Spring Break
Obama promises new age, calls for personal responsibility
By: Calli Turner
Issue date: 1/21/09 Section: News
WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Barack Obama called for hope over fear as he delivered the 56th inaugural address to a silent, awe-stricken crowd Tuesday at the U.S. Capitol building.
He began his speech by thanking former President George W. Bush for his service and generosity, then promised the citizens, "We are ready to lead once more."
"Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age," Obama said.
He went on to criticize a previous lack of action and lack of attention to science and energy reform.
"The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together," he said.
"We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost."
Upon taking the stage, Obama had concerns to abate as he addressed issues foreign and domestic, fiscal and military.
Texas State Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz Jr. said the speech was tactful and that Obama hit the hot issues.
"Everything from terrorism and Iraq to Wall Street," he said.
And at 31 years old, Ortiz Jr. said the inaugural address was something that will not be topped in his lifetime.
"Just being there in person was remarkable. I'll probably never experience anything like this again," he said.
Obama acknowledged the statements of many critics that his call for change would not see immediate reward.
"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met," he said.
Obama roused the crowd with cheers of support and pride when he called upon America's perseverance and determination.
He began his speech by thanking former President George W. Bush for his service and generosity, then promised the citizens, "We are ready to lead once more."
"Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age," Obama said.
He went on to criticize a previous lack of action and lack of attention to science and energy reform.
"The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together," he said.
"We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost."
Upon taking the stage, Obama had concerns to abate as he addressed issues foreign and domestic, fiscal and military.
Texas State Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz Jr. said the speech was tactful and that Obama hit the hot issues.
"Everything from terrorism and Iraq to Wall Street," he said.
And at 31 years old, Ortiz Jr. said the inaugural address was something that will not be topped in his lifetime.
"Just being there in person was remarkable. I'll probably never experience anything like this again," he said.
Obama acknowledged the statements of many critics that his call for change would not see immediate reward.
"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met," he said.
Obama roused the crowd with cheers of support and pride when he called upon America's perseverance and determination.
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