President Barack Obama made history last weekend as the first two-term president to be sworn into office a total of four times. His progressive speech called to attention the issues of gay rights, environmental awareness and immigration reform. Throughout his career, Obama has modeled his public persona after critical political personalities of the 1960s. This repetitive illusion creates implications of not only how he is forming his legacy, but the direction in which he wants to drive the country. Obama’s pledge to continue that reform gives us hope that progressive action will be taken once again, and that America will be a leader in social change.
At the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Obama meekly stepped onto the stage the night before his scheduled speech, and said a few impromptu words to a roaring crowd. This action had not been taken since President John F. Kennedy did the same at the Democratic Convention of 1960. Kennedy’s presidency was the starting point in a decade of social change and technological advancement. In 1961, Kennedy stated with confidence that by the end of the 1960s, the United States would place a man on the moon. And so it was. In his inaugural address, Obama stated, “We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries. We must claim its promise. That's how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure, our forests and waterways, our croplands and snow capped peaks. That is how we will preserve our planet.” This belief in the power of technology introduces a new phase in American productivity, where information and living in “the digital age” give our country an advantage. This shift from a production-based society to an information-based society allows for much more personal opportunity in one’s field of choice, as information is endless, and allows our society to grow in accordance with the will and knowledge of the people. Therefore, the investment in our schools, particularly in science departments, is inevitable.
The obvious cliché of the inauguration being held on Martin Luther King Jr. day may be an eye-roller for some, but the statements the president made in his speech in regard to civil rights give justice to the date on which the historic speech was delivered. Obama’s promise of equality
for women in the workplace, protection of gay rights under the law, voter
reform and immigration reform are all progressive measures that will certainly be battled over in Congress. In particular, his statements regarding voter reform and women’s rights allude back to the decade of discontent, as in the late '60s the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18, and the women’s rights movement found its voice. Obama’s vow to
continue the work started almost 50 years ago puts the country back at the forefront of development.
With all of the changes the United States has gone through, the time between 1961 and 1973 brought about some of the most rapidly sanctioned social reform that this country has ever seen. As Obama enters his final term, the commitment he made to both citizens of present as well as ideals of the past should not be broken.
