From President Obama’s inaugural address: “We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity. We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms. The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries – we must claim its promise. That is how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure – our forests and waterways; our croplands and snowcapped peaks. That is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God. That’s what will lend meaning to the creed our fathers once declared.”
From John F. Kennedy’s address to Congress, May 25, 1961: “…I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish…
…This decision demands a major national commitment of scientific and technical manpower, material and facilities, and the possibility of their diversion from other important activities where they are already thinly spread. It means a degree of dedication, organization and discipline which have not always characterized our research and development efforts. It means we cannot afford undue work stoppages, inflated costs of material or talent, wasteful interagency rivalries, or a high turnover of key personnel.
New objectives and new money cannot solve these problems. They could in fact, aggravate them further–unless every scientist, every engineer, every serviceman, every technician, contractor, and civil servant gives his personal pledge that this nation will move forward, with the full speed of freedom, in the exciting adventure of space.”
The development of renewable energy and arresting the affects of climate change are our generation’s “moon shot.” I’m grateful to the President for featuring it so prominently in his address.
To all of you who are driving electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, traditional hybrids, extended range hybrids, natural gas vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles: We are on the vanguard of this great sea change in transportation. To those powering their homes or offices with solar, wind, hydro-, or geothermal energy: We are an uncommon group today, but our numbers, and impact, are growing.
Thank you all for your efforts the help make the world we share a better place for us and for the generations to come.
Now, my two cents regarding the ceremony:
I am moved beyond words by the majesty and simplicity of the transfer of power, in our wonderful nation.
For one day, can we forget the issues that divide us and not speak ill of those who think differently?
It is amazing to me, that with as much emotion as was generated by the recent election, those on the losing side respect the Constitution of the United States of America so much that they voluntarily come under the governance of someone they so vehemently opposed. That those on the winning side of the election do not desire retribution, against those they opposed so fiercely.
We, as a people, are deeply divided on many issues, but not on the belief in the peaceful transfer of power, immense power, to the leaders who prevailed, in order that we preserve a nation of, by and for the people. Us.
Today, we show the world why we say we are the greatest nation on Earth.
God bless America and it’s citizens.
