Inauguration 2009:The Phrase that will be Remembered

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As the sun rises on a new day and a new presidency, the promise President Obama uttered in his first address to the Nation–“…we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals”–that promise is coming true.

Today, and from this day forward, United States interrogators may only  use the methods outlined in the Army Field Manual. Methods that physically abuse the detainee are forbidden.  This includes waterboarding which we prosecuted Japanese soldiers for following WWII.

Today, and from this day forward, the revolving door between government and big business is closing.  Obama’s senior staff can’t be involved in projects that they’ve lobbied about in the last two years.  And, more importantly, they can’t leave government and lobby this administration until Obama is no longer President.

Today, and from this day forward, the black curtain that divides us from our government is being pulled aside so we can look through a glass window at the workings of this administration. Obama said as he repealed Bush’s 2001 executive order giving presidents the right to deny access to their papers,

“Going forward, any time the American people want to know something that I or a former president wants to withhold, we will have to consult with the attorney general and the White House counsel, whose business it is to ensure compliance with the rule of law…Information will not be withheld just because I say so. It will be… withheld because a separate authority believes my request is well grounded in the Constitution”

Today, and this day forward, President Obama directed government to err on the side of openness when dealing with the Freedom of Information Act. He declared,

“The old rules said that if there was a defensible argument for not disclosing something to the American people, then it should not be disclosed. That era is now over. Starting today, every agency and department should know that this administration stands on the side not of those who seek to withhold information, but those who seek to make it known.”

Today, and this day forward, may politicians keep their promises like this man has.

Today, and this day forward, “we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.”

AMEN

___

Yes, I know, it may be a long 4 years but it is a 4 years that looks mighty bright right now.

______

Thanks to Eric for keeping me informed on much of this.

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17 Comments
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Mr T
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Mr T
15 years ago

There was another line that I thought was so beautifully graphic. Something to the effect: ‘We will reach out with an open hand if you will unclench your fist”.

Mr T
Guest
Mr T
15 years ago

Ok, here is is more precisely:

” 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.

jl
Guest
jl
15 years ago

omg!! Your photos are rocking!! Really impressive, the mist the moon…loving it!

Raincrow
Guest
15 years ago

Yup.

Toni
Guest
15 years ago

I’ll second that “amen” and add a “sister” — Amen, sister!!

Ren
Guest
Ren
15 years ago

I really hope this means less scare-tactics from our government.

tj
Guest
tj
15 years ago

It is exciting. I was so upset over our loss of freedom with the Bush administration and it does seem that Obama is keeping his promises. A inaugrual phrase that keeps repeating in my mind is about dusting ourselves off and getting back to remaking America. Great photo as always Kym.

silverstar98121
Guest
15 years ago

So far things seem to be going the right way. I am very happy about that. And this is another beautiful photo.

Lou FCD
Guest
15 years ago

Another few phrases that tickled me…

“…and non believers…” It was nice to be included for the first time by a President.

“…restore Science to its rightful place…”

I’m not even sure how to react to a government that isn’t actively anti-science, anti-reality, driven by ideology and wielding fear and ignorance like sword and shield.

I’m happy to adjust, though.

Elizabeth
Guest
Elizabeth
15 years ago

love the moon and the sun

and I LOVED that phrase. so glad it’s coming true.

bluelaker4
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bluelaker4
15 years ago

Obama said a lot of nice things in his speech Tuesday. I hope he can follow through, although I don’t think it is possible to do all the things he says he wants to do. I’m taking a wait-and-see stance.

Kato
Guest
Kato
15 years ago

Lou, that phrase “non-believers” stuck with me, too. At first because of its apparent intent to be all-inclusive, but later because of its insinuation that those who don’t identify with one of the world’s major religions lack a belief system. He could have said “people of all spiritual traditions” or “those with different beliefs”, but at least he didn’t say “heathens”…

I heard on KMUD there’s a site that’s got a list of all of his campaign promises and is checking them off as he fulfills them. Here it is:
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/

bluelaker4
Guest
bluelaker4
15 years ago

Thanks, Kato. That is a good site to know about.

sohumborn
Guest
sohumborn
15 years ago

Kym,
I woke up this morning thinking of your photos. Of how the capture the beauty so many of us go through our day with out seeing, and I just wanted to say thanks. So…
Thank you Kym!

Chris
Guest
15 years ago

B-bye Gitmo!!!

Ben
Guest
Ben
15 years ago

Despite the fact that it was one of the lesser (less vicious) evils of the Bush Administration, the “know-nothing” attitude toward science really made me crazy. The idea that all reference to geologic time was removed from the displays at the Grand Canyon and that evolution was relegated to “only a theory” status was really frightening to me. Now, suddenly, it’s all gone and we’re back in the real world. How is it possible that we went through such a thing in the 21st Century? Frightening.
Kym, you’ve done a great job listing the marvelous changes since last Tuesday.

Elaine
Guest
15 years ago

There are so few real grown-ups in this world, and we finally have one in charge. He’s grown-up enough to make it clear that we all are expected to be grown-ups now, not selfish infants.