America, he said, faces a great challenge. It is in crisis. But it is not the first time the nation goes through bad times. Troughout its history, presidents have ruled in times of peace and war. They have endured challenges much more demanding than those the country faces today, but have remained succesfull because they have kept true to their ideals. Through hard work and determination, the American people have built a prosperous nation.
Now, however, citizens fear that the United States has begun its decline. It is because of greedy individuals that the nation and the world are in crisis. It is also, however, the responsability of the people, who have done nothing to prevent it.
Today, Obama said, the American people must change this. Through hope and unity of purpose the nation must overcome the obstacles in its path. It is the risk-takers and hard-workers who have built the nation, and the same kind of people must now meet the challenges to carry out the promise of freedom, equality, and opportunity made byt the Founding Fathers.The question isn't whether the government is too big or not, but whether it works or not.
The government must rebuild the economy by improving schools, building roads, and finding new sources of energy.
America, he said, is now a friend of every nation, of every culture. The United States is a nation of christians, jews, muslims and non-believers, of every culture and every belief, and as such will respect everyone.
"Nations who blame America for their problems must know that their people will not judge them by what they destroy, but by what they build".
America, and other rich nations, must try to help nations that are poor, and those who seek to establish democracies.
Obama finished by saying that only with faith and determination, and by keeping true to the Founding Fathers' ideals that the United States will keep up to the challenge.
I found this speech very inspiring, and I consider one of the best speeches ever given by any politician.
