On January 20, 2009, quoting the early American revolutionary patriot Thomas Paine, newly-inaugurated President Barack Obama called upon Americans to embrace the spirit of self-sacrifice in trying times. President Obama addressed the issues of the declining economy and international terrorism in his speech. To accomplish his goals, our president states that there needs to be a reorganization of the current structure of government, and a reorientation of our personal priorities.

President Obama intimated that his own election indicated that the American people have ratified this vision. In his own words, Americans have chosen "hope over fear," and by quoting the words of the Apostle Paul somewhat out of context, the president indicates that it is now time for Americans to "set aside childish things."

The president explained to Americans that greatness is never given, and that it was through the sacrifice of our ancestors that we are able to reach the place where our great nation is today. He went further than previous presidents by including the sacrifices of more recent immigrants, along with our common early American ancestors. With this being said, he simultaneously declared that Americans should not have any fear that they will be expected to give up any part of our modern way of life.

One of the only concrete policy initiatives given in the president's speech is that our government will prioritize infrastructure improvements, including the building of roads, bridges, electric grids and digital lines. With few specifics enumerated, President Obama also plans to transform healthcare, renewable energy and education.

The president made it clear that he favors the free market capitalism that America's economy is rooted upon, but that he feels that certain regulations are needed to make sure the market doesn't "spin out of control." In this respect, and more generally, President Obama's policies are very much consistent with Democratic Party philosophy of the post New Deal-era.

With the great acclaim of the people present, he invoked America's founding fathers several times. As has been popular in decent decades, a reference to America's status as a "nation of immigrants" was certainly included as one of America's core values. America's first principles is a notion that was referenced many times.

The president addressed the nations of the world and mentioned that he seeks to offer hope to poorer countries and he calls upon wealthier nations to join America in having compassion for the countries less fortunate. A call to Muslim nations was made with the idea that America is ready to negotiate with them, as long as they renounce violence.

President Obama concluded his speech with several reassurances that the American people will endure our current travails. He indicated that America has come so far in the last sixty years. If we stick to our principles, President Barack Obama will work tirelessly to lead our nation back to its original ideals and to a restored sense of prosperity and confidence.

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