Washington, Jan 20 (IANS) Following are the key extracts of the innaugural speech delivered by US President Barack Obama.
· That we are in the midst of a crisis is now well understood. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered.
· These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
· We have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
· The time has come to set aside childish things.
· All are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
· We understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned.
· The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth.
· We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost.
· We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.
· This crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favours only the prosperous.
· We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. To all the other people and governments who are watching today … know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity.
· Our power alone cannot protect us nor does it entitle us to do as we please.
· We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and non-believers. We cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass.
· To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward based on … mutual respect.
· To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you. The world has changed and we must change with it.
· A man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.