Thoughts on my political journey

The political journey.  When I started this blog … 6 and a half years ago … I had some pretty big plans around it.  Weekly updates.  Listening to press conferences regularly.  Updating with thoughts on political events at the time.  Life is what happens when you make plans.

Regardless, the first phase of the political journey is done.  Accomplished.  All of the inaugural addresses of the US presidents read and documented with my thoughts.  I moved away from in-depth analysis after the first several presidents but I may want to revisit that exercise. Forcing myself to write long-form posts moved the experience from one of consumption to more of a creative aspect.  As it is, I’m pleased with the result – I was able to read through everything and document it so that others can hopefully learn something about the presidents without doing the amount of work that I did.

What did I learn?  First, I learned that most of the presidents are fairly similar, at least in their words when they come into office.  There are larger historical movements than these presidents which do force change (e.g., the expanded role of the government in infrastructure, the abolition of slavery, the emergence of the United States as a world power and eventual superpower) but for many of them, the promises are difficult to differentiate between parties (with some notable exceptions). 

I also learned that there is very little that is new under the sun.  Looking at early speeches, many of the same beats are present in current ones.  Trump attacking the press?  Jefferson did it first.  “God Bless America” or similar exhortations to The Almighty?  Adams discusses “a decent respect for Christianity among the best recommendations for the public service” and Jefferson also makes reference to an Almighty deity.  Fights over the role of government, concerns about spending and The Debt, and civil rights discussions for minority groups within the nation have also shown up in speeches made 200 years ago.  There is a lot of wisdom in old words, and also a hint of warning against hubris – who are we to think that we suddenly have the answers when we reject the contemplation of our ancestors?

What are the next steps?  First, I’m taking a bit of a break.  A driving factor in finishing the inaugural addresses was my impending marriage – I wanted a nice accomplishment to close out my single life.  Additionally, I’ve been reading a lot of non-fiction lately – I want to return to reading fiction and letting my mind switch off.  After that, I’m going to resume reading The Federalist Papers and The Anti-Federalist Papers.  I’m about 15 deep on both of them and have been taking some notes – I’d like to at least continue posting those here if nothing else.

 I’d like to also tackle the possibility of turning the last couple of years into a book.  A simple one, nothing complicated.  But the wisdom of the presidents is something that everyone should have a chance to take a glance at and curating the selections I’ve already made shouldn’t be an overly difficult task.  I’m a little hesitant to do this since one of the most maddening things in life is encountering people who have nothing to add to a conversation but insist on putting in their two cents.  There are so many books out there already – would it add to the noise or would it provide inspiration to a fellow traveler, one who also is looking for a new path to tread but only needs a signpost to inform them that it is an option?  I’ll ponder it.  Writing out more of an introduction for each president and doing research into their presidencies would be a good way to add more value to the project, but I’m also juggling enough outside of that.  This project’s intention was to learn more and have fun.  I’ve certainly kept to that charter through it.

2021 – Inaugural Address of Joseph Biden

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inaugural address, joseph biden, speech, Video

Link to MillerCenter.org’s transcript of speech

Summary of speech:

Joseph Biden took office during a divided time in American history – the nation had just undergone a very contentious national election that culminated in the US Capitol being breached by protestors during the counting of the electoral vote.  The nation was divided on Covid response.  The nation was divided on the actions of the previous president, Donald Trump.  The nation was divided on the actions of Black Lives Matter during 2020 – both in the message and in the protests/riots which hit the nation.  And so Biden spoke a message of unity.  Notable in the speech is a lack of foreign and domestic policy discussion or a larger philosophical message which characterizes others.  Instead, unity was deemed so important that Biden dedicated the vast majority of the speech to it, both as a promise from the government and as a plea from the citizens of the US.

Eight months later, Biden would declare that all workers for companies of over 100 employees would need to be vaccinated against Covid except for in very specific circumstances.  Any semblance of unity hoped to be achieved during his presidency was dashed at that time.  A Disinformation Governance Board, attempts to legislate Student Loan forgiveness from the Executive Branch, and endless fighting and blame passing between him and Trump would show the cracks were deeper than what could have been solved within an inaugural address.

We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbors.  We can treat each other with dignity and respect.  We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature.  For without unity there is no peace, only bitterness and fury, no progress, only exhausting outrage.  No nation, only a state of chaos.

Thoughts on Transcript:

1. Peaceful transfer of power
2. Difficult time for America
3. Preaches unity
4. Appeal to history to show USA overcoming adversity through unity
5. Appeal to the citizens of US
6. Quotes St. Augustine
7. End to uncivil war
8. Call to action / rise to occasion

2017 – Inaugural Address of Donald Trump

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donald trump, inaugural address, speech, Video

Link to MillerCenter.org’s transcript of speech

Summary of speech:

Donald Trump was a political longshot to become president.  While riding high on name recognition and independently wealthy, he had never held public office nor served in the military, making him the first president since Hoover to hold that distinction.  Trump rode a wave of populism to the office, as well as a backlash against his opponent, and his speech reflects that.  Under the banner of Make America Great Again, Trump pushed for the placement of America first in political decisions and in a return of power to the people.

What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people.

Thoughts on Transcript:

1. Transfer of power from government to people
2. Government has ignored the people
3. United America
4. Compare and contrast of policies which place foreign interests ahead of Americans
5. “America First” policy
6. Disagree and commit, i.e., debate but strive for unity
7. Dreams and striving for future are necessary for America to continue
8. MAGA

2013 – Second Inaugural Address of Barack Obama

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barack obama, inaugural address, second inaugural address, speech, Video

Link to MillerCenter.org’s transcript of speech

Summary of speech:

Barack Obama begins his second term with a speech that continues the themes of his first, though it leans in more to the central authority as an extension of the will of the people.  It mentions Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security by name.  And it tackles several hot button domestic political issues of the time, including gay marriage, illegal immigration, and climate change.

The patriots of 1776 did not fight to replace the tyranny of a king with the privileges of a few or the rule of a mob.  They gave to us a Republic, a government of, and by, and for the people, entrusting each generation to keep safe our founding creed.

Thoughts on Transcript:

1. Declaration of Independence ideals bind nation
2. List of expansions of government powers that nation has undertaken throughout history
3. When times change, so do we
4. August wealth disparity
5. Safety nets encourage American risk taking
6. Climate change and environmentalism
7. Pull back from war and win the peace
8. Women, Black, LGBT rights through history
9. Political hot buttons: DOMA, in person voting, immigration (particularly illegal vis-a-vis the DREAM Act), and gun control
10. Must work together over long time to change
11. Carry previous light of freedom to future

2009 – Inaugural Address of Barack Obama

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barack obama, inaugural address, speech, Video

Link to MillerCenter.org’s transcript of speech

Summary of speech:

Barack Obama’s first inaugural address was seen by many as an important milestone in America: the election of the first Black American to the office of President.  His campaign was run on that, but more broadly on “Hope”.  Hope for a new way forward for the country, one that would begin ending foreign wars and increasing the importance of domestic policy.  Interestingly, one of the key parts of Obama’s legacy, the Affordable Care Act, is not discussed as much here as would be expected – the Act would be signed into law in 2010.

Our challenges may be new.  The instruments with which we meet them may be new.  But those values upon which our success depends – hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism – these things are old.  These things are true.

Thoughts on Transcript:

1. Takes office during tough time for US – inheriting both a war and a recession
2. Focus on pursuit of happiness – odd reference to 1 Corinthians 13:11
3. America is a land that struggles in order that a future is made possible
4. Looks for major action across multiple fronts – infrastructure, technology, healthcare, ecology
5. Must hold government to account and cut what doesn’t work
6. Will not trade ideals for safety
7. Begin to pull out from Iraq and Afghanistan
8. A “new way forward” with the Muslim world
9. Reliance on Americans to see through ambitious plans
10. Call back to Washington’s words to troops at Valley Forge – America will get through this winter as well

2005 – Second Inaugural Address of George W. Bush

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george w bush, inaugural address, second inaugural address, speech, Video

Link to MillerCenter.org’s transcript of speech

Summary of speech:

Bush’s first speech uses a lot of religious imagery, both implied and in explicit calls to the Christian God, and his second address follows much the same pattern.  What does change is the focus: where the first was focused on more of a domestic agenda, the second focuses on an international agenda and makes the case for the spread of freedom in the world, particularly through an understanding of what freedom is and how it can unite such a diverse country as the United States.

In America’s ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character–on integrity, and tolerance toward others, and the rule of conscience in our own lives.  Self-government relies, in the end, on the governing of the self.  That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Koran, and the varied faiths of our people.  Americans move forward in every generation by reaffirming all that is good and true that came before–ideals of justice and conduct that are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Thoughts on Transcript:

1. America has dealt with wars from afar – 9/11 brought it home
2. Bush Doctrine – Survival of Liberty in US depends on survival of liberty abroad
3. Freedom looks different depending on culture
4. America’s mission is freedom worldwide
5. War footing/singlemindedness of American people
6. Freedom is the means to control one’s own destiny
7. Love of community is necessary for freedom
8. Desire for unity of people
9. History moves toward freedom

2001 – Inaugural Address of George W. Bush

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george w bush, inaugural address, speech, Video

Link to MillerCenter.org’s transcript of speech

Summary of speech:

The first president of a new millennium and the second to serve as a son of a former president, George W. Bush gives a speech that looks inward for the country – focusing on social programs arising from his faith and on political principles representative of a smaller role for government in society.  Notably, outside of a short paragraph warning any outside threat that America will respond in kind, this inaugural address does not cover much foreign policy.  The Cold War is done.  While terrorism exists, it is at a small scale.  All of that will change in under 8 months.

It is the American story.  A story of flawed and fallible people, united across the generations by grand and enduring ideals.  The grandest of these ideals is an unfolding American promise that everyone belongs, that everyone deserves a chance, that no insignificant person was ever born.  Americans are called upon to enact this promise in our lives and in our laws; and though our nation has sometimes halted, and sometimes delayed, we must follow no other course.

Thoughts on Transcript:

1. Acknowledgement of political process
2. The American story
3. Justice within the USA
4. America is an idea
5. Civility is important for the future of America
6. Policy positions for term – schools, social security reform, and reduction of taxes
7. Caring for the poor among us
8. Call for men with chests – character as a part of civic life
9. Americans work for and fulfill higher purpose / calling than themselves

1997 – Second Inaugural Address of Bill Clinton

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bill clinton, inaugural address, second inaugural address, speech, Video

Link to MillerCenter.org’s transcript of speech

Summary of speech:

Bill Clinton follows his first inaugural address with another which leans toward the future with positive optimism.  On the cusp of a new millennium, he looks back on both the last hundred years, where America has become the world’s sole superpower, to the current time, where the Internet has begun to pick up steam, to the future, where no challenge is too much for the American spirit to overcome.  At this time where peace is present in the world, there is a look to the future where America can bring the light of freedom to the world. 

Prosperity and power, yes, they are important, and we must maintain them.  But let us never forget: The greatest progress we have made, and the greatest progress we have yet to make, is in the human heart.  In the end, all the world’s wealth and a thousand armies are no match for the strength and decency of the human spirit.

Thoughts on Transcript:

1. A look back during the final inauguration of the millennium
2. Each century of American history has been time of choice and opportunity: Expansion, Industrial, Information
3. American people over the government
4. Smaller government, increased citizen involvement
5. Racial conflict is continuous source of strife for nation
6. New millennium promises great technological marvels
7. Look at a bright future – focus on education
8. Speech of optimism – against war, terror, disease
9. Improvement / Triumph of Spirit must be as treasured as economic prosperity
10. Split government demands compromise
11. Call to action – to seize the day and take America into the future

1993 – Inaugural Address of Bill Clinton

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bill clinton, inaugural address, speech, Video

Link to MillerCenter.org’s transcript of speech

Summary of speech:

Bill Clinton takes office as the first of the Baby Boomers – the generation born in the mid-late 1940s and 1950s.  His speech is characterized by bold steps toward an increasingly shrinking world – one in which the Soviet Union has fallen and the Cold War has come to a close.  Clinton also speaks about the need to tighten belts and reign in the deficit, saying that sacrifices must be made but hearkening back to JFK’s charge of asking what one can do for one’s country.

Our democracy must be not only the envy of the world but the engine of our own renewal.  There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.

Thoughts on Transcript:

1. Message of change and progress
2. First Boomer president
3. Increased globalization
4. Transition to globalization is causing strife for many
5. Crisis begets strength
6. Dramatic change needed
7. Sacrifice needed
8. Politicians forget the people
9. One planet – world’s problems are America’s problems
10. Addresses his mandate – promises change using the authority of government and support of the people
11. Quotes Galatians 6:9

1989 – Inaugural Address of George H.W. Bush

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george hw bush, inaugural address, speech, Video

Link to MillerCenter.org’s transcript of speech

Summary of speech:

Bush gives one of the, if not the, most religious inaugural addresses of the American presidents.  Varying between philosophical and theological, he reflects on the history of the country to this point, the future that awaits, and the charge that has been put on all Americans to meet such a future.  In ten months, the Berlin Wall will fall and the Soviet Union, the focus of so many presidential speeches from the previous 40 years, will disintegrate.  The new breeze that Bush spoke of was indeed blowing.

For a new breeze is blowing, and a world refreshed by freedom seems reborn; for in man’s heart, if not in fact, the day of the dictator is over.  The totalitarian era is passing, its old ideas blown away like leaves from an ancient, lifeless tree.  A new breeze is blowing, and a nation refreshed by freedom stands ready to push on.

Thoughts on Transcript:

1. Very philosophical / religious speech
2. Recognizes that this marks 200 years of inaugurations
3. First act as President is a prayer for strength
4. People worldwide are moving toward freedom
5. America is a home we love
6. Work toward peace, harmony, and curing ills of humanity
7. Passing of torch from Greatest Generation to Boomers
8. Virtues are timeless
9. Call for bipartisanship and cooperation
10. Foreign policy continues Reagan’s policies
11. History flows through generations and connects us all
12. War on Drugs
13. God oversees all

1985 – Second Inaugural Address of Ronald Reagan

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inaugural address, ronald reagan, second inaugural address, speech, Video

Link to Miller Center’s transcript of speech

Summary of speech:

Going into his second term in office, Reagan was riding the largest electoral landslide of all time, winning all states but Minnesota and Washington DC.  The country had bought into his plan, and the lower inflation, better economy, and increased hope in America reflected well on the president.  For his second address, Reagan again rails against the evils of government growth and overreach and pushes the mindset that citizens and their communities can solve the domestic problems that the federal government had been, in his view, improperly tasked with in the past.

That system has never failed us, but, for a time, we failed the system.  We asked things of government that government was not equipped to give.  We yielded authority to the National Government that properly belonged to States or to local governments or to the people themselves.

Thoughts on Transcript:

1. A look at the first inauguration and the progress of the USA since
2. USA government was formed as a servant of the people
3. We yielded too much power to the government over the years
4. A look to the bright future
5. Jefferson and Adams – founders, rivals, eventually friends
6. Must not let government get out of control again
7. Continue deregulation to free entrepreneurship
8. Balance budget, cut spending, reduce debt
9. Shrink the federal government
10. Racism has no place in America
11. Foreign policy toward the USSR
12. Strategic Defense Initiative (“Star Wars”)
13. Freedom on move worldwide
14. Reduce poverty will lead to reducing unrest

1981 – Inaugural Address of Ronald Reagan

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inaugural address, ronald reagan, speech, Video

Link to MillerCenter.org’s transcript of speech

Summary of speech:

Ronald Reagan entered office amidst a stagnation in the country’s economy that was coupled with rampant inflation.  The nation was embroiled in the Cold War and was also still dealing with the distrust from Nixon’s administration.  Reagan does three things: 1) he acknowledges the issue, 2) he places the blame on the growth of government, and 3) he encourages the American people to pull together to solve it.  None of these are new topics, but the second point is one that is more out of place with the speeches of the 20th Century and more in line with those of the mid-19th Century.  

In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.

From time to time, we have been tempted to believe that society has become too complex to be managed by self-rule, that government by an elite group is superior to government for, by, and of the people.  But if no one among us is capable of governing himself, then who among us has the capacity to govern someone else?  All of us together, in and out of government, must bear the burden.  The solutions we seek must be equitable, with no one group singled out to pay a higher price.

Thoughts on Transcript:

1. Stable transition of power every four years
2. US dealing with rampant inflation
3. Paints a bleak picture of the US’s current domestic status
4. Americans must come together to solve problems
5. Government works for the people, not the people for the government
6. Individuals, with their freedom and passion, created the US and its economy
7. Promises to rein in the federal government
8. Pushes for the realization of Carter’s promise to make the US an international beacon for freedom based on domestic success
9. Foreign policy: an iron gauntlet in a velvet glove
10. Recognizes the monuments to the great Presidents and American heroes
11. Recognition of a low level courier killed in the line of duty during WW1 and how his words capture the spirit of Americans