OBAMA INAUGURATION SPEECH LAYS OUT ATTACK PLAN FOR SECOND TERM

By Nadia Trinidad, ABS-CBN North America Bureau Chief

January 21, 2013

WASHINGTON–Four years ago, President Barack Obama was then described by
many as a young man.

He told America that the challenges it faces are real, but they will be met.
he also said that Americans should endure what storms may come.

But at his inaugural speech on Capitol Hill on Monday, a gray-haired battle-scarred Obama reminded the nation that the fight isn’t over.

“My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it – so
long as we seize it together,” said Obama.

Pundits said inaugural speeches are usually about rhetoric. They said his second inaugural speech should focus on broad themes that will urge
Americans to come together and look out for each other. Specifics they said,
are usually left for the state of the union.

But Obama’s second inaugural address focused on issues that could as well
dictate the tempo for the kind of legacy he will leave behind.

The President clearly stated his stance on immigration reform.

“Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity;
until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce
rather than expelled from our country.

Obama openly stated his support for gay rights.

“Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated
like anyone else under the law,” said the President.

And for the first time, climate change.

“We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not
just to ourselves, but to all posterity. We will respond to the threat of
climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children
and future generations.”

Political analysts who watched the speech said it was for all intents and
purposes, a mandate speech.

Obama, also said the decade of war is ending, the nation’s economy is
recovering and that America’s possibilities are limitless.

As hundreds of thousands of flag waving Americans witnessed as the 44th
President took his oath of office amid pomp and circumstance, he reminded all his listeners of what made America great, making references to past heroes and historical turning points.

“That all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still; just
as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall,”
said the President.