LAD/Blog #10: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address
LAD/Blog #10: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address
Jefferson begins his speech by saying how grateful he is to have been elected president, how humbled he is to be in this position, and how he plans to look to others for guidance. He says he will rely on his virtues during difficult times. He then says that although the government represents the will of the people, and that the majority will prevail, the minority will still have equal rights. He then begins to speak about political divisions (parties), and says that since religious intolerance has ended, it is destructive to create more toxic separations between people. He says the very famous lines, "But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists." After asserting this, Jefferson continues on and says that some may not think the government is strong, but declares that he believes it is the strongest one in the world. He then says that everyone should continue to uphold their Federal and Republican principles, through devotion to the country and the government. He promises that the government will leave people to regulate their own pursuits, and not unjustly take from the populous. He declares that the government will be equal and just to all men, support the state governments, give the people their voice, correct abuses, have a strong army, pay its debts, and ensure freedom of religion, the press, and all people. He then says that he will use his experience to do his best in office, and asks for support and forgiveness for mistakes. He ends with a strong statement, saying "And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our
councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity."
Thomas Jefferson
Barack Obama's Inaugural Address (2009) (synthesis)
Barack Obama's Inaugural Address is similar to Jefferson's. They start by saying how humbled and grateful they are to be in their position. Also, they both touch on problems in America (war/the economy versus potentially harmful political divisions), yet assure people that the government will right problems and continue to be just and equal. They also both preach tolerance and acceptance, and assert that that is what will make the country stronger.
Jefferson begins his speech by saying how grateful he is to have been elected president, how humbled he is to be in this position, and how he plans to look to others for guidance. He says he will rely on his virtues during difficult times. He then says that although the government represents the will of the people, and that the majority will prevail, the minority will still have equal rights. He then begins to speak about political divisions (parties), and says that since religious intolerance has ended, it is destructive to create more toxic separations between people. He says the very famous lines, "But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists." After asserting this, Jefferson continues on and says that some may not think the government is strong, but declares that he believes it is the strongest one in the world. He then says that everyone should continue to uphold their Federal and Republican principles, through devotion to the country and the government. He promises that the government will leave people to regulate their own pursuits, and not unjustly take from the populous. He declares that the government will be equal and just to all men, support the state governments, give the people their voice, correct abuses, have a strong army, pay its debts, and ensure freedom of religion, the press, and all people. He then says that he will use his experience to do his best in office, and asks for support and forgiveness for mistakes. He ends with a strong statement, saying "And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our
councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity."
Thomas Jefferson
Barack Obama's Inaugural Address (2009) (synthesis)
Barack Obama's Inaugural Address is similar to Jefferson's. They start by saying how humbled and grateful they are to be in their position. Also, they both touch on problems in America (war/the economy versus potentially harmful political divisions), yet assure people that the government will right problems and continue to be just and equal. They also both preach tolerance and acceptance, and assert that that is what will make the country stronger.
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