The Speech

Obama's speech returned us to the period of political oratory. We have been a long time since a President has had the capacity to inspire with words, let alone speak in full sentences. Words do matter and they do produce deeds. Obama started slow and built his momentum. For me the payoff was the finale:
"America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship (nice phrase), let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn our back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth the great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."