Suggestion for Kerry's 2004 Inauguration Speech...comments ?

[Shalom]

Suggested Introduction for Kerry's 2004 Inauguration Speech:

My dear citizens, I am deeply proud and honored to become the 44th President of the United States. I have many things to say to you today, but I want to start out with something all of us can agree upon, regardless of political persuasion or party.

My fellow Americans, as President of the United States there is no way I can attend the funeral of every soldier who had died, and will die, Iraq. But I do pledge to you that I will attend some of these funerals, and hope that you will understand that in a symbolic sense, I am trying to reach out to all families who have lost their loved ones in Iraq.

However, one way I can reach out to every single family that is grieving is to invite you to the White House in small groups, of about 10 sets of parents at a time. Either through government funds, or private donations, we will fly these parents to Washington, DC and pay for their housing and meals. I will first extend this invitation to the parents of the more than 1,250 young Americans who have died so far in the Iraq war.

Because I expect to spend one hour with each set of 10 parents (or alternate family members), it will take over 125 hours on my schedule to do, so I pledge to spend one hour of every working day at the White House to meet with you, and thank you personally for the enormous sacrifice you have made.

And I'd like these family members to understand that I am meeting with them as President, on behalf of a nation that shares their grief, and that they be will welcomed and treated regardless of their political persuasion, and whether they voted for me or my opponent.

As such, I ask all of you to be patient, as this process will take many months at this pace. Someone has asked me about the cost of this program, and I pointed out that it should cost no more than several thousand dollars per family, especially as we expect lots of support from the major airlines, hotels, and restaurants that take part in this program, and we intend to make sure that their contributions are acknowledged.

Even assuming a cost of $3,000 per family, this comes to about $3.8 million for 1250 familes, or about $1 million per month for 4 months. The war in Iraq is currently costing America about $5 billion per month. At this rate, this program will cost as much per month as 8 minutes and 38 seconds of what we are spending on the war itself. With God's mercy, I hope and pray that the killing will stop soon, and that these meetings will naturally come to an end. But regardless of what happens in the future, I will honor this pledge for all of our soldiers who die in Iraq.

This is a price that America can not only afford - this trivial sum is a debt that we dare not pay, if we have any values that are worth holding. What kind of a nation would be otherwise ?

[ET Awful]

1. Don't you mean 2005? n/t

[politicasista]

2. yes, 2005

[MrUnderhill]

3. I like you're style!

Both the thought... and the assumption that Kerry will be giving the inaugural address.

[Shalom]

4. Let's start working on it now...time is short !!

[DawnneOBTS]

5. That was beautiful...

I could picture him reading it too...
Miracles can happen.

[anamandujano]

6. family talk later in speech

first talk of the election, refusal of the people to concede, repairing our relations with the world, admission that the war was/is wrong and how we will begin to make amends. A third party will take charge, we will back off but help with specifics when asked. The people of Iraq will be assured they will have control over their natural resources and destiny. Just a start, better words needed of course.

[Shalom]

7. He should start out with something we all agree upon, then hit your topics

[anamandujano]

10. Putting our dead before the others

is not the way to begin or show that things will be different under a Kerry presidency. Also, speeches start with more universal ideas. Just about everyone on the planet, except the inner circle repukes and their pod people, thinks we need to apologize for our unwarranted aggression and start setting all to rights. We need to induce a worldwide sigh of relief and get people breathing normally again, feeling hopeful. A selfish message at the open won't do.

[Shalom]

27. Good Insight - Maybe I Need to Go Back to Drawing Board...

Perhaps even better than an apology is a COMMITMENT to try to repair the damage that's been done outside of the US - I don't think recognition of the the damage we have done inside the US is selfish, unless it is the only damage recognized.

I'd like to take you suggestion and blend it with mine - people have been hurt both inside Iraq and the US, and we have to start dealing with all those we have hurt.

Perhaps an inaugural address should not be so specific, but sooner or later a Kerry administration must take ownerhsip of the 100,000 Iraqi civilians killed (or whatever the real number is - we need to find out), as well as those injured, by the phony Bush War, and start making reparations.

[anamandujano]

34. you started a fabulous thread

all your issues are valid, just need to be presented properly--by those that know how and that certainly does not include me.

[Pepper32]

35. Agreed n/t

[Patsy Stone]

8. I've always suggested

that he should have hired Aaron Sorkin for this. That speech in The American President is just beautiful...

Paging Mr. Sorkin...Mr. Aaron Sorkin...White Courtesy Phone...

[Shalom]

9. Sorkin to Stone....Sorkin to Stone....beep....beep

A Press Conference of President Andrew Shepherd
written by Aaron Sorkin

President Shepherd: For the last couple of months, Senator Rumson has suggested that being President of this country was, to a certain extent, about character. Although I've not been willing to engage in his attacks on me, I've been here for three years and three days, and I can tell you without hesitation that being President of this country is entirely about character.
For the record: yes, I am a card-carrying member of the ACLU, but the more important question is, "Why aren't you, Bob?" Now this is an organization whose sole purpose is to defend the Bill of Rights, so it naturally begs the question: why would a senator, his party's most powerful spokesman and a candidate for President, choose to reject upholding the Constitution? Now if you can answer that question, folks, then you're smarter than I am, because I didn't understand it until a few hours ago.
America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You've gotta want it bad, 'cause it's gonna put up a fight. It's gonna say, "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center-stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. You want to claim this land as the land of the free? Then the symbol of your country cannot just be a flag. The symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest. Now show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. Then, you can stand up and sing about the land of the free.
I've known Bob Rumson for years, and I'd been operating under the assumption that the reason Bob devotes so much time and energy shouting at the rain was that he simply didn't get it. Well, I was wrong, Bob's problem isn't that he doesn't get it; Bob's problem is that he can't sell it. We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them. And whatever your particular problem is, I promise you, Bob Rumson is not the least bit interested in solving it. He is interested in two things, and two things only: making you afraid of it, and telling you who's to blame for it. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you win elections.
You gather a group, of middle-age, middle-class, middle-income voters who remember with longing an easier time, and you talk to them about family, and American values, and character, and then you wave an old photo of the President's girlfriend and you scream about patriotism and you tell them that she's to blame for their lot in life, and then you go on television, and you call her a whore.
Sydney Ellen Wade has done nothing to you, Bob. She has done nothing but put herself through school, represent the interests of public school teachers, and lobby for the safety of our natural resources. You want a character debate, Bob? You better stick with me, 'cause Sydney Ellen Wade is way out of your league.
I've loved two women in my life. I lost one to cancer, and I lost the other 'cause I was so busy keeping my job, that I forgot to do my job. Well, that ends right now. Tomorrow morning, the White House is sending a bill to Congress for its consideration. It's White House Resolution 455, an energy bill requiring a twenty percent reduction of the emission of fossil fuels over the next ten years. It is, by far, the most aggressive stride ever taken in the fight to reverse the effects of global warming. The other piece of legislation is the crime bill. As of today, it no longer exists--I'm throwing it out. I'm throwing it out and writing a law that makes sense. You cannot address crime prevention without getting rid of assault weapons and handguns. I consider them a threat to national security, and I will go door to door if I have to--but I'm gonna convince Americans that I'm right, and I'm gonna get the guns.
We've got serious problems--and we need serious people. And if you want to talk about character, Bob, you better come at me with more than a burning flag and a membership card. If you want to talk about character and American values, fine. Just tell me where and when, and I'll show up. This is a time for serious people, Bob, and your fifteen minutes are up. My name is Andrew Shepherd and I am the President.

[Patsy Stone]

12. Oh, so hot!

If you want to talk about character and American values, fine. Just tell me where and when, and I'll show up. This is a time for serious people, Bob, and your fifteen minutes are up.

thx

[Shalom]

13. Hooked You Up With Aaron, and Now You Want To Talk to Bob ? n/t

[Patsy Stone]

14. Rumson? No...

If not, Bob who?

[Shalom]

16. Bob Dylan, maybe

Since Kerry plays guitar, maybe he could make history by singing at his inauguration (is Mr. Jones more of a zero than Mr. Rumson ?):

Ballad of A Thin Man

You walk into the room
With your pencil in your hand
You see somebody naked
And you say, "Who is that man?"
You try so hard
But you don't understand
Just what you'll say
When you get home

Because something is happening here
But you don't know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

You raise up your head
And you ask, "Is this where it is?"
And somebody points to you and says
"It's his"
And you say, "What's mine?"
And somebody else says, "Where what is?"
And you say, "Oh my God
Am I here all alone?"

Because something is happening here
But you don't know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

You hand in your ticket
And you go watch the geek
Who immediately walks up to you
When he hears you speak
And says, "How does it feel
To be such a freak?"
And you say, "Impossible"
As he hands you a bone

Because something is happening here
But you don't know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

You have many contacts
Among the lumberjacks
To get you facts
When someone attacks your imagination
But nobody has any respect
Anyway they already expect you
To just give a check
To tax-deductible charity organizations

You've been with the professors
And they've all liked your looks
With great lawyers you have
Discussed lepers and crooks
You've been through all of
F. Scott Fitzgerald's books
You're very well read
It's well known

Because something is happening here
But you don't know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

Well, the sword swallower, he comes up to you
And then he kneels
He crosses himself
And then he clicks his high heels
And without further notice
He asks you how it feels
And he says, "Here is your throat back
Thanks for the loan"

Because something is happening here
But you don't know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

Now you see this one-eyed midget
Shouting the word "NOW"
And you say, "For what reason?"
And he says, "How?"
And you say, "What does this mean?"
And he screams back, "You're a cow
Give me some milk
Or else go home"

Because something is happening here
But you don't know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

Well, you walk into the room
Like a camel and then you frown
You put your eyes in your pocket
And your nose on the ground
There ought to be a law
Against you comin' around
You should be made
To wear earphones

Because something is happening here
But you don't know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

[Patsy Stone]

17. What about David????

Heroes - David Bowie

I
I will be king
And you
You will be queen
Though nothing will
Drive them away
We can beat them
Just for one day
We can be Heroes
Just for one day

And you
You can be mean
And I
I'll drink all the time
'Cause we're lovers
And that is a fact
Yes we're lovers
And that is that

Though nothing
Will keep us together
We could steal time
Just for one day
We can be Heroes
For ever and ever
What d'you say

[Shalom]

18. Fantastic! R&R Inaugural (Clintons tried it last, got smashed by Moral M

[Patsy Stone]

33. That idea

should have it's own thread somewhere: Songs Kerry should play during his inauguration concert.

We've already got two. That would be a fun thing to do.

[Catamount]

46. Now you're talkin'

Great speeches

[Patsy Stone]

15. Unless we're gonna insert George

for Bob...then yes! His 15 minutes have been up for about 4 years now.

[Shalom]

19. We Should Insert George INTO Bob - Thrill them both !

[Patsy Stone]

20. Eeewww. n/t

[understandinglife]

21. Kick!!!

Thank you.

"Did Bush Know?"

[Patsy Stone]

11. See...that's what I'm talking about!

Nice snip. Thanks you made my day!

[delphine]

22. Inauguration speeches are supposed to be about

vision, not specific policies.

I would refer everyone to FDR's first inauguration speech, where he talks about how we were absolutely in the crapper (The Depression) but that we can work together, we are in pain but we don't have to be afraid.

He soothed the nation, and he led them.

[delphine]

23. Here are some passages from FDR:

I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our Nation impels. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belie that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself --nameless,unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.

In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties.

. . .

In the field of world policy I would dedicate this Nation to the policy of the good neighbor--the neighbor who resolutely respects himself and, because he does so, respects the rights of others--the neighbor who respects his obligations and respects the sanctity of his agreements in and with a world of neighbors.

********

I have no doubt that JFK's speech will echo these sentiments . . .

[Shalom]

29. I See Your Point - FDR Was Truly Inspirational....

But I think he had already won the trust of the American people, so they could believe his high-sounding words. If Bush gave a speech like this, it would have no credibility.

Kerry has got to strike the middle ground, IMHO.

As Washington said "Action, not words, are the true criterion"

[anamandujano]

36. That's some beautiful stuff.

I could see some quoting and/or paraphrasing from several of our greats in his speech.

[Patsy Stone]

25. That's why I suggest Sorkin

That man makes me feel very American. He writes about the way it could be, the way it should be. The bigger, grander hopes and dreams.
I still pick him, and I think he'd do a great job. It is a speech I, personally, would love to see and hear. :)

[IndyPriest]

24. A line I'd LOVE to hear

"I just want to say to all of the remarkable members of our government's civil service and to all of the mid-level officers of our armed services: you are free to talk to me, to the press, the congress, and to the American people. We need to know what you know about what has happened to our country in the last four years."

I might watch the nightly news for a week after that!

[Shalom]

28. Good Idea to Open It Up

But remember not everyone in the government has been "remarkable" - lots of them have either been criminals or guilty of silence.

But I'd love to watch the news with you !

[IndyPriest]

30. True, but can you imagine...

most of the folks in the civil service, not the administration appointees, go to work every day, do their jobs, and hope they're making the country a better place. And they've had to sit through the most corrupt administration in a century. To know what THEY know about what's happened would be a priceless addition to our history.

I'd by a case to watch THAT unfold.

[Shalom]

31. Stockpile Lots of Pretzels, Too - It'll Be A Long Night ! n/t

[keepthemhonest]

26. your thoughts are very touching

and seem like something he would do eventually if not in his inuag speech. How exciting thought that people are thinking about the inaug speech. yipeee. I am excited too.

[Patsy Stone]

32. My shot...

This is a country of equals. The spirit of America does not leave room to discriminate. Excluding a portion of the population, for any reason, be it economic status, race, sexual orientation or religion, is not what makes this country great -- it is what divides us and make us weak.

There are many in America, myself included, who see the role of religion as a belief in the greater ideals -- a belief in good over evil, in right over wrong.

While many hold that the joining of two people in marriage is a sacred rite, it is a rite of the churches and temples and mosques. Religious rites should never be made to overshadow civil rights. That is what separates us from our enemies.

To deny people the ability to sign medical forms and receive benefits and be excluded from legal documents, because of sexual orientation is not an American ideal. Those that would have it be so, have not yet fully embraced what moral values and religious beliefs are and should always be.

[IndyPriest]

39. Oooo, Patsy!

Now yer talking! I think we can stitch some of this stuff together, and it'd be the address of the century!

[Patsy Stone]

40. I would sell my house

to hear it all delivered (ok, don't tell my hubby that). Also, still, get Sorkin... :)

[Shalom]

41. A True DU'er Would Sell Their Spouse for Democracy ! n/t

[Patsy Stone]

42. LOL

Nice.

[Shalom]

43. If My Wife Sees This, I Won't Be LOLMAO...n/t

[Patsy Stone]

44. You betchoo won't! n/t :)

[renaissanceguy]

37. This may not be "presidential,"

but I'd sure love to hear, "George Bush, you're fired!"

----------------------
Buy liberal and progressive buttons, t-shirts, and bumper stickers at www.cafepress.com/liberalissues

[gorbal]

38. Goodwork!

I could use a little optimism:)

[Name removed]

45. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Shalom]

47. Hi, Hazcat: Your 2nd DU Post Says "BUSH WON"

If you've read any history, you'd know then when Hitler was in power, they predicted there would be a 1,000 Year Reich.

Twelve years into the 1,000 Year Reich, Hitler killed himself and his mistress Eva Braun. His comrades tried to burn the corpses, but there was a fuel shortage, so I guess they sort of charred the bodies. The Russians ultimately found the remains of The Fuehrer (for Repigs, this translates as "The Leader"), and must have fed the remains to wild animals, or something like that, to prevent the POS from being worshipped and venerated after his demeaning death.

It turns out your hero's grandfather, Prescott Bush, helped Adolf Hitler get steel so he could kill Allied soliders, and helped I.G. Farben build crematoria to massacre innocent children. Although his assets were seized by the US Government under the Trading With the Enemy Act, Prescott Bush got to keep his blood money, and become a US Senator from Connecticut. However, this Nazi money is behind the wealth and power of the Bushitler dynasty. Although the flesh-eating virus that is the Bush dynasty is probably now worth hundreds of millions of dollars, they have never expressed any remorse, or used any of their blood money to pay reparations to the families of the victims.

Oh yeah, Hazcat. Welcome to DU.

HEIL BUSHITLER! MAY THE BUSHITLER DYNASTY LAST 1,000 YEARS!!!

[politicasista]

48. Bush should (and will) leave the WH in disgrace period.

[Shalom]

49. God Willing, If There Is a God...

[Patsy Stone]

50. If nothing else...

we always have a good second term scandal to look forward to.