, we all know that he isn't known for his eloquence and he didn't change his reputation today.
This speech lacks a central image to give it coherence and terms like "freedom" are not made vivid enough to make the language memorable. No one will be quoting lines from this speech to illustrate profound expression.
"Liberty is a fire in men's minds," seems to be a weak image because a fire without adding the light and warmth that it gives, can be destructive and irrational.
Most of you dislike Peggy's comments, but in my humble opinion she may have a point. We love our president and this was a fine and acceptable speech. It was a wonderful day and we are all quite happy and thankful to have this man up there taking the oath. But, this speech will not rank as one of the best presidential inaugural speeches. (Way better than Clinton or Carter, hands down, of course.)