Posted by
Always Learning on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 4:36:23 PM
I will not bore the reader by reviewing the methodology used for this analysis. Suffice it to say, I did not hear the speech, nor have I listened to news broadcasts. This analysis is based strictly on the text of the speech.
While While there was much to comment on as a result of this analysis, I have only included those findings that reflect my top-line conclusions. I invite your critique of my analysis.
Top Line Conclusion(s) and Observations
If the purpose of this speech was to inspire confidence in the federal/national government, it failed.
- “Those of us gathered here tonight have been called to govern in extraordinary times… For in our hands lies the ability to shape our world for good or for ill.”
- “Not because I believe in bigger government – I don’t.” (Contradiction to the language / ideas contained in this speech)
If the purpose of this speech was to further undermine the Constitutional Republic ideals upon which it was founded via the “economic crisis,” it succeeded.
Given the language and ideas expressed, this speech clearly laid out a “plan” to grow the size, influence and power of the national/federal government.
Attempting to substitute the word/idea of “investment” in place of “spending” by the government was not successful.
- “We have made the largest investment in basic research funding in American history…”
- “Our recovery plan will invest in electronic health records ... and it makes the largest ever in preventative care …”
- “… we have made an historic investment in education through the economic recovery plan… we’ll invest in innovative programs that are already helping schools …and we will expand our commitment to charter schools.”
- “the budget I submit will invest in the three areas that are absolutely critical to our economic future: energy, health care, and education.”
- “We are creating a new lending fund …”
- “We have launched a housing plan … “
- “We will act with the full force of the federal government to ensure that the major banks … have enough money to lend in more difficult times.”
- “… this plan will require more significant resources from the federal government …”
There is no reference in “cutting government spending.” Only token references to eliminating wasteful programs, etc by the government.
Further, (from my personal perspective) there is a disturbing trend in the rhetoric associated with what this President perceives to be his duties and limits on his executive powers and, indeed, on the proper role of our government.
· “… the goal of this administration is to ensure every child has access to a complete and competitive education – from the day they are born to the day they begin a career.”
· “I have told each member of my Cabinet as well as mayors and governors across the country that they will be held accountable by me … for every dollar they spend.”
· “I will not spend a single penny for the purpose of rewarding a single Wall Street executive, but I will do whatever it takes to help the small business that can’t pay its workers or the family that has saved and still can’t get a mortgage.”
· So I ask this Congress to join me in doing whatever proves necessary … It is time to put in place tough, new common-sense rules of the road so that our financial market rewards drive and innovation, and punishes short-cuts and abuse.”
· “I can assure you that the cost of inaction will be far greater, for it could result in an economy that sputters along for not months or years, but perhaps a decade. That would be worse for our deficit, worse for business, worse for you, and worse for the next generation. And I refuse to let that happen.”
· “In the next few days, I will submit a budget to Congress. So often, we have come to view these documents as simply numbers on a page or laundry lists of programs. I see this document differently. I see it as a vision for America – as a blueprint for our future.”
Sample Word Count Occurrences
America – 23
Americans – 33
Create(s,d,ing,tion) - 8
Cut – 5
Government – 7
I – 70
Invest(ment) – 11
Me/My - 7
Our – 108
Plan – 16
Responsibility(ies) – 14
Spend(ing) – 7
Waste(ful) - 5
We – 116
World - 11
5902 words analyzed