Obama's New Era Of Peace

By Kaitlyn Fox -- 1/20/09

In his first address as President of the United States, Barack Obama promised to use diplomacy to enforce the country's security. He recognized that although America is capable of building weapons and fighting wars, "our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please."   He said that instead, "our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint."   Mr. Obama believes that by building cooperative relationships with other countries, the United States can better prepare for common challenges and collaborate to find solutions.

With regards to the two wars America is currently fighting, President Obama pledged to remain in Afghanistan to forge a "hard-earned peace," while at the same time begin withdrawing American troops from Iraq. He also vowed to use a strong hand in the face of terror, stating that "for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken.  You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you." The President added that in spite of our diplomatic outreaches, Americans will refuse to apologize for our way of life and "will not waver in our defense" against terror.

He recalled in his speech that the successes of earlier generations were rooted in "sturdy alliances and enduring convictions" rather than "missiles and tanks."   He stressed that the nation was founded on the principles of innate human rights and the ideals of faith and determination. President Obama stated that because of this, "we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass," and that America must play its part in ushering in a new era of peace through diplomacy.  He then said the United States would offer its hand while the other countries would "unclench its fists."

Image Courtesy United States Army.