President Barack Obama is all set for a long fight with his Republican opponents and he indicated his vision for the second term. He presented a progressive agenda to tackle contentious issues such as gun control, gay rights, climate change and immigration reform etc.
During his second inaugural address, Obama said that progress does not compel us to settle centuries-long debates about the role of government for all time - but it does require us to act in our time.
In his speech of about 18 minute, he said, "For no one has a greater stake in a peaceful world than its most powerful nation." "A decade of war is now ending" without making a direct reference to America's ongoing war on terrorism.
Stressing the need to "respond to the threat of climate change" he said, "Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms."
Obama listed three turning points: Seneca Falls, Selma and Stonewall saying the "notion that all of us are created equal is the idea that has powered men and women for generations."
But the journey for equality "is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law - for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well."
Many daily have appreciated his progressive agenda and his vision as per the need of tome. "With this speech, he has made a forceful argument for a progressive agenda that meets the nation's needs." said the influential New York Times in an editorial hoping "he has the political will and tactical instincts to carry it out."
(With inputs from IANS)
|
|
Comments:
