A Calling from Beyond the Stars

Most of the initial commentators on George W. Bush’s speech last night noted it was half State of the Union and half acceptance speech. To me, it was actually an echo of another speech, 43 years ago: John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address.

Here is what JFK said in that speech:

[T]he same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe -- the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.

We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth . . . that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans . . . proud of our ancient heritage -- and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. . . .

Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah -- to "undo the heavy burdens . . . and to let the oppressed go free." . .

Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe. Now the trumpet summons us again -- a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out . . . .

With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

And here is what George W. Bush said last night:

I believe in the transformational power of liberty. The wisest use of American strength is to advance freedom. As the citizens of Afghanistan and Iraq seize the moment, their example will send a message of hope throughout a vital region.

Palestinians will hear the message that democracy and reform are within their reach and so is peace with our good friend, Israel.

Young women across the Middle East will hear the message that their day of equality and justice is coming.

Young men will hear the message that national progress and dignity are found in liberty, not tyranny and terror. . . .

And as freedom advances, heart by heart, and nation by nation, America will be more secure and the world more peaceful. . . .

Americans, of all people, should never be surprised by the power of liberty to transform lives and nations. That power brought settlers on perilous journeys, inspired colonies to rebellion, ended the sin of slavery, and set our nation against the tyrannies of the 20th century. . .

I believe that America is called to lead the cause of freedom in a new century. . . . This moment in the life of our country will be remembered. Generations will know if we kept our faith and kept our word. Generations will know if we seized this moment and used it to build a future of safety and peace. The freedom of many and the future security of our nation now depend on us. . . .

To everything we know there is a season -- a time for sadness, a time for struggle, a time for rebuilding. And now we have reached a time for hope. This young century will be liberty's century. . . . Like generations before us, we have a calling from beyond the stars to stand for freedom.

This is the everlasting dream of America. And tonight, in this place, that dream is renewed.

Let the word go forth. There is a straight line from JFK’s speech to GWB’s, just as there is a straight line from George McGovern's theme ("Come Home, America") to John Kerry’s ("Let America Be America Again"). What a momentous referendum November 2 will be.

Comments

[Shannon Love]

That JFK, what an religious extremist! Bible verses in a Presidential speech!

The constitution must have trembled.

[john fears]

I'm a lifelong democrat from Oklahoma though I am always out of sync with the anti-war at any cost wing of my party on national defense because I am also a former Marine officer who served in Vietnam. I am not a hero, but I had the good fortune to be surrounded by them. John Kerry, and the group he co-founded, Vietnam Veterans Against the War (many of whom were not even Vietnam veterans) were not heroes, but essentially labeled 2.5 million Vietnam veterans as war criminals on Dick Cavett and before the Senate as well as in "protests" in 1971 and 1972.

John Kerry clearly scammed purple hearts to leave after only 4 months, and, apparently, scammed other medals while others fought in truly heroic fashion, sometimes receivig no medal at all, for 12 or 13 month tours and during extended tours. One Marine in my company fought for 42 months.

John Kerry is neither a hero, nor a man who should serve as Commander in Chief. He didn't apologize to his fellow officers and enlisted men of Coastal Division 11 or any other Vietnam veterans for his slurs after the war. If he apologizes, I will forgive, but I will neither forget, nor will he receive my vote. As long as I live and breathe, I will dissuade anyone from voting for a man who lacked any sense of duty, integrity, discipline, loyalty, and honor.

[Rick Richman]

Thanks to a good friend's email today regarding this post, I looked up GWB's 2001 inaugural address, and found some similar themes:

"We have a place, all of us, in a long story -- a story we continue, but whose end we will not see.

"It is the story of a new world that became a friend and liberator of the old, a story of a slave-holding society that became a servant of freedom, the story of a power that went into the world to protect but not possess, to defend but not to conquer.

"It is the American story -- a story of flawed and fallible people, united across the generations by grand and enduring ideals. . . .

"Through much of the last century, America's faith in freedom and democracy was a rock in a raging sea. Now it is a seed upon the wind, taking root in many nations. . . .

"[T]he stakes for America are never small. If our country does not lead the cause of freedom, it will not be led. . . .

"We are not this story's author, who fills time and eternity with his purpose. Yet his purpose is achieved in our duty, and our duty is fulfilled in service to one another. . ."

"This work continues. This story goes on. And an angel still rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm."

For someone who can't speak English, he sure gives remarkable speeches: the Inaugural, the National Cathedral speech, the September 20 address to Congress, and last night.

[Sharon]

A friend told me of your site. That´s definitely what i was looking for. I will surely recommend you.

[Jiny Lisane]

Just be surfing around in net. I definitely fpund a very informal place with a lot of good stuff for everybody. I will
certainly visit your site again sometime. Really good work.