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 

What follows is a semantic analysis of President Obama’s Inaugural Speech delivered on January 20, 2009. I have outlined my methodology in a previous post. I will not bore the reader with a repeat.

2,380 Words Spoken

Summary

Based upon this semantic analysis, President Obama today delivered an inaugural address with a world-wide focus, not a focus on the United States of America.   

Virtues of those who have come before us in our country were mentioned; the positive attributes of America were mentioned; the concept of “crisis” was likewise mentioned; yet these sub-themes were short-lived and eclipsed by the ‘world of nations’ tone of the speech. 

Details

A. The theme of the speech in President Obama’s words:

“What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task. This is the price and the promise of citizenship.”

B.     Word Pulls

America

America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office

a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable

But know this, America - they will be met

They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity

and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace

In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words

American(s)

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath

So it must be with this generation of Americans

we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.

a recognition, on the part of every American

Nation(s)

I thank President Bush for his service to our nation

Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred

and prepare the nation for a new age

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation

We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth

and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous

America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more

even greater cooperation and understanding between nations

We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers

To the people of poor nations, we pledge

to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty

determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.

a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation

the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people

World

Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake

that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect

For the world has changed, and we must change with it

a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly

Let it be told to the future world

Planet / Earth

and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet

With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat and roll back the specter of a warming planet

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth

We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth

We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth

Change we are calling for

America can change

Change we seek

Change we need

Change this country

Change in America

Change the world

Change America

Change in Washington

Change is coming to America

Change must come to Washington

Climate Change

Not the change we need

Not Change

I believe

We believe

You / you who believe

They believe

Reason to believe

I don't believe

Want to believe

G cannot solve every problem

Cynicism about G

G that lets veterans sleep on our streets

G should work for us

G can't turn off the television

Across party times to open up G

We don't need big G

Need a G that stands up for families

G that stands up for the middle class

G that ensures no American will lose their life savings

Take our G back

Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution - a Constitution that had at is very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time.

1. The Declaration of Independence will be reviewed by all National elected officials four times a year.
2. The President of the United States will only execute those duties outlined for the Executive in the United States Constitution.
3. Any law passed by the Legislative Branch must be accompanied by the repeal of 100 laws already on the books.
4. No new National Government offices/departments or such unless 5 others of equal or greater size in expenditure are first eliminated.
5. No more electing Senators. We will go back to the States providing the bodies for this chamber. States -- do your duty and duke it out at your end. If you don’t send anybody, then you won’t be represented in the Senate.
6. No Congressman/woman will serve more than 3 terms, consecutive or otherwise.
7. All pensions and other benefits associated with elected officials who are or have served in Washington D.C. will be phased out during my tenure.
8. The Supreme Court will hear Constitutional Cases only – no more tinkering with States rights or bowing to special interests.
9. We will move toward the States coughing up the bucks for the National Government. This will be accomplished within my tenure as Tzaress. Individual income tax will be abolished – for good.
10. In addition to consulting those who are supposed to know what they are doing, representatives of those who work hard, do their best to pay their bills, try to do the right thing, and sacrifice to keep their good name will be consulted to formulate domestic economic policy.
11. The National Government will get its mitts out of the hands of business. If a business wants to hire/pay greedy people, then it’s up to the customers and/or shareholders to hold that business accountable.
12.  No laws associated with a “religious state” will supplant U.S. or State law in any State, county or city/town on the sovereign soil of the United States.