Posted by David Post:
Inauguration Tidbits:
http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2009_01_18-2009_01_24.shtml#1232489415
Just got home from watching the Inauguration down at the federal
courthouse, and lemme tell you all -- it was F**ing cold out there!!
Putting aside the [1]oath kerfuffle, I thought it was a pretty
stirring event. [2]Obama's speech was terrific -- perhaps not
Lincoln's Second, or Jefferson's First, in terms of soaring oratory,
but a wonderfully crafted speech full of very beautifully-turned
phrases. My favorites:
The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our
better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble
idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given
promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance
to pursue their full measure of happiness.
A nice conflation of Jefferson's "all men are created equal" and "the
pursuit of happiness" with Lincoln's "the last full measure of
devotion" from the Gettysburg Address.
And I also liked:
"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the
silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of
history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to
unclench your fist."
A good collection of linked metaphors -- the clinging to power, the
clenched first, the open hand of friendship. Nice.
References
1. http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2009_01_18-2009_01_24.shtml#1232487402
2. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090120/ap_on_go_pr_wh/inauguration_obama_text
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