Inauguration!

OBAMA! (:

"To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. 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." (Find full transcript here)

I chose this section of Obama's inauguaral Address because I feel like it shows the true leadership of Barack Obama. Also, it was written in a way that makes it difficult to forget and each word is impactful. The first part of the quote reminded me of ideas that have come up often during class. The idea is that it doesn't help much to be 'anti' something, like 'anti' war or 'anti' slavery; being 'pro' peace or 'pro' equality is what makes more of a difference. To me, Obama reflected the same idea in his speech when he said "know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy." The last part of the quote is something that I remembered long after the speech was through-- "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." To me, this said that to those who are willing to recieve help will receieve it, but those who choose to corrupt and put others in harm will not be given as much compassion. I think this is good because when you are the leader of such a powerful nation and you have the safety of an entire country in your hands, you will need to be merciful, yet have the right amount of agression.

Even though this isn't something that impacts my personal life, it reminded me of what is happening right now in Guantanamo Bay and how prisoners are being tortured and some being held without being told what their crimes are. If this is all true, I don't understand it because, we condemn acts of torturing in other countries, yet it is instigated there. And does our policy of a fair trial apply to all prisoners in Guantanamo Bay? The reason I was reminded of this after thinking about Obama's speech was because he talked about lending a helping hand to those who accept it and told the people who still "cling to power through corruption and deceit" that they are living in the past. It made me think that an idealistic way of dealing with people looking to harm others is justice tempered with mercy. I know some prisoners in Guantanamo Bay are the worst of the worst and justice should be served, but is torture necessary? The quote, "we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." also reminded me of normal everday life because sometimes there are people who do need help but won't accept it. I think everybody has either had or will have an experience like that with someone in their life.