Conservatives Criticize the "Overly Partisan" Nature of Obama's Inaugural Speech

I read an article on the Huffington Post website entitled, "Chris Christie: Obama Inauguration Address Was 'Manifesto' Saying 'My Way Or The Highway'". 
The link to the article is:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/24/chris-christie-obama_n_2544725.html

Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey and other conservatives are castigating President Obama's second inaugural speech for its "absolutist" nature. They believe that the speech only catered to liberal views and did not propose to work together with the Republican Party. Chris Christie publicly stated, "Instead of trying to bring people together, it a was manifesto for 'Hey, it's my way or the highway!" Basically, Chris Christie thinks that the underlying message in Obama's speech was that he is unwilling to compromise and take other viewpoints into consideration. John Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives, stated that Obama's persuasive speech was evidence that he is out to "annihilate the Republican Party." Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky stated that Obama's speech showed that he was seeking to , start an "era of liberalism" that would perpetuate the divided government. As a whole, many conservatives are disillusioned by Obama's speech.

I strongly disagree with Chris Christie and other conservatives' opinions on this speech. I think that Obama's inaugural speech was masterful and extremely eloquent. He addressed a plethora of issues that the country is facing in a very poetic way. I felt that the tone of Obama's speech was urgent and pragmatic, but also very hopeful. His words were realistic and truthful, but not discouraging. I think that Obama addressed important issues that he will tackle in his second term, such as immigration, the environment, gay rights, equal pay, and et cetera.One of my favorite lines from Obama's speech is,"My oath is not so different from the pledge we all make to the flag that waves above and that fills our hearts with pride. They are the words of citizens, and they represent our greatest hope. You and I, as citizens, have the power to set this country's course." President Obama's speech left me feeling very optimistic and sanguine about the future of the United States of America.

Furthemore, I am a very befuddled and frustrated by the criticism of Obama's speech by conservatives. I do not intend to offend anyone, but I feel that the conservatives are bitter because of their loss in the presidential election and the decadence of the GOP. I feel that the Republican Party is on life support right now and needs to seriously reevaluate what they stand for. Our nation has become extremely diverse. Statistics prove that Caucasians account for under half of the births in the United States. Our country is filled with African-Americans, Latinos, Muslims, Asians, gays, lesbians, and many different types of people. We need leaders that support every type of person in the United States. I personally do not feel that the Republican Party supports minorities, thus why they are losing support rapidly.

In addition, I think another problem with Republican leaders is their loyalty to their party over the people. Right now, the government is in a gridlock and minimal progress is being made. I feel that the Republican Party is mostly to blame because of their unwillingness to give up tradition for the current problems that our country is facing. Twenty innocent children were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. That event should have been a wake-up call that high powered guns should not be available to regular citizens, but many Republicans still oppose these ideas. How can we progress and fix serious problems if we cannot agree on the simplest ones? Republican or Democrat, the safety of children should be of the utmost importance. If you can look at the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and dismiss it as one of the inescapable tragedies of our world, I question if you have a heart at all.

President Obama's speech calls for the government to put their differences aside and work together for the benefit of the people. In his speech Obama said, "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." I hope that the divided government can come together and improve our nation.

What do you think about Obama's second inaugural speech? Do you believe that it was too partisan?

The Civil Rights Issue Of Our Day.

 President Obama's Speech  targeted many  Issues that  were brought to light ,  some even brought tears to citizens eyes across the nation. As we all know Equality is something that all Americans strive and thirst for , President Obama spoke heavy life changing words during his speech and struck the nation . Meghan Stabler, A transgender women and member of  the Board of  Directors for the Human Rights Campaign attended the Inauguration seated with gay and lesbian people waiting to hear the words that would forever break the barrier Gays all over . Meghan stated " We were all waiting for the word gay to come up, and then we heard Stonewall and a few of us had tears and our eyes"  During the speech Meghan and others waited for the moment . " Then we heard gay " she explained , " and we just lost it" . Just a few words spoken on the Equality of all took believers by storm. With full hope that Obama's actions would create a movement.  " Our journey 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" . No words made a bigger impact than these spoken that day . All signs of Equality are important , but for this new day and age Marriage Equality  and Gay rights takes a big chunk of  society's thoughts . Never really paying attention to issues that hover around me , I feel like there has been a door opened to my understanding on issues similar to this one. I think President Obama has a free flowing mind full of ideas that can help create a successful nation that will hopefully run smoothly . Putting his beliefs aside is what makes a great president , President Barack Obama will help gays make a change and bring that equality to them. " We, The people, declare today that the most evident of truths--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,"  .  Obama shoots straight to the point , Same sex couples should have equal benefits and should be treated as nothing less than equal American citizens.  He is Showing how far we have truly come.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/22/lgbt-obama-inauguration_n_2528918.html

Inaugural Invitation to Activism

Article *SOURCE* : Obama's Invitation to Activism

 I found this article to be most relevant to me and my thoughts on Obama's Inauguration Speech because, both the author and I had similar take a ways and thoughts. 

The author made a strong reference to Obama calling upon how principle of equality guided out ancestors.Obama made a strong statement of our ancestors of men and women joined together at Seneca Falls, New York to protest the perversion of women in different areas of life, from social to political and economic to religious. Even though some rejoice at his notable words, not everyone is happy and not everyone will be. Words of negativity went about, something like "He's a lame duck; nothing will get through Congress; he's all talk and no fight; he's lip-syncing like Beyoncé." 

I think he needs time to do all he has planned for this country. In time equality of women's rights, our gay brothers and sisters will be treated like everyone else under the law. Like the author Richard J. Rosendall noted that there's always more to be done and we all know that with what's already done, there's room for improvement. 

As you guys read the article, Richard J. Rosendall said "In doing so he rebuked hostility toward science, defended the social safety net as a source of national strength, and rejected the false theme of "makers" versus "takers." , What do you think he meant?

The Man Behind The Address

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/24/obamas-inaugural-address-jon-favreau_n_2545236.html

In this article you'll meet Jon Favreau, If you don't know him he is the director of speechwriting for the White House. Jon Favreau has written many speeches for President Obama, dating back to 2005 when he was the senator of Illinois; but this one, he says was the hardest. The difficultly in Mr.Favreau writing has been arrayed before us, whether it be this inaugural address or the one before, it is no easy task to write for the President. In this article, Mr. Favreau discusses why, after so many speeches, this one was the hardest; he also talks about the process of writing this address and where the inspiration came from. This article to me, shows the structure of the great speeches President Obama has given. The talents of Jon Favreau, not only gave us an exceptional speech, but also gave us an outline of our work in AP Gov.

Will there Ever be an Immigration Reform ?!

http://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/News/president-barack-obamas-years-immigration/story?id=18265091


When it comes to major issues and concerns in the United States and President Obama's plan as he stated in his Inauguration speech.  Immigration comes to my mind.  Why? Because just as this ABC News Article stated. "When President Barack Obama took the oath of office four years ago, immigration reform seemed possible, if not a high priority on the president's agenda.  But immigration took a backseat to healthcare and the economy. Reform went nowhere."  So the questions for many are, What now? Will this happen again? Will President Obama actually do something about an Immigration Reform in his second term?  

This article I read was very informative.  Stating both positive and negative news on the issue of a a possible Immigration reform.

Facts also state that Barack Obama has been the president in office to deport the most amount of people.  With 1.6 million deportations in his 4 yr. term in office. A reason why people probably don't know what to believe or think.  I've also heard many people say this as well.

With President Obama approving the the Dream Act last year in August, also gives people hope and faith that there may be a possible Immigration Reform.

 Sometimes I just think its not an easy task.  Immigration Reform would be a HUGE IMPACT on the nation, but I do believe it is possible and for the nations best.  It probably will take a while to put into effect.  But this will benefit the nation in many ways, like economically which is also one of the top issues our nation faces.  Like spending less money on immigration enforcement and prisons.

Is There A Middle Class?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/21/inauguration-speech-inequality-middle-class_n_2521489.html#slide=more275945

In this article, it summarizes Obama's Inauguration speech focusing on income inequality. He addresses how the president said in his speech that the richest 1 percent are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Emphasizing on the fact that the only way to reach prosperity is to expand the middle class or in his words, "rest upon the broad shoulders of a rising middle class". 
In my opinion, I see how building up the middle class can help the economy, but i don't like how many people make it sound like trying to build the middle class means no more poverty. There is even question as to if a middle class even exists. You are either trying to make ends meet or bathing in money. My question is, is there even a middle class?  

Taking Small Steps to Equality

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/28/opinion/beyond-mr-obamas-inaugural-message-on-gay-rights.html?_r=0

President Barack Obama gave a powerful and informative Inaugural speech on Monday, January 21st. He spoke as if he were a professional in literature. In his speech he talked about some our our core values like liberty and equality.

My biggest takeaway in this article is that it wasn't until 1967 that people of different races were allowed to marry each other, like President Obama's parents (his mom being American and his dad being African American). I can defiantly tell that the world has moved on but if it took people to allow interracial marriages how long will it take for marriages for the same sex will be legal?

President Obama does talks about how our work as citizens of this country is not complete until everyone is treated the same. I mean why shouldn't they be? Aren't they human beings after all? 

One thing that confuses me is if President Obama is talking about taking action together to bring equality then why does, according to his spokesperson Jay Carney, say that next day, after his inaugural speech President Obama speaks about how the decision of allowing same-sex marriage should be left up to states?

Overall I believe that President did a wonderful thing to start his work by starting with the minorities. How do you think this will affect the lives of majorities? Will their support for President Obama decrease after knowing that he is helping minorities first? Will they support President Obama in his decisions or give up on him right at the beginning?