War Time Inaugural .:. grubbykid.com

War Time Inaugural

Our Constitution of 1787 was not a perfect instrument; it is not perfect yet. But it provided a firm base upon which all manner of men, of all races and colors and creeds, could build our solid structure of democracy.

And so today, in this year of war... we have learned lessons-- at a fearful cost--and we shall profit by them.

We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace; that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations far away. We have learned that we must live as men, not as ostriches, nor as dogs in the manger.

We have learned to be citizens of the world, members of the human community.

We have learned the simple truth, as Emerson said, that "The only way to have a friend is to be one." We can gain no lasting peace if we approach it with suspicion and mistrust or with fear.

We can gain it only if we proceed with the understanding, the confidence, and the courage which flow from conviction.

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Comments

sweetchuck says:

Won't be hearing that tone from the white house any time soon. Or at least not for four years.

Posted by: sweetchuck at January 20, 2005 1:43 PM #

niklas says:

Lived here for nearly 2 years, total cowboy hats seen = 0

Today's cowboy hat count (as of 2:30 EST) = 5

Posted by: niklas at January 20, 2005 2:44 PM #

plemeljr says:

Nick - that is the most awesomely depressing thing I have heard all day. Isn't it snowing there? I can't believe that a 10 gallon hat would give much protection against the cold. I wonder how many of those who donned cowboy hats were posers?

Posted by: plemeljr at January 20, 2005 3:26 PM #

niklas says:

The sun came out today, melting away most of it...didn't venture out close to the action, but now that the evening is dawning, the fleets of limo's are out and trying to make some of those impossible left turns and will undoubtedly clog traffic for the evening drive time (3 cheers for L'Enfant...huzzah!).