While the World Watched
Yesterday, Barack Obama decidedly changed our country’s tone. His inauguration speech represented a conscious and deliberate shift from the tenor of the Bush administration and the Bush Doctrine specifically. As I listened to one of the great orators of our time, a number of specific themes struck me as the essence of an emerging Obama ideology, one in sharp contrast to that of his predecessor.
Humility vs. Arrogance
Above all else, humility forms the bedrock of a successful person and ultimately administration. One of the amazing things about Barack is how real and approachable he seems. He appears eager to listen and learn, in stark contrast to the rigidity of dogma.
Optimism vs. Fear
While we are facing some of the gravest challenges our country has ever faced — politically and economically, domestically and internationally — a sense of optimism was plapable in Obama’s speech. The fear-mongering of the recent past was clearly cast aside. We will only overcome our woes if we believe that we can.
Inclusionary vs. Exclusionary
Obama, unique in his ability to do so given his background, reached out to all races, religions and nations. He even offered our enemies to “extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” Now admittedly this felt somewhat naive and dangerous to me, but it set the right political starting tone. And I took comfort in the corollary strength of the admonition to our enemies of “you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.” I guess we’ll see how this one plays out.
Responsibility vs. Entitlement
One of the more important and practical themes in his speech, Obama ushered in a “new era of responsibility.” Echoing Kennedy, Obama declared, “For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.” And from what I’ve already seen already with my friends, even public service is back in vogue!
Hard Work vs. Easy Money
As the son of an immigrant father who always impressed upon me the importance of education and hard work above all else, Obama’s praise of those who “struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw” was all too familiar. And as someone in the venture capital business, the embrace of the “risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things” was music to my ears.
Pragmatism vs. Ideology
Underlying Obama’s entire address and his general approach thus far is a profound sense of pragmatism and a spirit of collaboration. This is the tone he is setting for his administration. And it is this trait that gives me the hope that he may actually be able to pull off what he’s trying to.
These themes are the basis for positive change. But as we’ve seen before, execution is always tougher than rhetoric. Yet for the first time in some time, I am hopeful. We changed history once already. Why can’t we keep doing so?
