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Thursday, January 20, 2005
Liberty's President
I didn't hear Bush deliver his inaugural address other than soundbites, but I read it. (Click on the picture for the entire text. You'll be glad you did.) Like Reagan, and unlike his father, he has a clear vision of what our Nation should strive for and the role it should have in the world. He has already named this century "Liberty's Century" and has clearly set himself and our Nation on a course to be a beacon of freedom to the world.
For as long as whole regions of the world simmer in resentment and tyranny - prone to ideologies that feed hatred and excuse murder - violence will gather, and multiply in destructive power, and cross the most defended borders, and raise a mortal threat. There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom.and
We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world.
Today, America speaks anew to the peoples of the world:Thank God for four more years. - served up by Doctor Bean @ 7:40 PM
All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.
Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country.
The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it."
Comments:
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That's right. I have to think that much of this was directed at Iran and China. Heads up student protesters! Lady Liberty's on your side, and she has aircraft carriers and stealth bombers.
Best of the Web has a bit on this theme, but it's about criticism from the right:
http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/?id=110006185
(scroll to "Bush to World: Get Real).
The gist is that some fear the speech was overly ambitious - how can we possibly ever reach such goals?
First of all, we are talking about ideals here - you gotta be a little lofty when you do that.
And let's not forget, "Think Globally, Act Locally." If you yourself don't think you can end tyranny, how bout at least not being such a jerk to your employees, or neighbors, or your neighbors' dog?
But I think Rabbi Tarfon said it best in Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers: "Lo alecha hamlachah ligmor, v’lo atah ben horin l’ibateyl memenah."
That is, you aren't obligated to complete the task all by yourself, but at the same time you are not free to walk away from it.
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http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/?id=110006185
(scroll to "Bush to World: Get Real).
The gist is that some fear the speech was overly ambitious - how can we possibly ever reach such goals?
First of all, we are talking about ideals here - you gotta be a little lofty when you do that.
And let's not forget, "Think Globally, Act Locally." If you yourself don't think you can end tyranny, how bout at least not being such a jerk to your employees, or neighbors, or your neighbors' dog?
But I think Rabbi Tarfon said it best in Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers: "Lo alecha hamlachah ligmor, v’lo atah ben horin l’ibateyl memenah."
That is, you aren't obligated to complete the task all by yourself, but at the same time you are not free to walk away from it.
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