EDITORIAL: A farewell, and an inauguration (01/28/01)

EDITORIAL

A farewell, and an inauguration

Americans heard the farewell address of one president and the inaugural address of another in the span of one week. Both speeches were worthy calls to the American people that should be heeded.

On January 18, Bill Clinton addressed Americans for the last time as their president, underlining that during eight years in office: "I have steered my course by our enduring values: opportunity for all, responsibility from all, a community of all Americans." He emphasized that "Working together, America has done well."

He then turned to his successor and the future, offering three bits of sage advice: "America must maintain our record of fiscal responsibility"; America must "continue to lead in the world"; and Americans "must work harder to unite around our common values and our common humanity."

President Clinton explained: "If we want the world to embody our shared values, then we must assume a shared responsibility," and "we must remember that America cannot lead in the world unless here at home we weave the threads of our coat of many colors into the fabric of one America."

It was a speech full of hope about the future and its promise, as President Clinton said he is "more confident than ever that America's best days lie ahead."

Two days later, some of the same themes echoed in the inaugural address of President George W. Bush: commitment, responsibility, engagement in world affairs and unity.

In an eloquently crafted and finely delivered speech, our new president spoke of his vision of America: what it has been, what it is and what it can be with the underlying ideal "that everyone belongs, that everyone deserves a chance, that no insignificant person was ever born." And he offered his solemn pledge: "I will work to build a single nation of justice and opportunity."

"America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens. ... And every immigrant, by embracing these ideals makes our country more, not less, American," President Bush underscored. He offered "a new commitment to live out our nation's promise through civility, courage, compassion and character."

Furthermore, the new chief executive stated unequivocally that "America remains engaged in the world ... shaping a balance of power that favors freedom." He pledged that the United States will defend its allies, will "show purpose without arrogance," will meet aggression with resolve and strength. "And to all nations we will speak for the values that gave our nation birth."

Finally, President Bush turned to his fellow Americans: "I ask you to seek a common good beyond your comfort, to defend needed reforms against easy attacks, to serve your nation, beginning with your neighbor." He asked Americans to be citizens: "Citizens, not spectators. Citizens, not subjects. Responsible citizens, building communities of service and a nation of character."

Verily, Presidents Clinton and Bush delivered powerful words and meaningful exhortations to their fellow citizens. Our hope is that the spirit of both leaders' addresses is reflected in bipartisan cooperation in Washington and beyond for the good of the entire nation.

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