One year ago today I attended President Obama's inauguration. I thought it would be interesting to revisit parts of the speech he delivered on that occasion in light of what has transpired since then:
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.Funny how much can change in a year.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics.
...But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed.
...The state of our 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 harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.
...The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works, whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.
Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end.
And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
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