The previous president, Bush, who was hated by most Americans was present during the inauguration. Obama showed his gratitude saying "I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition." which I consider intriguing, due to the fact that America is struggling today mostly because of president Bush. By doing this, Obama demonstrated that regarding past mistakes, Bush is still an American citizen who deserves equality.
As a connection to Martin Luther king's post, Obama also pursues equality among society stating that "We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things".
In his speech Obama shows his idea of how to live a good life, "all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness". In other words, Obama believes that every person deserves the right to be happy. The way happiness can be obtained is by believing in others, specially in yourself, and contribute to make the world a better place for those around you. We are all together on this crisis, we all can equally restore from it. Obama provides courage and opportunity, which is much needed now. The greatness of our nation must be gained.
Obama declares what needs to be done and what must be done in his speech:
"For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. 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. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do".
In my opinion, Obama said what America needed to hear. Most people depended on someone to save America and they entrusted this task on Obama. However, Obama is clearly communicating that he cannot do this alone. We all need to contribute in different way to make a difference and live equally. Although, capitalism will not change, people interpret equality in a different way now. Things are not the same as they were when Martin Luther King was fighting for his people's rights. Citizens are now used to capitalism and base their lives on it. The competitive world still surrounds us.
I find Obama's words contradictory to society's ideal regarding success. Obama talks about equality in a world that runs mostly by money. In other words, it will be very difficult to change the American way of life, due to what is was taught before by culture, which was, if you are not rich, good looking with a handsome partner you will not be happy. Meaning that everyone competes against one another even during difficult times. The marginal message of this thought, would be that people consider happiness greater than equality, even though according to Obama, these two go hand to hand. And, people consider that being right is better than being happy.
No changes can be done if people do not change their way of mind. We must provide ourselves an opportunity to live peacefully along with others. As Martin Luther King said, the destiny of every man is tied up with other's by the fact that we live together as a nation. Why fight each other, when there is nothing to win?
I am looking forward to Obama's great leadership and the restoration of America. Most people feel now defeated because of the current situation, but in my point of view is not a reason to resign and leave the country's future in hands of others.
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