Obama's Inauguration into his Second Term - Literature review Example

Obamas Inauguration into his Second Term Obamas Inauguration into his Second Term Introduction Obama’s speech during his inauguration in his second term of office was motivating, inspiring and comforting to a nation that was in need of rehabilitation. In previous speeches the president started on a down note, however during this speech, he adopted a friendly and optimistic tone (Huetteman, 2013). It can be concluded that the speech was simply touching. He concentrated on various issues including climate change, the current economic crisis facing America and the world in general and this demonstrated his commitment towards making America a better place. His main objective for the speech was outlined in six main points that were managed chronologically. His first two paragraphs aimed at thanking the American citizens for holding up so far. The following five paragraphs in the speech addressed the economic crisis facing the economic crisis. After he has addressed the second point, he went straight to address how the American citizens have faced problems in the past and always emerged victorious. In the following two paragraphs was dedicated to cynics (Huetteman, 2013). The major purpose was to speak to those that were doubtful about his plan as the president. The next five paragraphs focused on speaking about the issues facing the world. In the fifth point he introduced a new foreign policy that was focused on human ideals. He then moves back to the American denizens in the sixth point to concluding his last point. The events that take place during the Inauguration are administered by tradition rather than stipulations in the constitution. Obama’s second inauguration was no different and the series of events that took place on the day are discussed in the section below. To start with, the venue of the ceremony was on the National Mall where more than 600, 000 guests were gathered to experience this historic moment (Huetteman, 2013). The ceremony was scheduled to start at 11. 30 a.m. Former presidents, diplomats, lawmakers and other prominent guests began arriving in the venue at 9 a.m. while the security check points of the Mall were opened in 7 a.m. Myrlie Evers- William offered the summons after the opening comments were given by Senator Charles E. Schumer (Huetteman, 2013). The oath of office to the Vice President, Joseph Biden was administered by Justice Sonia Sotomayor (Huetteman, 2013). This was followed by a James Taylor’s performance of ‘America the beautiful’. After this, President Barrack Obama was sworn in by Chief Justice John G. Roberts a few minutes before noon. The president will use two Bibles one that was used by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the other that belonged to Abraham Lincoln (Huetteman, 2013). This also happened to be a holiday remembering the birth of the civil rights leader who left a mark on the history of the country. After this, president Obama delivered his second term inaugural speech. This was followed by a series of performances including a poem by Richard Blanco and a performance by Kelly Clarkson of ‘My Country, ‘Tis of Thee’. The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and the US Marine band also performed during the event. The closing benediction was given by Rev. Luis León after which Beyonce performed the national anthem. After this, the president and the vice president attended a luncheon with approximately 200 guests ranging from members of the cabinet, the Supreme Court and the Congress (Huetteman, 2013). The events of the day all went as planned and it was a historic moment in the great nation of America. Impact on US History Obama’s speech had a significant impact on the American history in various ways. To start with, it led to key changes in climate change issues and this led to positive changes such as a reduction in electricity use and use of natural gas that is a renewable source of energy. Secondly, his speech touched on the issue of same sex marriages and led to the acceptance of gay and lesbian couples across all states. Thirdly, the war for civil rights has been ongoing since the country gained independence. President Obama reminded the citizens about the importance of respecting the civil rights of immigrants, women and other minorities (Huetteman, 2013). His speech had a real impact on the US history and this impact is experienced to date. Long-term Consequences of Event The speech delivered by Barrack Obama during his inauguration in his second term had numerous long- term effects on the nation over the decades. Overall, the event was more relaxed as it had been overshadowed by other issues including the war in Iraq and the financial crisis in 2009 (Stevenson and Broder, 2013). The burden of history was also less intense with the acceptance of an African- American president. The president made audacious statements on climatic change, gay and homosexual rights within the civil rights setting. This speech offered a glimpse of hope to the American people after a period of four years of political struggle. It is important to note that the speech did not pay much attention to the current issues that were facing the country during that time. He only mentioned the issue of unemployment twice by stating that there was need for additional federal investments to enhance economic growth. He also briefly discussed the international crisis from North Africa and Syria and focused on the basic principles for promotion of democracy, support of global alliances and foreign engagement (Stevenson and Broder, 2013). Climate change was the most important policy promise made by President Obama during his second Inaugural speech. This was a momentous time for America’s history as it had a positive impact on fight against climate change (Stevenson and Broder, 2013). The president had learnt a lesson from his past as he had failed to win the support for law that was aimed at reducing emission of harmful gases that lead to global warming. This time, his administration made efforts to fight against climate change from an administrative perspective (Stevenson and Broder, 2013). This was by improving efficiency of home appliances, reducing harmful emissions from power plants, and ensuring the federal government to emit less carbon. His course of action on global warming was a perfect example of how the president found a way to work around opposition instead of seeking a compromise. This time round, Obama was cautious in his pledge to improve the global environment. The president was going to make use of EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to fight against activities that lead to environmental destruction such as coal burning and harmful emissions from power plants (Stevenson and Broder, 2013). These efforts had long term consequences mainly in the adoption of efficiency policies in buildings and home appliances and new energy regulations that had a positive impact on the nationwide consumption of electricity (Stevenson and Broder, 2013). His administration also came up with a way to capitalize on natural gas that is a cheaper an alternative source of energy that is used to date. Years ago, issues of same sex marriages were not taken lightly. Same sex marriages were not treated with the same respect as conventional marriages. However, president Obama spoke openly about marriage equality during his second- term. He called on sates to legally acknowledge same sex marriages (NBC News, 2013). He argued that the country would not be fully liberated until gays and lesbians were given equal treatment. He noted that major action on this issue would have to come from the administration, not the Supreme Court or the administration. His pronouncements on the issue of same sex marriages led to the current changes in the equality of rights enjoyed by same sex couples in the contemporary world. The Inaugural speech given by Barrack Obama during his second term concentrated on social justice movements. Obama associated this to the voting rights March in Selma in 1965 and women rights protests in 1848 (NBC News, 2013). He also acknowledges issues that were significant to feminists, immigrants and individuals that were prohibited from voting. He also emphasized on the equal treatment for both men and women by stating that they should be given equal economic opportunities. He also called for an improvement in the voting rights. This lead to an improvement in the voting system leading to improved efficiency and the kind of development that we experience today. The issue of illegal immigrants was really problematic a few decades ago. However, during his inaugural speech, president Obama stated that it was important for immigrants to be given better chances. In the past, illegal immigrants flocked America with the hope of getting a better life in terms of getting jobs and better education. President Obama’s speech changed the way illegal immigrants were treated and gave them better opportunities (NBC News, 2013). Conclusion In conclusion, Obama’s inauguration speech during his second term was progressive in nature and gave hope to the American people. This speech addressed the long term issues facing the nation and this is because the president wanted to leave a mark in his final term in office. His speech mainly touched on four major issues including climate change, social justice movements, same- sex marriage rights and the rights of immigrants. He also glossed through other issues facing the country such as financial instability and global crisis. Barrack Obama was the first African American president of this great nation and his inaugural speech during his second term has had a significant impact over the decades. References Huetteman, E. (2013, January 20). A guide to Obama’s second inauguration. Retrieved from http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/20/a-guide-to-obamas-second-inaugural/ NBC News. (2013, January 21). In second inaugural, Obama appeals to his progressive base. Retrieved from http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/21/16627455-in-second- inaugural-obama-appeals-to-his-progressive-base?lite Stevenson, R. W. & Broder, J. M. (2013, January 21). Speech gives climate goals centre stage. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/22/us/politics/climate-change-prominent-in-obamas-inaugural-address.html Read More