I think that Barack Obama's inauguration speech was quite good, because he talked about all the problems the US have to face in a very realistic and sober way but still stressed that he is hopeful that the aims of the nation will be achieved.
"That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age."
"With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. "
He also showed once more his very eloquent way of speaking and his ability to inspire people.
I believe that he has a very difficult job to do since there is so much that people expect him to do and so many put their faith in him and I really wish that he will succeed in doing it.
Obama's inauguration speech was very impressing. We (Laura, Sophia & Laura) think that Barack Obama used the right words for his first speech as the American President. We are anxious to see which of his promises he will achieve because America is confronted with many financial, social and ecological problems. He carries the whole nation's hope on his shoulders and the world is looking at him. We are sure that Obama will try to fulfil as many request as possible but because of the many problems he could disappoint the citizen of the United States. Obama is a symbol since he started to run for president. We wish him good luck and all the best.
Laura, Sophia & Laura
The inaugurationspeech of Obama was very amazing. His style was very eloquent, like in all speeches till now. The topics Obama covered were more or less the same as in the last months, but I think this is typically for such an inauguration. I believe it was good, that Obama mentioned how long solving the country's problems will take. Even Obama is not a magician!
The inauguration speech of Barack Obama showed his will to change America. Again he repeated his political aims and the problems the world will face in the next 4 years.
He wants that America is the friend of every human being who wants to live in freedom. These words sound much more friendly as the words from his forerunner. It seems that the world can expect a new America, which is aware of the strength, which makes him so big.
Obama tried to prepare the people for the hard years that will come.
A white women and a black woman discuss the outcome of the election in a San Francisco communter train. The white woman apologizes for slavery. Is that a sign that race relations have changed, that racism is slowly disappearing? Here is the article that discusses this issues:
In the US, we always think about race but we don't talk about it. I bristle at being referred to as "African-American." I feel like the hyphen implies my American-ness is somehow diluted. Why should someone whose family has been in the US for a generation or two be unequivocally American when my family goes back on American soil much longer? It doesn't matter to me whether my ancestors' immigration was forced or voluntary at this point. I have indigenous Cherokee ancestors too. I am American, of a makeup that is remarkably common.
America has a long way to go with respect to race relations. A President Obama doesn't mean the journey is over, but it's a step in the right direction.
The internet is a vast resource for the self-study of English. Here are a few sites I looked at:
Happy New Year Everyone!
