JUST READING BETWEEN THE LINES IN THE OBAMA INAUGURATION

Those who expected to be wowed off from their seats with the Obama inauguration speech may have been left wanting today, as Obama gave the usual platitudes and some reconstituted stump speech materials in many parts of his speech. However these were interspersed with some interesting references to the dichotomies that separate the right and the left, as well as some very curious references. I have quoted some passages from Obama's speech today in black, and my opinion to them in blue. For example, a very interesting and carefully measured change from the usual "My fellow Americans".......

"my fellow citizens" vs. "my fellow Americans"

(a very interesting way to begin...perhaps in response to the many law suits filed claiming Obama is not a native born American?)

rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace

vs. gathering clouds and raging storms

(we are in a crisis, and this is going to take time)

"war against a far-reaching network

of violence and hatred" vs. "we will extend a hand

if you are willing to unclench your fist"

(the era of diplomacy is upon us, and hear me now...I symbolize a new beginning)

"we have chosen hope over (vs.) fear"

"unity of purpose" vs. "conflict and discord"

(I am in charge, and Bush is out)

"the time has come to set aside childish things" vs. "an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas"

(a slam on Congressional partisan politics)

"men and women (who have) struggled

and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw"

vs. "those who prefer leisure over work,

or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame."

(I will be a man of the people, the hard working blue collar Americans...."trickle down" failed)

"not whether our government is too big or too small"

vs. "whether it works"

(my government will get bigger to solve our issues, and it will work)

"who manage the publics' knowledge will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day" vs. "a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also the failure to make the hard choices"

(unfettered free market systems have failed.....a renewed call on transparency in government, and certainly the second proposed stimulus package)

"The success of our economy has always depended on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart" vs. "the nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous"

(a little socialism and egalitarianism is not a bad thing....social programs are not a bad thing)

"know that America is a friend of each nation

and every man, woman and child who seeks

a future of peace and dignity" vs.

"power cannot protect us

nor does it entitle us to do as we please"

(the Bush doctrine is dead....diplomacy over bully pulpits)

All in all, what I feared would end up being a media circus and public Lincoln & Kennedy love affair, turned into a very well orchestrated effort, carefully planned, and seemingly well executed. Yes, there were spots I cringed, like during the opening prayer and the benediction, and that unfortunate train ride, but over all, the ceremonies met, and in the case of the concert, exceeded my expectations. They are obviously off on the right track, and seem to be the ones ready from "day one." Which, by the way, starts tomorrow. Stay tuned.