Mrs. Helbing, I wasn't sure how you wanted this formatted, so I just made something up.
"...government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth..." In this quote, Barack Obama is referring to the Gettysburg Address written and spoken by President Abraham Lincoln. By reiterating this statement, Obama wanted to tell the people the government is for them to live by and rule. Their opinions determine the position of a country is this ever-changing world.
"Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity. " In this statement, Obama is referring to Lincoln once more. Lincoln was born in Illinois and was the first Republican president. He believed everyone should be treated equal and that our nation had to fight as one to become one.
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." Once again, Obama is referring to Lincoln. He is saying that Lincoln made great change in a country far more segregated than the one we live in today. Lincoln wanted the people of his nation to stop judging each other by their skin color and love each other for who they are on the inside.
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can" In this statement, Obama is referring to many people who were a segway to the light at the end of the tunnel to years of discrimination. Rosa Parks who refused to give up her seat on a bus and went to prison for it. She spoke out against those who never thought she had the audacity to do so. Obama is also referring to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was a Civil Rights leader. He gave many speeches on how no matter what obstacles may be thrown our way, we can overcome discrimination.
"A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination." One of the people referred to in his quote is Neil Armstrong. He was the first man on the moon. People doubted his eagerness to do this unthinkable act; however, that did not stop him. He is a prime example of how many failed attempts can lead to a great success. Our country has fallen many times in the pit of discrimination, but that should not mean we loose all hope.
Obviously, President Barack Obama finds inspiration in those who dare to be different. He admires Lincoln's techniques as president and King's tactics as a peacemaker. He realizes change will not come immediately; however, he needs the country's support to achieve it
"If there is anyone out there....who stlil wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time" This quote references the people wondreing about the dream of the founding fathers who found the United States of America at the very beginning.
"We have never been a collection of Red States and blue States...always will be, the United States of America" This quote is showing the history of democratic and repbulican states in an election.
"a government of the people, by the peopel and for the people has not perished from this Earth." this quote is referring to Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
"America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, bryck by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand." This quote is reffereing to the history of how long America has been around and the people that made it what it is today
"Let us remeber that it was a man from this state whoe first carried the banner of the republican party to the white house." this quote is reffering to Abraham lincoln who is from Illinios. Lincoln is who obama basess his presidency to represent.
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends" This quote references Lincoln. When the country was divided with a great civil war lincoln said we were friends and not enemies.
"When someone like her oculdn't vote for two reasons- because she was a woman and because of the colr of her skin." This is refereing to the past time when women oculd not vote and black people could not vote. This was a rough time in Amreica's history. But it was all better becaue of change.
"At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed" This quote references again the time when women did not have rights to vote and the oppurtinity to pursue their dreams.
"when there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal" This quote is refereing to the great depresssion and how the country was able to come out of depression by CHANGE. Change is the foundation of America.
"When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world" this is reffereing to when Pearl Harbor was bombed and when Hitler was trying to conquer the world.
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta" This is reffering the the struggle for civil rights for African Americans. Rosa Parks was kicked off a bus and Martin Luther King Jr. was preaching equality and peace.
"A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imaginatin." This is reffering to when the first man landed on the moon, when the Berlin Wall was knocked down, and the world was connected by technological advances.
Barack Obama made many historical references in his speech. A key idea of this speech was taht America has the ability to change as it has in the past. It has changed from its ways of unjustful limitations because of gender and race. Barack Obama is saying that is what America needs right now and that there is hope because America has changed in its past.
"government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth" --- this quote from his acceptance speech is in reference to Abe Lincoln in the Gettysburg address. Obama is saying how the democratic government is still strong and working the right way. He wants to keep it going strong and have help from the people, us.
"We have never been a collection of red states and blue states; we are and always will be the United States of America"--- this quote refers to the two different political parties, the Republican and Democrats. While having these two parties, we must realize that we are still one strong nation together.
"... in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that as poisoned our politics for so long"--- Obama is trying to tell us that even if you were upset with the results of the election that you must get over it and become a member of the United states. This also references to when the south succeeded from the union. They were not ready to do what what was best for the nation at that time. The south was greedy and wanted it the way they wanted it.
"As Lincoln said to a nation for more divided than ours. We are not enemies but friends though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection"--- Obama refers to Lincoln again saying how he wants to make good changes in our country today just as Lincoln did in his days Lincoln changed our views on segregation and on slavery.
"She was born just a generation past slavery; at time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons--because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin"--- This quote explains a lot about our history. In the early times our country was very segregated. Times have changed. Obama is telling us that they are changing even more today and hopefully in his upcoming term.
On November 7, 2008 America's first African-American President Elect gave his acceptance speech. Obama's speech was filled with references to previous historical speeches. These references included all of the following:
"government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth" - In this quote Obama is referencing to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg address. Many people feel like Obama is going to try to model his Presidency after that of Lincoln's. Obama is attempting to assure his citizens that he will protect the rights of the people.
"As Lincoln said ... we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." - Obama is once again showing that he agrees with the statements of Lincoln.
"Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House" - In this quote Obama reveals to his supporters that he intends on modeling his Presidency after that of Lincoln.
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta" - In this quote Obama refers to Rosa Parks and the civil rights movement.
"But tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this moment, change has come to America" and "The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term — but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there." and "arc of history" - All refer to speeches given by Martin Luther King Jr. during the time of the civil rights movement.
"It's been a long time coming, but...change has come to America" - This is a reference to the song "A Change Is Gonna Come". The song was written by Sam Cooke in 1964.
“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders…” – This references the founding fathers and the vision they had of a democracy for the people free from tyranny. “It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.” – This is an allusion to one of Dr. Martin Luther King’s speeches after the Selma and Montgomery peace marches, especially the arc of history phrase. “Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.” – This references MLK’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” address. “…and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth.” – This alludes to the Gettysburg Address where Lincoln proclaimed that in light of the Civil War the government had not fallen, just as it has remained strong and functional to this day.
“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.” – This again references the “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” and uses similar phraseology that references the speech.
“As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” – This is a direct quote from Lincoln’s first inaugural address.
“She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.”- This quote describes Ann Nixon Cooper in relation to the women’s suffrage movement and slavery and racism. It gives an allusion that gives an insight into the past detailing how much progress has come about in the last 150 years.
“At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot.” – This alludes to women’s suffrage again.
“When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose.” – This references the Great Depression Era and the New Deal that helped pull America out of the depression era.
“When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved.” - Alludes to WWII and more specifically the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, pulling the U.S. into the war and helping to end the conflict.
“She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome.” – References the Rosa Parks incident, bus strikes, police brutality towards blacks in Birmingham, and MLK’s speeches, including in general all of the civil rights movement in the 1960’s.
“A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.” – This allusion references Neil Armstrong landing on the moon and the destruction of the Berlin Wall, ending a period of separation and distrust between world superpowers.
On August 28, 2008, Barack Obama, made his acceptance speech for the Democratic nominee for the presidential election. After more ballots were cast for him over Senator John McCain on November 4th of the same year, Barack Obama assumed his position as president-elect. In doing so, Barack Obama made his acceptance speech in front of a crowd of 240,000 at Grant Park. His speech referenced America’s past. The speech referenced our founding fathers initially when Obama commented, “If there is anyone out there…who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time…” The president-elect was proving to any naysayer out there that democracy was still fueling America’s fire for freedom and equality. Then Obama went on to mention what “we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.” He was referencing a speech made by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King made the speech after Selma Montgomery marches. “Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.” In this line, Obama was alluding to King’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” address. Further along in his speech, Obama also referenced King’s “I’ve been to the Mountaintop” address when he said, “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.” Both of these lines resemble the expressions Martin Luther King Jr. utter in his address. “…from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth.” Obama was rephrasing what Lincoln had said in his Gettysburg Address. A ripple from the past reoccurred when Obama voiced “…a government of the people, by the people and for the people…” “And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years…” Barack Obama was referencing, again, the birth of America two-hundred and twenty-one years ago at that point, back to 1776. ”Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it’s that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.” When referring to rising and falling as one nation, he suggested the famous motto used in America coined by Patrick Henry, ‘United We Stand, Divided We Fall.’ “As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, ‘we are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.’ This allusion was from Abraham Lincoln’s first inaugural address. “At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.” Earlier in his speech, Obama mentioned Ann Nixon Cooper, a 106 year old woman who cast a ballot for Obama. She lived in a time when women were not even legally able to vote. She lived through that hardship of injustice and adversity. She was able to not only live to vote in numerous elections, but to live in one to witness Barack Obama repeat the same fight. “When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.” Obama references the hardships of the Great Depression era in this quotation. “When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.” Again, Obama referenced America’s past hardships to relate his future presidency. Obama referenced WWII and the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. ”She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.” Ann Nixon Cooper’s hardships were able to be shared with the rest of America through Barack Obama’s oration and references toward Rosa Parks and the series of bus strikes in the south. “A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.” Again, Obama mentions Cooper witnessing the ability to overcome struggles and hardships. He referenced Neil Armstrong landing on the moon and pioneering the difficult and uncharted space exploration. He also mentions the tearing down of the Berlin Wall in 1991 and reuniting East and West Germany. President-elect Barack Obama has given the American people hope with his useful speech. He accepted his presidency, and so we accepted his hope. His oration inspired us to give his term a chance as he put it in the light of past events overcoming adversities. Barack Obama himself is a triumph.
"..If there is anyone out there, who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer." In this opening statement, Barack Obama gives power and praise to the people of America. After decades and generations of poor treatment to those of the African American race, after slavery and a civil war for their freedom, and years of ridicule and a fight for equal rights, America now has its first black president.
"It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America." Barack Obama feels that there finally will be great empowering change in America for the better. He knows that what he and all that voted for him have worked so hard to promote now has the opportunity to evolve into reality.
"I was never the likeliest candidate for this office.." Like Lincoln, Obama truly was not a likely candidate. Lincoln was the go-to candidate after disagreeing with the backgrounds of those before him. Fortunately, Lincoln proved himself in many ways to be one of the best presidents in the history of the United States. Obama in a sense is the underdog of the election, which many a times proves to be victorious as he has, as well as proving himself as a successful president of our country.
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection."- Obama in this quote is referring to Lincoln's fight in governing through the civil war and reminding those of the United States that through all of the fighting and war it is not the people who are enemies but their causes for which they are fighting.
"...and tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America...the heartache and the hope, the struggle and the progress. The times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed, 'Yes we can.' At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballod, 'Yes we can'. Obama is referring to the hardships in the years of a 106 year old woman who voted this year has been through in her life. Referring to the effects of slavery on this country, the civil rights movement, and the fight for women's rights as well.
"... in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that as poisoned our politics for so long". This is referring to the civil war and the south's secession from the United States. Obama wants the country to come together no matter what race, background, political party, etc. he may come from.
Barack Obama has single handedly changed the minds and thoughts of many people in America. He is an advocate for change in this country and hopes to take the failures and mistakes in its past to make for a better future. His allusions and references to well-known and important people of change in this country supports his hope for change in this country today.
“The men and women who serve in our battlefields may be Democrats and Republicans and independents, but they have fought together, and bled together, and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a red America or a blue America; they have served the United States of America.” In the quote, Obama is saying that were are not a divded Union as in the red and blue or Democrats and Republicans. We are all one, not seperated.
“A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.” He is reffering the these events as a time in history as points of change. That this election in itself has created must change with the first election of an African American. His platform has always been about change. He promises change for the good of our country and sees it as a necessity.
“She was there for the buses in Montgomery..." "...and tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America...the heartache and the hope, the struggle and the progress. The times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed, 'Yes we can.' At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballod, 'Yes we can'. Reffering to Rosa Parks, President Elect Obama is talking about the 106 year old woman who voted for him, who lived during the period of history when she was unable to vote because of her race and gender. He is addressing how far our country has come and that without that progress he would not be able to take office. Once again he addresses the topic of "change".
"Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity." “As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends.” Both of these quotes point to Lincoln, and the inspiration Obama finds from him. Proof of this is Obama annoucing his presidential canidancy in Illinois, where Lincoln was from.
"government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth" This is reffering to the Gettysburg Address and is also another quote pointing to Abraham Lincoln. Some see that Obama is modeling his canidancy, election, and in the future, his presidency just as Lincoln had. He sees Lincoln as the one who free the African Americans and sees himself as someoone that has done the same. Obama knows that he himself has broken a racial barrier.
Obama's acceptance speech had similarites to the acceptance speeches of John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln. He also referred to one of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speeches.
"The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term — but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there." This section of his acceptance speech refers to King Jr.'s "Mountaintop" speech. They both have a common set of phrases used in them.
"We are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." This is a direct quote from the acceptance speech given by Lincoln that Obama also states. The nation that Lincoln was speaking to was much more strained than ours currently, but both president elects are advising the people bending does not mean breaking. The people may need to bend to change, but change does not mean that they need to break their ideals, souls, or spirits.
"It's been a long time coming, but...change has come to America," is an allusion to a song written by Sam Cooke, "A Change Is Gonna Come."
The focus of Obama's speech revolved around the economy, the war in Iraq, and global warming, three of the most pressing problems our nation is facing. Also, Obama was the first president to refer to gay americans in an acceptance speech.
"government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth" this is a reference to abe lincolns speech in the gettysburg. obama is saying that we are still a strong country and that we need to stay together as one. "We have never been a collection of red states and blue states; we are and always will be the United States of America" obama is saying that we are still ONE country together..though we have our owne differences we still are one.
"... in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that as poisoned our politics for so long" obama is relating back to when the south didnt want to be a part of the union for selfish reasons. he is telling us all that we need to forget what we want and realize that we need to focus on what everyone needs as a whole country
"As Lincoln said to a nation for more divided than ours. We are not enemies but friends though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection" obama is saying that he can relate to lincoln and that he wants to make big changes like lincoln did with slavery.
"She was born just a generation past slavery; at time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons--because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin" in this portion of his speech obama is showing us that a lot of things have changed and that he plans to change even more for the better of our country.
“A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.” with this point obama lets us know that he is going to help us change for the better and that the changing process has already started.
There are many historical illusions and references in President-Elect Barack Obama's acceptance speech. Since he has made many public statements about modeling his presidency after President Lincoln, it would only be fitting that he would use allusions to this great president in his speech. Such as, “Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity." and "As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection."" In the first quote, Obama is telling America to remember that Lincoln was the first Republican president, similar to him being the first black on, and that both of them share the same ideals. The second quote is one from Abe himself, talking about the secession and the Civil War the country was facing. He was trying to bring the country back together, trying to show them that we may have different beliefs of right and wrong, different religions, different languages, different skin colors, but that we still have one thing in common: we are all Americans. Obama also references Lincoln's Gettysburg Address with, “and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth." He is making the statement that though Lincoln lived a long time ago we still, as a country, are untied under that ideal. This could be best summoned up with Lincoln’s reference to the Bible, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” saying that the United States could not thrive if it was divided. But, the President-Elect also makes references to various wars as well. As previously stated, he referenced Gettysburg, “and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth,” but he also references others. “He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he’s fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.” This is not only a reference to John McCain, but also to the war he fought and was captured in, the Vietnam War. He also talks about Pearl Harbor and World War II with “When bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved.” But, he doesn’t just talk about old wars, but the two wars we are facing today: Iraq and Afghanistan. He states, “two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.” In this quote, he also talks about pollution problems and the ‘panic’ we are in the midst of, which will undoubtedly become history soon enough. He also discusses how far we have come as a nation with his example of Ann Nixon Cooper who is 106 years old. He talks about her being a “generation past slavery,” one of the worst moments in our nation’s history, especially the war that was fought over it. He says, “At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot…When there was despair in the dust bowl, and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, and a new sense of common purpose…She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” The first part of this, he talks about the Women’s Suffrage in the early 1900s when women were fighting for the right to vote, and how they spoke up and achieved their goal. The next part is about the drought in the Great Plains, like Oklahoma and Kansas, and the Great Depression which all happened between the 1920s and 1940s. The “New Deal” is Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s plan to help the middle class get jobs so the ‘playing field’ would be more level. It was the middle class’ ‘new deal’. The final part is all about blacks fight for equal rights and Martin Luther King, Jr. The buses in Montgomery is about when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat and they took her to jail which started the boycott of the buses. The hoses in Birmingham is when the blacks were protesting peacefully and the people in the town tried to stop the protest by spraying them with fire hoses. The bridge in Selma is one of the places where a confrontation for blacks rights took place. And the ‘preacher from Atlanta’ is referring to Martin Luther King, Jr. All these references show how far we have improved our country so it is equal for all people, not matter gender or race or financial situation, and how he promises to uphold that standard in office. He doesn’t just reference Lincoln’s speeches, but MLK’s as well. “…to put their hands on the arc of history”, is a reference to King, because he used ‘arc of history’ many times. “But tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America” is a reference to King’s “Mountaintop” speech, as is ”The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.” In doing this, Obama is showing that he is committed to changing America for the better, as was King. And even when he is not referencing Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama holds firm on the fact that we must stick together as a nation. “It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America…It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day,” shows that he wants us to look past our differences and see what we all have in common: a want for change, a need for this country to dig itself out of the hole we’ve made. Also, he makes the point that we cannot live in a nation and expect it to prosper if businesses like the banks make tons of money, and the average Joe loses his job. He states it as “we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.”
"...government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth..." Mr. Obama is referring to the Gettysburg Address spoken by Abraham Lincoln. He is reiterating the fact that this United States government, of the citizens, is in place for the citizens of the United States. "Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity. " In this quote Obama is making the illusion that he is like Lincoln. He too is from Illinois and should be treated with respect also. "She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." In this statement Mr. Obama is making the point that he is also going to bring change to this country, just like Rosa Parks. "The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term — but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there." This section of his acceptance speech refers to King Jr.'s "Mountaintop" speech. By referring to Dr. King's speech, Mr. Obama is saying that he knows his presidency will not be easy, but he is ready to accept the challenge. Mr. Obama quotes Lincoln from his acceptance speech when he says "We are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." This is a direct quote from the acceptance speech given by Lincoln that Obama also states. The nation that Lincoln was speaking to was much more strained than ours currently, but both president elects are advising the people bending does not mean breaking. The people may need to bend to change, but change does not mean that they need to break their ideals, souls, or spirits." He is again comparing himself to Lincoln. Both men were entering the presidency under shaky circumstances, both were in war, or about to be in war, facing a long tiresome struggle.
Barack Obama's speech is heavily referenced with inaugural addresses of former Presidents John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln, as well as speeches given by Martin Luther King Jr.
"But tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this moment, change has come to America" and "the road will be long, our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term -- but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there." Both quotes refer to phrases from the "Mountaintop" speech by Martin luther King Jr. He references King again when referring to the "arc of history," a phrase King used regularly, most notably after the Selma to Montgomery marches saying "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."
"A Government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth" - In this quote, Obama is referring to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg address. He also directly quotes Lincoln's first inaugural address by saying, "We must not be enemies. Though the passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection."
"arc of history"--reference to speech made by MLK after Montgomery marches
"It's been a long time coming, but tonight, becuase of what we did on this date in this elcion at this defining moment change has come to America."--reference to song by Sam Cooke called "A Change is Gonna Come" & a reference to MLK's "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech
"The road ahead ill be long. ou climb will be steep...."--reference to MLK's "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends."--reference to Lincoln' first inagural address
"She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes int he ky; wen somone like her couldn't vote for two reason--because she was a woman and because of hte colorof her skin."--reference to women's/civil rights movement
"When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land..."--reference to Great Depression
"...a wall came down in Berlin..."--refernce to thr fall of the Berlin wall
“Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history” – The arc of history is a reference to one of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speeches.
“…from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth.” – This is a reference to Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.” – Here, Obama is once again quoting Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.” – This quote refers to a hit song written by Sam Cooke.
“As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends, though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” – Here Obama directly references his role model, Abe Lincoln and his first inaugural address.
“…buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome.” – Obama is making reference to the Civil Rights Movement.
“…dust bowl and depression…” – Reference to the Great Depression
“…bombs fell on our harbor…” – Reference to Pearl Harbor
"a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth." this quote is referring to Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
"When someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin." This refers to when neither women nor black people could vote.
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta" This refers to when the civil rights movement was going on. Change occurred after the bus boycott and after many marches and speeches led by D. Martin Luther King Jr.
"When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world" This refers to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and when the world was threatened by the tyrant, Hitler.
"when there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land" This refers to the Great Depression and how we had to change America to thrive again.
"We have never been a collection of Red States and blue States...always will be, the United States of America" This refers to the many presidential campaigns and the separate parties of republican and democrat. Even though there are two separate parties, everyone is united in the want and need for change in America.
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies, but friends" This refers to Lincoln and the civil war. Lincoln brought made his enemies his friends and did the same with the South. This also refers to how Obama wants to follow in the footsteps of Lincoln.
“who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time;” This is referencing the dream our founders had of creating a land of equality. After winning the Revolutionary War, the Founders promised to make a Constitution with equal rights for all. It had never been more evident than on November fourth that the Founders had succeeded in their dream of creating equality for all in America.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity… As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too…“a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth.” These quote refers to one of Obama’s idols, Abraham Lincoln. He seems to be trying to send a message of optimism to the nation. He is pointing out that during Lincoln’s presidency, the nation was much more divided, but they overcame the struggle and eventually became a stronger nation, though it took awhile. Obama has made no secret that he looks up to Lincoln in many ways, even modeling his “cabinet of rivals.” He also paraphrases Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, saying that all of his volunteer workers show that a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from the Earth.
Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.” This is a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I’ve Seen the Mountaintop” Address.
“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America; I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.” This again refers to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I’ve Seen the Mountaintop” Address.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
“She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.” This story, about a 106 year old woman who voted in Atlanta, is used as a reference to show how far the United States has come in the last 106 years. When she was born, she counldn’t vote because she was black and she was a woman. Now she is witnessing a black man accept the presidency.
“At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot.” This refers to woman gaining the right to vote via the nineteenth amendment.
“When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose.” This refers to FDR’s plans to combat the Great Depression which was prevalent when he first came to office. Some are calling Obama’s economic plans the “New New Deal.”
“When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.” This alludes to when Pearl Harbor was bombed, bringing the United States into World War II. This threatened the very existence of democracy around the world. Obama is bringing up different examples of hardships that the United States have overcome to give the nation hope that we can overcome the most current crises.
“She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that ‘We Shall Overcome.’ Yes we can.” This references Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery Alabama. This act single-handedly sparked the Civil Rights Movement. The preacher he is referring to is Martin Luther King Jr.
“A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can. “ This refers to when the United States celebrated reaching the moon in 1969, the Berlin wall was torn down, symbolizing a wall being brought down that had divided a nation and a world. Obama is bringing up some of the happiest moments of United States history to show that we can overcome anything.
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
In this speech, President-Elect Barack Obama has used many historical allusions to unite the American People. He refers to many of America’s tragedies at first, perhaps comparing them to present day. However, towards the end of his speech, he talks more of the triumphs of this country, showing how we can overcome the tribulations and become a stronger nation. His speech instilled optimism in everyone, but he also told the nation that change cannot be immediate, but an ongoing process.
Pat Heckman “…government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth" –This quote from Obama’s acceptance speech clearly expresses his idea that like Abraham Lincoln said in the Gettysburg address, the United States is still a government centralized around the common people and he will strive to keep it that way. It also expresses that the people of the United States, no matter who the president is, are still the key component of this government.
"We have never been a collection of red states and blue states; we are and always will be the United States of America"- This profound quote by president elect Barrack Obama shows that no matter what political party, we are all citizens of the United States of America first and foremost. This quote puts partisan factions into perspective by clearly noting that the slight differences do not matter in the overall progress and success of our country. We must put aside bias opinions and realize that we are all one people under one flag.
"... in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long"- This quote by Barrack Obama, like the previous one, calls on Americans to come together as one political group untied, not several factions that are severely split causing serious seperation. This quote explains that as a people we all will succeed or fail so we might as well all stick together in order to succeed instead of separating apart leading to our eventual demise. We cannot resort back to divided parties because throughout history it has proven to create great problems for our country.
"As Lincoln said to a nation for more divided than ours. We are not enemies but friends though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection"- This quote by Obama expresses his knowledge of the separation of Republicans and Democrats, he knows there are some major differences, however they are not even close to the separation Lincoln faced yet somehow he managed to pull it together. Obama, in the same as Lincoln did, calls us to become friends to reach a common goal. He realizes that yes, there are some minor disagreements and expressing ones opinion is what the basis of our nation has been founded upon, however do not let your opinion tear us apart.
"She was born just a generation past slavery; at time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons--because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin"- This profound quote by Barrack Obama briefly sums up a cruel past for African Americans. It reiterates the harsh realities that blacks faced, not being able to vote. It also expresses the sexism women faced throughout the past and even today. In this quote Obama is reminding us of what life was like, how far we’ve come since then, and it foreshadows how he himself is going to do his duty as the President of the United States to help this nation grow even further in the right direction.
"Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America."
"Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day." --These quotes reference the "I've Been to the Mountaintop" address made by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and how he often spoke of change and an "arc of history".
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." --Here,Obama references Lincoln's first inaugural address
"...that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth" --reference to the Gettysburg address
"And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand." --references the struggles that America has gone through, but has rebuilt itself over the years to remain strong
"Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity."
"She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldnt vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin." --reference to the civil rights movement
" At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can"
"When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can." --reference to the Great Depression
"When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can." --reference to Pearl Harbor
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome." --another reference to the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King Jr.
"A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination."
"It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America."
"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep."- Both of these quote reference the famous speech "I've been to the Mountaintop" said by Martin Luther King Jr.
“a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth.”- Clear reference from Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg adress. "Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House — a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty and national unity."- This quote references Abraham Lincoln as the first president to ever come from Illinois.
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, 'We are not enemies, but friends... Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.'"-This is a direct reference to a quote said by Abraham Lincoln about his feelings towards a divided America.
"And, to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too."- This references a similiar quote said by Geral R. Ford during his victory speech, when he asks the people to confirm him as their president with their prayers.
"...when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin."- This quote references a time before black women won sufferage.
"When there was despair in the Dust Bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose."- This quote is a reference to the depression of the 1930's, and "The New Deal" that brought America out of it.
"When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world..." Here, the attack on Pearl Harbor and Adolf Hitler
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." - This quote references the struggles of African Americans, including Rosa Parks refusing to sit in the back, and Martin Luther King Jr.
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer." <-- Obama is referring to the world's vision of America as a land of hope and opportunity. Obama confirms these beliefs by implying that if a black man can be president in the United States, anything is attainable in this country. The "dreams of our founders" also refers to the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and Dr. Martin Luther King's speech.
"You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century." <-- "The worst financial crisis in a century refers to our country's current economic problem but also alludes to the Great Depression in 1929.
"Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity." <-- This quote alludes back all the way to the founding of the Republican Party in 1854.
"Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection."<-- Obama refers back to a nation divided by civil war and stresses the importance of national unity today.
"To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope."<-- Obama makes clear that the United States has maintained the same base values since it's founding.
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome.""<-- Barrack is referring to the Civil Rights Movement as a whole and specifically, the bus boycott.
“…government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth" –This quote from Obama’s acceptance speech clearly expresses his idea that like Abraham Lincoln said in the Gettysburg address, the United States is still a government centralized around the common people and he will strive to keep it that way. It also expresses that the people of the United States, no matter who the president is, are still the key component of this government.”
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta"
“As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends, though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.”
“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.”
“…from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth.”
“A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.”
"At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can."-- Here Obama is referring to when women still did not have the right to vote. He's describing what one woman, Ann Nixon Cooper, went through. She lived during the time that women were not allowed the right to vote. He says that now, women do have a right to voice their opinions because we can vote.
"When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can."-- Obama is referring to the dust bowl during the 1930s when farmers and people in general struggled to make it through the difficult depression our country faced.
"When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can."-- Obama is referring to the attack on Pearl Harbor and the hard times of World War II our country endured.
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can."-- Here Obama is alluding to the Civil Rights movement that took place from the 1950s through the 1960s. He is describing the unjustices that were overcome after everyone in America began to look at each other equally.
"A man touched down on the moon,"-- Obama is referring to how far our country was able to advance when Neil Armstrong and his crew first landed man on the moon.
"a wall came down in Berlin,"-- Obama is praising the unity that the people in Germany, Hungry, and Austria had against the dictatorship they were being rule by.
"a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth."-- With this quote, Obama is referring to the last line in Lincoln's Gettsburg Address. Lincold told the citizens of the United States that, as long as they remained united for one purpose, they would not perish from the Earth because they would all be fighting for the same cause. Obama believed in the same thing. He stresses equality and togetherness for all.
"we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us."-- Obama is referring to our country's current situation concerning the financial crisis and the war on Iraq. He's telling the people that if we are able to overcome all the tragedy that has been occuring within the last few years, we will be able to overcome any and all obstacles that come our way.
Do you want us to comment with historical allusions? How should we respond to this blog?
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ReplyDeleteMrs. Helbing, I wasn't sure how you wanted this formatted, so I just made something up.
ReplyDelete"...government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth..." In this quote, Barack Obama is referring to the Gettysburg Address written and spoken by President Abraham Lincoln. By reiterating this statement, Obama wanted to tell the people the government is for them to live by and rule. Their opinions determine the position of a country is this ever-changing world.
"Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity. " In this statement, Obama is referring to Lincoln once more. Lincoln was born in Illinois and was the first Republican president. He believed everyone should be treated equal and that our nation had to fight as one to become one.
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." Once again, Obama is referring to Lincoln. He is saying that Lincoln made great change in a country far more segregated than the one we live in today. Lincoln wanted the people of his nation to stop judging each other by their skin color and love each other for who they are on the inside.
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can" In this statement, Obama is referring to many people who were a segway to the light at the end of the tunnel to years of discrimination. Rosa Parks who refused to give up her seat on a bus and went to prison for it. She spoke out against those who never thought she had the audacity to do so. Obama is also referring to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was a Civil Rights leader. He gave many speeches on how no matter what obstacles may be thrown our way, we can overcome discrimination.
"A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination." One of the people referred to in his quote is Neil Armstrong. He was the first man on the moon. People doubted his eagerness to do this unthinkable act; however, that did not stop him. He is a prime example of how many failed attempts can lead to a great success. Our country has fallen many times in the pit of discrimination, but that should not mean we loose all hope.
Obviously, President Barack Obama finds inspiration in those who dare to be different. He admires Lincoln's techniques as president and King's tactics as a peacemaker. He realizes change will not come immediately; however, he needs the country's support to achieve it
JAKE KOVALSKY
ReplyDelete"If there is anyone out there....who stlil wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time" This quote references the people wondreing about the dream of the founding fathers who found the United States of America at the very beginning.
"We have never been a collection of Red States and blue States...always will be, the United States of America" This quote is showing the history of democratic and repbulican states in an election.
"a government of the people, by the peopel and for the people has not perished from this Earth." this quote is referring to Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
"America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, bryck by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand." This quote is reffereing to the history of how long America has been around and the people that made it what it is today
"Let us remeber that it was a man from this state whoe first carried the banner of the republican party to the white house." this quote is reffering to Abraham lincoln who is from Illinios. Lincoln is who obama basess his presidency to represent.
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends" This quote references Lincoln. When the country was divided with a great civil war lincoln said we were friends and not enemies.
"When someone like her oculdn't vote for two reasons- because she was a woman and because of the colr of her skin." This is refereing to the past time when women oculd not vote and black people could not vote. This was a rough time in Amreica's history. But it was all better becaue of change.
"At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed" This quote references again the time when women did not have rights to vote and the oppurtinity to pursue their dreams.
"when there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal" This quote is refereing to the great depresssion and how the country was able to come out of depression by CHANGE. Change is the foundation of America.
"When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world" this is reffereing to when Pearl Harbor was bombed and when Hitler was trying to conquer the world.
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta" This is reffering the the struggle for civil rights for African Americans. Rosa Parks was kicked off a bus and Martin Luther King Jr. was preaching equality and peace.
"A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imaginatin." This is reffering to when the first man landed on the moon, when the Berlin Wall was knocked down, and the world was connected by technological advances.
Barack Obama made many historical references in his speech. A key idea of this speech was taht America has the ability to change as it has in the past. It has changed from its ways of unjustful limitations because of gender and race. Barack Obama is saying that is what America needs right now and that there is hope because America has changed in its past.
"government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth" --- this quote from his acceptance speech is in reference to Abe Lincoln in the Gettysburg address. Obama is saying how the democratic government is still strong and working the right way. He wants to keep it going strong and have help from the people, us.
ReplyDelete"We have never been a collection of red states and blue states; we are and always will be the United States of America"--- this quote refers to the two different political parties, the Republican and Democrats. While having these two parties, we must realize that we are still one strong nation together.
"... in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that as poisoned our politics for so long"--- Obama is trying to tell us that even if you were upset with the results of the election that you must get over it and become a member of the United states. This also references to when the south succeeded from the union. They were not ready to do what what was best for the nation at that time. The south was greedy and wanted it the way they wanted it.
"As Lincoln said to a nation for more divided than ours. We are not enemies but friends though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection"--- Obama refers to Lincoln again saying how he wants to make good changes in our country today just as Lincoln did in his days Lincoln changed our views on segregation and on slavery.
"She was born just a generation past slavery; at time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons--because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin"--- This quote explains a lot about our history. In the early times our country was very segregated. Times have changed. Obama is telling us that they are changing even more today and hopefully in his upcoming term.
On November 7, 2008 America's first African-American President Elect gave his acceptance speech. Obama's speech was filled with references to previous historical speeches. These references included all of the following:
ReplyDelete"government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth" - In this quote Obama is referencing to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg address. Many people feel like Obama is going to try to model his Presidency after that of Lincoln's. Obama is attempting to assure his citizens that he will protect the rights of the people.
"As Lincoln said ... we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." - Obama is once again showing that he agrees with the statements of Lincoln.
"Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House" - In this quote Obama reveals to his supporters that he intends on modeling his Presidency after that of Lincoln.
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta" - In this quote Obama refers to Rosa Parks and the civil rights movement.
"But tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this moment, change has come to America" and "The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term — but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there." and "arc of history" - All refer to speeches given by Martin Luther King Jr. during the time of the civil rights movement.
"It's been a long time coming, but...change has come to America" - This is a reference to the song "A Change Is Gonna Come". The song was written by Sam Cooke in 1964.
“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders…” – This references the founding fathers and the vision they had of a democracy for the people free from tyranny.
ReplyDelete“It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.” – This is an allusion to one of Dr. Martin Luther King’s speeches after the Selma and Montgomery peace marches, especially the arc of history phrase.
“Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.” – This references MLK’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” address.
“…and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth.” – This alludes to the Gettysburg Address where Lincoln proclaimed that in light of the Civil War the government had not fallen, just as it has remained strong and functional to this day.
“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.” – This again references the “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” and uses similar phraseology that references the speech.
“As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” – This is a direct quote from Lincoln’s first inaugural address.
“She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.”- This quote describes Ann Nixon Cooper in relation to the women’s suffrage movement and slavery and racism. It gives an allusion that gives an insight into the past detailing how much progress has come about in the last 150 years.
“At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot.” – This alludes to women’s suffrage again.
“When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose.” – This references the Great Depression Era and the New Deal that helped pull America out of the depression era.
“When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved.” - Alludes to WWII and more specifically the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, pulling the U.S. into the war and helping to end the conflict.
“She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome.” – References the Rosa Parks incident, bus strikes, police brutality towards blacks in Birmingham, and MLK’s speeches, including in general all of the civil rights movement in the 1960’s.
“A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.” – This allusion references Neil Armstrong landing on the moon and the destruction of the Berlin Wall, ending a period of separation and distrust between world superpowers.
On August 28, 2008, Barack Obama, made his acceptance speech for the Democratic nominee for the presidential election. After more ballots were cast for him over Senator John McCain on November 4th of the same year, Barack Obama assumed his position as president-elect. In doing so, Barack Obama made his acceptance speech in front of a crowd of 240,000 at Grant Park.
ReplyDeleteHis speech referenced America’s past. The speech referenced our founding fathers initially when Obama commented, “If there is anyone out there…who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time…” The president-elect was proving to any naysayer out there that democracy was still fueling America’s fire for freedom and equality.
Then Obama went on to mention what “we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.” He was referencing a speech made by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King made the speech after Selma Montgomery marches.
“Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.” In this line, Obama was alluding to King’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” address. Further along in his speech, Obama also referenced King’s “I’ve been to the Mountaintop” address when he said, “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.” Both of these lines resemble the expressions Martin Luther King Jr. utter in his address.
“…from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth.” Obama was rephrasing what Lincoln had said in his Gettysburg Address. A ripple from the past reoccurred when Obama voiced “…a government of the people, by the people and for the people…”
“And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years…” Barack Obama was referencing, again, the birth of America two-hundred and twenty-one years ago at that point, back to 1776.
”Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it’s that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.” When referring to rising and falling as one nation, he suggested the famous motto used in America coined by Patrick Henry, ‘United We Stand, Divided We Fall.’
“As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, ‘we are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.’ This allusion was from Abraham Lincoln’s first inaugural address.
“At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.” Earlier in his speech, Obama mentioned Ann Nixon Cooper, a 106 year old woman who cast a ballot for Obama. She lived in a time when women were not even legally able to vote. She lived through that hardship of injustice and adversity. She was able to not only live to vote in numerous elections, but to live in one to witness Barack Obama repeat the same fight.
“When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.” Obama references the hardships of the Great Depression era in this quotation.
“When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.” Again, Obama referenced America’s past hardships to relate his future presidency. Obama referenced WWII and the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese.
”She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.” Ann Nixon Cooper’s hardships were able to be shared with the rest of America through Barack Obama’s oration and references toward Rosa Parks and the series of bus strikes in the south.
“A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.” Again, Obama mentions Cooper witnessing the ability to overcome struggles and hardships. He referenced Neil Armstrong landing on the moon and pioneering the difficult and uncharted space exploration. He also mentions the tearing down of the Berlin Wall in 1991 and reuniting East and West Germany.
President-elect Barack Obama has given the American people hope with his useful speech. He accepted his presidency, and so we accepted his hope. His oration inspired us to give his term a chance as he put it in the light of past events overcoming adversities. Barack Obama himself is a triumph.
"..If there is anyone out there, who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."
ReplyDeleteIn this opening statement, Barack Obama gives power and praise to the people of America. After decades and generations of poor treatment to those of the African American race, after slavery and a civil war for their freedom, and years of ridicule and a fight for equal rights, America now has its first black president.
"It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America."
Barack Obama feels that there finally will be great empowering change in America for the better. He knows that what he and all that voted for him have worked so hard to promote now has the opportunity to evolve into reality.
"I was never the likeliest candidate for this office.."
Like Lincoln, Obama truly was not a likely candidate. Lincoln was the go-to candidate after disagreeing with the backgrounds of those before him. Fortunately, Lincoln proved himself in many ways to be one of the best presidents in the history of the United States. Obama in a sense is the underdog of the election, which many a times proves to be victorious as he has, as well as proving himself as a successful president of our country.
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection."- Obama in this quote is referring to Lincoln's fight in governing through the civil war and reminding those of the United States that through all of the fighting and war it is not the people who are enemies but their causes for which they are fighting.
"...and tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America...the heartache and the hope, the struggle and the progress. The times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed, 'Yes we can.' At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballod, 'Yes we can'.
Obama is referring to the hardships in the years of a 106 year old woman who voted this year has been through in her life. Referring to the effects of slavery on this country, the civil rights movement, and the fight for women's rights as well.
"... in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that as poisoned our politics for so long".
This is referring to the civil war and the south's secession from the United States. Obama wants the country to come together no matter what race, background, political party, etc. he may come from.
Barack Obama has single handedly changed the minds and thoughts of many people in America. He is an advocate for change in this country and hopes to take the failures and mistakes in its past to make for a better future. His allusions and references to well-known and important people of change in this country supports his hope for change in this country today.
“The men and women who serve in our battlefields may be Democrats and Republicans and independents, but they have fought together, and bled together, and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a red America or a blue America; they have served the United States of America.”
ReplyDeleteIn the quote, Obama is saying that were are not a divded Union as in the red and blue or Democrats and Republicans. We are all one, not seperated.
“A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.” He is reffering the these events as a time in history as points of change. That this election in itself has created must change with the first election of an African American. His platform has always been about change. He promises change for the good of our country and sees it as a necessity.
“She was there for the buses in Montgomery..." "...and tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America...the heartache and the hope, the struggle and the progress. The times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed, 'Yes we can.' At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballod, 'Yes we can'.
Reffering to Rosa Parks, President Elect Obama is talking about the 106 year old woman who voted for him, who lived during the period of history when she was unable to vote because of her race and gender. He is addressing how far our country has come and that without that progress he would not be able to take office. Once again he addresses the topic of "change".
"Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity." “As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends.” Both of these quotes point to Lincoln, and the inspiration Obama finds from him. Proof of this is Obama annoucing his presidential canidancy in Illinois, where Lincoln was from.
"government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth" This is reffering to the Gettysburg Address and is also another quote pointing to Abraham Lincoln. Some see that Obama is modeling his canidancy, election, and in the future, his presidency just as Lincoln had. He sees Lincoln as the one who free the African Americans and sees himself as someoone that has done the same. Obama knows that he himself has broken a racial barrier.
Obama's acceptance speech had similarites to the acceptance speeches of John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln. He also referred to one of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speeches.
ReplyDelete"The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term — but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there." This section of his acceptance speech refers to King Jr.'s "Mountaintop" speech. They both have a common set of phrases used in them.
"We are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." This is a direct quote from the acceptance speech given by Lincoln that Obama also states. The nation that Lincoln was speaking to was much more strained than ours currently, but both president elects are advising the people bending does not mean breaking. The people may need to bend to change, but change does not mean that they need to break their ideals, souls, or spirits.
"It's been a long time coming, but...change has come to America," is an allusion to a song written by Sam Cooke, "A Change Is Gonna Come."
The focus of Obama's speech revolved around the economy, the war in Iraq, and global warming, three of the most pressing problems our nation is facing. Also, Obama was the first president to refer to gay americans in an acceptance speech.
"government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth"
ReplyDeletethis is a reference to abe lincolns speech in the gettysburg. obama is saying that we are still a strong country and that we need to stay together as one.
"We have never been a collection of red states and blue states; we are and always will be the United States of America"
obama is saying that we are still ONE country together..though we have our owne differences we still are one.
"... in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that as poisoned our politics for so long"
obama is relating back to when the south didnt want to be a part of the union for selfish reasons. he is telling us all that we need to forget what we want and realize that we need to focus on what everyone needs as a whole country
"As Lincoln said to a nation for more divided than ours. We are not enemies but friends though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection"
obama is saying that he can relate to lincoln and that he wants to make big changes like lincoln did with slavery.
"She was born just a generation past slavery; at time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons--because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin"
in this portion of his speech obama is showing us that a lot of things have changed and that he plans to change even more for the better of our country.
“A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.”
with this point obama lets us know that he is going to help us change for the better and that the changing process has already started.
Nicole Nesbitt
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
There are many historical illusions and references in President-Elect Barack Obama's acceptance speech. Since he has made many public statements about modeling his presidency after President Lincoln, it would only be fitting that he would use allusions to this great president in his speech. Such as, “Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity." and "As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection."" In the first quote, Obama is telling America to remember that Lincoln was the first Republican president, similar to him being the first black on, and that both of them share the same ideals. The second quote is one from Abe himself, talking about the secession and the Civil War the country was facing. He was trying to bring the country back together, trying to show them that we may have different beliefs of right and wrong, different religions, different languages, different skin colors, but that we still have one thing in common: we are all Americans. Obama also references Lincoln's Gettysburg Address with, “and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth." He is making the statement that though Lincoln lived a long time ago we still, as a country, are untied under that ideal. This could be best summoned up with Lincoln’s reference to the Bible, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” saying that the United States could not thrive if it was divided.
But, the President-Elect also makes references to various wars as well. As previously stated, he referenced Gettysburg, “and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth,” but he also references others. “He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he’s fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.” This is not only a reference to John McCain, but also to the war he fought and was captured in, the Vietnam War. He also talks about Pearl Harbor and World War II with “When bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved.” But, he doesn’t just talk about old wars, but the two wars we are facing today: Iraq and Afghanistan. He states, “two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.” In this quote, he also talks about pollution problems and the ‘panic’ we are in the midst of, which will undoubtedly become history soon enough.
He also discusses how far we have come as a nation with his example of Ann Nixon Cooper who is 106 years old. He talks about her being a “generation past slavery,” one of the worst moments in our nation’s history, especially the war that was fought over it. He says, “At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot…When there was despair in the dust bowl, and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, and a new sense of common purpose…She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” The first part of this, he talks about the Women’s Suffrage in the early 1900s when women were fighting for the right to vote, and how they spoke up and achieved their goal. The next part is about the drought in the Great Plains, like Oklahoma and Kansas, and the Great Depression which all happened between the 1920s and 1940s. The “New Deal” is Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s plan to help the middle class get jobs so the ‘playing field’ would be more level. It was the middle class’ ‘new deal’. The final part is all about blacks fight for equal rights and Martin Luther King, Jr. The buses in Montgomery is about when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat and they took her to jail which started the boycott of the buses. The hoses in Birmingham is when the blacks were protesting peacefully and the people in the town tried to stop the protest by spraying them with fire hoses. The bridge in Selma is one of the places where a confrontation for blacks rights took place. And the ‘preacher from Atlanta’ is referring to Martin Luther King, Jr. All these references show how far we have improved our country so it is equal for all people, not matter gender or race or financial situation, and how he promises to uphold that standard in office.
He doesn’t just reference Lincoln’s speeches, but MLK’s as well. “…to put their hands on the arc of history”, is a reference to King, because he used ‘arc of history’ many times. “But tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America” is a reference to King’s “Mountaintop” speech, as is ”The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.” In doing this, Obama is showing that he is committed to changing America for the better, as was King.
And even when he is not referencing Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama holds firm on the fact that we must stick together as a nation. “It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America…It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day,” shows that he wants us to look past our differences and see what we all have in common: a want for change, a need for this country to dig itself out of the hole we’ve made. Also, he makes the point that we cannot live in a nation and expect it to prosper if businesses like the banks make tons of money, and the average Joe loses his job. He states it as “we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.”
"...government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth..." Mr. Obama is referring to the Gettysburg Address spoken by Abraham Lincoln. He is reiterating the fact that this United States government, of the citizens, is in place for the citizens of the United States.
ReplyDelete"Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity. " In this quote Obama is making the illusion that he is like Lincoln. He too is from Illinois and should be treated with respect also.
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." In this statement Mr. Obama is making the point that he is also going to bring change to this country, just like Rosa Parks.
"The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term — but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there." This section of his acceptance speech refers to King Jr.'s "Mountaintop" speech. By referring to Dr. King's speech, Mr. Obama is saying that he knows his presidency will not be easy, but he is ready to accept the challenge.
Mr. Obama quotes Lincoln from his acceptance speech when he says "We are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." This is a direct quote from the acceptance speech given by Lincoln that Obama also states. The nation that Lincoln was speaking to was much more strained than ours currently, but both president elects are advising the people bending does not mean breaking. The people may need to bend to change, but change does not mean that they need to break their ideals, souls, or spirits." He is again comparing himself to Lincoln. Both men were entering the presidency under shaky circumstances, both were in war, or about to be in war, facing a long tiresome struggle.
Barack Obama's speech is heavily referenced with inaugural addresses of former Presidents John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln, as well as speeches given by Martin Luther King Jr.
ReplyDelete"But tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this moment, change has come to America" and "the road will be long, our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term -- but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there." Both quotes refer to phrases from the "Mountaintop" speech by Martin luther King Jr. He references King again when referring to the "arc of history," a phrase King used regularly, most notably after the Selma to Montgomery marches saying "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."
"A Government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth" - In this quote, Obama is referring to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg address. He also directly quotes Lincoln's first inaugural address by saying, "We must not be enemies. Though the passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection."
Amanda Finch
ReplyDelete"arc of history"--reference to speech made by MLK after Montgomery marches
"It's been a long time coming, but tonight, becuase of what we did on this date in this elcion at this defining moment change has come to America."--reference to song by Sam Cooke called "A Change is Gonna Come" & a reference to MLK's "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech
"The road ahead ill be long. ou climb will be steep...."--reference to MLK's "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends."--reference to Lincoln' first inagural address
"She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes int he ky; wen somone like her couldn't vote for two reason--because she was a woman and because of hte colorof her skin."--reference to women's/civil rights movement
"When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land..."--reference to Great Depression
"...a wall came down in Berlin..."--refernce to thr fall of the Berlin wall
“Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history” – The arc of history is a reference to one of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speeches.
ReplyDelete“…from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth.” – This is a reference to Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.” – Here, Obama is once again quoting Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.” – This quote refers to a hit song written by Sam Cooke.
“As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends, though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” – Here Obama directly references his role model, Abe Lincoln and his first inaugural address.
“…buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome.” – Obama is making reference to the Civil Rights Movement.
“…dust bowl and depression…” – Reference to the Great Depression
“…bombs fell on our harbor…” – Reference to Pearl Harbor
"a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth." this quote is referring to Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
ReplyDelete"When someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin." This refers to when neither women nor black people could vote.
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta" This refers to when the civil rights movement was going on. Change occurred after the bus boycott and after many marches and speeches led by D. Martin Luther King Jr.
"When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world" This refers to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and when the world was threatened by the tyrant, Hitler.
"when there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land" This refers to the Great Depression and how we had to change America to thrive again.
"We have never been a collection of Red States and blue States...always will be, the United States of America" This refers to the many presidential campaigns and the separate parties of republican and democrat. Even though there are two separate parties, everyone is united in the want and need for change in America.
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies, but friends" This refers to Lincoln and the civil war. Lincoln brought made his enemies his friends and did the same with the South. This also refers to how Obama wants to follow in the footsteps of Lincoln.
Tony Traina
ReplyDeletePeriod 2...
“who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time;”
This is referencing the dream our founders had of creating a land of equality. After winning the Revolutionary War, the Founders promised to make a Constitution with equal rights for all. It had never been more evident than on November fourth that the Founders had succeeded in their dream of creating equality for all in America.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity… As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too…“a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth.”
These quote refers to one of Obama’s idols, Abraham Lincoln. He seems to be trying to send a message of optimism to the nation. He is pointing out that during Lincoln’s presidency, the nation was much more divided, but they overcame the struggle and eventually became a stronger nation, though it took awhile. Obama has made no secret that he looks up to Lincoln in many ways, even modeling his “cabinet of rivals.” He also paraphrases Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, saying that all of his volunteer workers show that a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from the Earth.
Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.” This is a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I’ve Seen the Mountaintop” Address.
“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America; I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.” This again refers to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I’ve Seen the Mountaintop” Address.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
“She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.”
This story, about a 106 year old woman who voted in Atlanta, is used as a reference to show how far the United States has come in the last 106 years. When she was born, she counldn’t vote because she was black and she was a woman. Now she is witnessing a black man accept the presidency.
“At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot.”
This refers to woman gaining the right to vote via the nineteenth amendment.
“When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose.”
This refers to FDR’s plans to combat the Great Depression which was prevalent when he first came to office. Some are calling Obama’s economic plans the “New New Deal.”
“When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.”
This alludes to when Pearl Harbor was bombed, bringing the United States into World War II. This threatened the very existence of democracy around the world. Obama is bringing up different examples of hardships that the United States have overcome to give the nation hope that we can overcome the most current crises.
“She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that ‘We Shall Overcome.’ Yes we can.”
This references Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery Alabama. This act single-handedly sparked the Civil Rights Movement. The preacher he is referring to is Martin Luther King Jr.
“A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can. “
This refers to when the United States celebrated reaching the moon in 1969, the Berlin wall was torn down, symbolizing a wall being brought down that had divided a nation and a world. Obama is bringing up some of the happiest moments of United States history to show that we can overcome anything.
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
In this speech, President-Elect Barack Obama has used many historical allusions to unite the American People. He refers to many of America’s tragedies at first, perhaps comparing them to present day. However, towards the end of his speech, he talks more of the triumphs of this country, showing how we can overcome the tribulations and become a stronger nation. His speech instilled optimism in everyone, but he also told the nation that change cannot be immediate, but an ongoing process.
Pat Heckman
ReplyDelete“…government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth" –This quote from Obama’s acceptance speech clearly expresses his idea that like Abraham Lincoln said in the Gettysburg address, the United States is still a government centralized around the common people and he will strive to keep it that way. It also expresses that the people of the United States, no matter who the president is, are still the key component of this government.
"We have never been a collection of red states and blue states; we are and always will be the United States of America"- This profound quote by president elect Barrack Obama shows that no matter what political party, we are all citizens of the United States of America first and foremost. This quote puts partisan factions into perspective by clearly noting that the slight differences do not matter in the overall progress and success of our country. We must put aside bias opinions and realize that we are all one people under one flag.
"... in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long"- This quote by Barrack Obama, like the previous one, calls on Americans to come together as one political group untied, not several factions that are severely split causing serious seperation. This quote explains that as a people we all will succeed or fail so we might as well all stick together in order to succeed instead of separating apart leading to our eventual demise. We cannot resort back to divided parties because throughout history it has proven to create great problems for our country.
"As Lincoln said to a nation for more divided than ours. We are not enemies but friends though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection"- This quote by Obama expresses his knowledge of the separation of Republicans and Democrats, he knows there are some major differences, however they are not even close to the separation Lincoln faced yet somehow he managed to pull it together. Obama, in the same as Lincoln did, calls us to become friends to reach a common goal. He realizes that yes, there are some minor disagreements and expressing ones opinion is what the basis of our nation has been founded upon, however do not let your opinion tear us apart.
"She was born just a generation past slavery; at time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons--because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin"- This profound quote by Barrack Obama briefly sums up a cruel past for African Americans. It reiterates the harsh realities that blacks faced, not being able to vote. It also expresses the sexism women faced throughout the past and even today. In this quote Obama is reminding us of what life was like, how far we’ve come since then, and it foreshadows how he himself is going to do his duty as the President of the United States to help this nation grow even further in the right direction.
"Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America."
ReplyDelete"Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day."
--These quotes reference the "I've Been to the Mountaintop" address made by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and how he often spoke of change and an "arc of history".
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection."
--Here,Obama references Lincoln's first inaugural address
"...that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth"
--reference to the Gettysburg address
"And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand."
--references the struggles that America has gone through, but has rebuilt itself over the years to remain strong
"Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity."
"She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldnt vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin."
--reference to the civil rights movement
" At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can"
"When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can."
--reference to the Great Depression
"When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can."
--reference to Pearl Harbor
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome."
--another reference to the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King Jr.
"A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination."
Vincent Clark
ReplyDeletePeriod 6
"It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America."
"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep."- Both of these quote reference the famous speech "I've been to the Mountaintop" said by Martin Luther King Jr.
“a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth.”- Clear reference from Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg adress.
"Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House — a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty and national unity."- This quote references Abraham Lincoln as the first president to ever come from Illinois.
"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, 'We are not enemies, but friends... Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.'"-This is a direct reference to a quote said by Abraham Lincoln about his feelings towards a divided America.
"And, to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too."- This references a similiar quote said by Geral R. Ford during his victory speech, when he asks the people to confirm him as their president with their prayers.
"...when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin."- This quote references a time before black women won sufferage.
"When there was despair in the Dust Bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose."- This quote is a reference to the depression of the 1930's, and "The New Deal" that brought America out of it.
"When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world..." Here, the attack on Pearl Harbor and Adolf Hitler
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." - This quote references the struggles of African Americans, including Rosa Parks refusing to sit in the back, and Martin Luther King Jr.
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer." <-- Obama is referring to the world's vision of America as a land of hope and opportunity. Obama confirms these beliefs by implying that if a black man can be president in the United States, anything is attainable in this country. The "dreams of our founders" also refers to the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and Dr. Martin Luther King's speech.
ReplyDelete"You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century." <-- "The worst financial crisis in a century refers to our country's current economic problem but also alludes to the Great Depression in 1929.
"Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity." <-- This quote alludes back all the way to the founding of the Republican Party in 1854.
"Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection."<-- Obama refers back to a nation divided by civil war and stresses the importance of national unity today.
"To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope."<-- Obama makes clear that the United States has maintained the same base values since it's founding.
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome.""<-- Barrack is referring to the Civil Rights Movement as a whole and specifically, the bus boycott.
“…government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from this earth" –This quote from Obama’s acceptance speech clearly expresses his idea that like Abraham Lincoln said in the Gettysburg address, the United States is still a government centralized around the common people and he will strive to keep it that way. It also expresses that the people of the United States, no matter who the president is, are still the key component of this government.”
ReplyDelete"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta"
“As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends, though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.”
“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.”
“…from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth.”
“A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.”
"At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can."-- Here Obama is referring to when women still did not have the right to vote. He's describing what one woman, Ann Nixon Cooper, went through. She lived during the time that women were not allowed the right to vote. He says that now, women do have a right to voice their opinions because we can vote.
ReplyDelete"When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can."-- Obama is referring to the dust bowl during the 1930s when farmers and people in general struggled to make it through the difficult depression our country faced.
"When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can."-- Obama is referring to the attack on Pearl Harbor and the hard times of World War II our country endured.
"She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can."-- Here Obama is alluding to the Civil Rights movement that took place from the 1950s through the 1960s. He is describing the unjustices that were overcome after everyone in America began to look at each other equally.
"A man touched down on the moon,"-- Obama is referring to how far our country was able to advance when Neil Armstrong and his crew first landed man on the moon.
"a wall came down in Berlin,"-- Obama is praising the unity that the people in Germany, Hungry, and Austria had against the dictatorship they were being rule by.
"a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth."-- With this quote, Obama is referring to the last line in Lincoln's Gettsburg Address. Lincold told the citizens of the United States that, as long as they remained united for one purpose, they would not perish from the Earth because they would all be fighting for the same cause. Obama believed in the same thing. He stresses equality and togetherness for all.
"we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us."-- Obama is referring to our country's current situation concerning the financial crisis and the war on Iraq. He's telling the people that if we are able to overcome all the tragedy that has been occuring within the last few years, we will be able to overcome any and all obstacles that come our way.