TCTI: Too Crazy Too Ignore
 Dave Ross
AP: 98722485-d20c-4277-adfb-d188823fb9d7
President Barack Obama deliver his Inaugural address at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Did it warm your heart, or frighten you?

BY Dave Ross  on January 22, 2013 @ 6:10 am (Updated: 6:25 am - 1/22/13 )

The conventional wisdom is that people on the left loved the inaugural address, and people on the right found it ominous, with all that mention of equality.

And it's true, Mr. Obama's inaugural speech used the word "equal" or "equality" seven times; more than Reagan, both George Bushes, more than even Clinton, Johnson, Kennedy, and FDR.

I can understand why that might warm hearts on the left, and stop hearts on the right.

But he also used the word freedom seven times - a word cherished by the right. Which reminds us that we hear words differently based on who speaks them.

Like this line: "Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity."

I know that welcoming foreigners to this country seems like a liberal idea, but what he's saying is every immigrant who embraces American ideals makes our country ... how does that line go again?

Said George W. Bush, "And every immigrant, by embracing these ideals makes our country more, not less, American."

And Obama again, "For we, the people, understand that our country cannot succeed when a shrinking few do very well and a growing many barely make it."

I know it worries some people to hear Barack Obama referring to class differences.

But as George W. Bush said in 2001, "While many of our citizens prosper, others doubt the promise, even the justice of our own country."

We've heard it from the same podium before!

Mr. Obama also said, social programs like Medicare, and Medicaid, and Social Security - they don't sap our initiative; they strengthen us.

Which is a way of saying "How can we love our country and not love our countrymen?"

That was what Ronald Reagan said in 1981. "How can we love our country and not love our countrymen, and loving them, reach out a hand when they fall, heal them when they are sick, and provide opportunities to make them self-sufficient so they will be equal in fact and not just in theory?"

Equal. There's that word again!

Dave Ross, KIRO Radio Talk Show Host
Dave Ross is co-host of The Ross & Burbank Show on KIRO Radio (weekdays 9-Noon) and never too far from the spotlight.
More Dave Ross

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Comments (81)


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  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    It always warms my heart to see the elite ruling class
    January 22, 2013 5:55 am
    stuffing their glutinous pie holes with caviar while yapping about the equality of the lower class. The Kim Jongs got nothing over our Dear Leader.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Chuck Gould wrote...
    First two comments, entirely predictable
    January 22, 2013 7:14 am
    Oh well, now that the folks sitting in the far corner of the right field bleachers have accused Obama of being illiterate and compared him to Kim Jong Il, I guess their dreary little days of rage and hatred can officially begin.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    Sorry CG BUT
    January 22, 2013 9:12 am
    The rage and hatred season is at the very least at the mid season mark
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • William Lawn wrote...
    Kersey
    January 22, 2013 8:45 am
    Look Charles Bronson wannabe, all you have is NAMECALLING.

    You're worse than FLOUNDER!

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    Can you explain idol worship, all knowing Chuck?
    January 22, 2013 10:48 am
    Baraka doesn't resemble Kim Jong as much as the Democrat party resembles the idolatrous North Korean peasantry. The orgasmic adulation is mind blowing....and then to witness our watch dog press transform into toothless lap dogs? I must be in the Twilight Zone.

    I admit it, there are things I cannot comprehend. I can understand a teeny bopper's adulation of Justin Bieber. I just cannot comprehend grown adults idolizing a doofus politician in America.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    I agree Dave
    January 22, 2013 5:59 am

    One of the best inaugural speeches of our time and hit on all the talking points. Nobody cares if a small minority doesn't get it or not. Let's just move forward and you better get on the bus or get left behind.

    Give us your young, give us your old, give us your poor and let's take a ride and the devil need not apply.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • logical open mind wrote...
    sportsg- a 2nd term speech isnt something I ever watch. However, r u aware that under Obama's money printing as stimulus has made the rich and bankers much richer and under his 4 years the poor and middle class have gone backward?
    January 22, 2013 8:18 am
    R u aware that unemployment among black men has skyrocketed? Would u rather have a cool president or a square who knows business? and just wait until Obamacare kicks in in 2014 with the extra taxes and higher premiums. Seriously, why do I as a part indian/white guy seem to care more about the plight of black families than liberals do? and dont give me "it's Bush's fault-that dog is done hunting!"
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    logical open mind
    January 22, 2013 9:09 am

    If you are white/indian, I think you have bigger fish to fry in the indian community than worrying about the african american community. I think you are delusional to even believe you care about black people,lol,ha,ha,ha.

    You use the buzz word "care" as an excuse to talk about black people, nothing more or nothing less, what are you doing about the plight of the indians, did you protest John T Williams Murder?

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • logical open mind wrote...
    sportsg- u miss the point. First Im half indian and I am involved in trying to eliminate the reservation prison of despair and alcholism
    January 22, 2013 10:12 am
    2nd-How do u know that I do not truly care that so many young blacks are born into a single women welfare house, into crappy neighborhoods with next to zero role models. How do u know this? I know what life on the res is like and I know it KILS young men. I also know the welfare society does exactly the same thing. I give money to planned parenthood for instance so that at least some young women will use the free birth control at their disposal. Your retort above is so limp and weak I would say it's like a 5 foot 10 fat dude with no hops driving to the hole against Wilt Chamberlain in his prime. Sorry, ya got the ball stuffed big time!!!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    logical
    January 22, 2013 10:35 am

    Well at least you have a good sense of humor, that last statement was funny as he//,lol.

    How do I know, because you say you donate your money to planned parenthood, that's a liberal progressive way of doing business, ME, I go into the neighborhood and volunteer my time and coach and actually talk and get to know these kids and there parents and most of them are good kids that just need an opportunity who will probably never get it because people like you view them as you do in your post. When you see blacks, you see exactly what you post in your comments.

    You say you are a neo-con republican but you invest your charitable causes the same as liberal progressives, liberals want to throw money at people when people rather have you care enough to come see what there obstacle are and neo-con jackbooted bible thumping republicans want you to convert your religion,culture and your little sister for a peace of bread and water and forever gratitude for being able to grace there existence.

    oh, btw, I would have used my tear drop shot over the big dipper,lol.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • logical open mind wrote...
    A short retort to sportsg as the happy hour place I'm I'm is loaded with hot chicks
    January 22, 2013 4:24 pm
    Ya never answered my question in my first post. Do results matter or does cool all that counts. You are so so wrong about me on so many levels. I hate to see young boys without a shot, race don't matter. That's why I coach. I'm a libertarian registered. Only a fool can believe that both parties care about people. Read republic lost. It will open your eyes black men need to do what u do, I would have no credibility . But u need to quit blindly being led by the nose by the d party including Obama what has he done to deserve 98% of black votes Can I send u a YouTube link from a black man? Sorry u have been duped.
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  • messiah101 wrote...
    logical
    January 22, 2013 1:07 pm
    If your for the elimination of the Bureau of Indian affairs then I'm with you.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    logical?
    January 22, 2013 9:20 am
    Omama has kept millions of Americans in their homes (ask frequent poster AJ The Righty Welfare Queen)he was bailed out of upside down home Thanks to the present administration.Many new home owners (myself included) were given assistance (I got $8000)Thanks to the Obama administration,GM workers along with many others kept their jobs because of Obama. Obama certainly allowed many a soft landing rather then a crash to the bottom.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • William Lawn wrote...
    My messiah
    January 22, 2013 9:43 am
    YES! Booyah! Stick it to that FAT flounder who got bailed out, he IS a welfare queen!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Splinge wrote...
    Please, please...
    January 22, 2013 8:27 am
    Oh,if we could only opt out of this bus ride... Is the name of this bus by any chance, Titanic? And as far as your closing comment, you liberals are selling your souls to the devil. I only hope you wise up before it's too late.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    Splinge
    January 22, 2013 9:00 am
    I okay if you don't agree, however, you are still welcome to have a seat on the bus. As far as selling our souls to the devil, is that anything like selling our prison population to private industry, selling our healthcare to the private industry and trying to sell our retirement to the private industry, selling the mentally ill to big pharma and then asking us to deal with the consequences? Do tell
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    Splinge " Selling your soul to the devil"
    January 22, 2013 9:22 am
    Could you be more specific?Remember your on the same Boat
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • SeattleD wrote...
    It warms my heart
    January 22, 2013 6:16 am
    that it frightens the Republitards.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ron prevost wrote...
    Equality is a beautiful word. As is brotherhood and as is liberty
    January 22, 2013 6:31 am
    But, as the French Revolution showed us 1220 years ago, words can mean vastly different things to different people. ... And under different circumstances.

    Are we, for example, more free is the government stays out of the bedroom but restricts our freedoms outside the home? ... Are we freer with the opportunity of success or failure - or inured against starvation by a welfare system ? ....... And, like Animal Farm (and the old Soviet Union) are we all equal if some are more equal than others?

    So, words are words. The next 4 years will show us what Mr. Obama actually meant. Opportunity and equality - or the equality of the dole - or (perhaps) just words with no practical meaning ar all.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Pressman wrote...
    Uh, ron-
    January 22, 2013 8:29 am
    French revolution: late 1780's/early 1790's. Just saying...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ron prevost wrote...
    Typo, typo, tyop........
    January 22, 2013 9:14 am
    220 years ago. Reign of Terror started (I think) 1793.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • William Lawn wrote...
    Ron Prevost
    January 22, 2013 8:40 am
    I was hoping for a guillotine for equality. It would solve a lot of problems. I think I'll start weaving baskets for bankers.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HLC wrote...
    Dreams From My Father.
    January 22, 2013 6:45 am
    If somebody would only read it and explain it's meaning to the liberals on this site. Maybe they could get a clue. I enjoyed Obozos screw up on the fake oath of office. How many times has he had to say those words? It must be tough when you can't use your teleprompter.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • William Lawn wrote...
    HLC
    January 22, 2013 8:45 am
    I read it, as did millions of others and we all found it very inspiring.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • gaymarriedchristianfromhollywood wrote...
    ditto
    January 22, 2013 9:23 am
    I doubt certain people read it though, they probably read somebody's revesionist view on it or read a few quotes.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ratrustle wrote...
    disappointed
    January 22, 2013 6:49 am
    That we're running the country like a PR firm instead of trying to solve issues. And this is aimed at both sides! Particularly the economy, jobs, foreign policy, gun control, and health care. Why not just take the money out of politics --then there's a reason to do the right thing. Looking back, I think Citizens United has ruined politics for all of us. And I would bet the Republicans would even ask for a "do-over".
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • SeattleNative wrote...
    "...and provide opportunities to make them self-sufficient..."
    January 22, 2013 7:15 am
    ...not permanently dependent.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Chuck Gould wrote...
    It's now 10:45 on Sunday morning. Church is over.
    January 22, 2013 7:32 am
    You know, the preacher gave a nice sermon and reminded us all about how we are supposed to be loving our fellow man, forgiving people for wrongs done against us, trying to assist the sick and the impoverished,etc. As the congregation pulls out of the parking lot, half the car radios are tuned to stations with a non-stop message of hatred for fellow Americans who dare hold different opinions than the talk show host. On the way home, somebody yells obscenities at a group of people standing outside a hardware store- hoping to get a day's work. Somebody else knowingly writes a bad check for a bag of groceries.

    It's now 10:45 on Sunday morning. The sermon is over. We'll dust off our ideals again on some other special day, but we won't bother trying to live them during the week.

    Sorry, Mr. President. There is no will among the people to do *anything* that doesn't benefit them on a direct and individual basis. The poor too often expect the government to provide, and one of the major reasons the affluent want to see government shrivel to a fraction of its size is so that it *cannot* provide.

    We're a nation of selfish [fatherless children] these days. Rich or poor, red or blue, and all races. Too bad, but oh so true. Human nature trumps lofty political platitudes, every time.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    You don't need to waste your time at church anymore Chucky
    January 22, 2013 11:50 am
    The second coming is here. Your messiah has arrived. He didn't get here on a donkey either. Air Force 1 baby. Dis cat got style.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Chuck Gould wrote...
    Another hate-filled rant from Paul
    January 22, 2013 2:18 pm
    Kersey.

    Yawn

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    You did vote for him, didn't you Chuckles?
    January 22, 2013 2:47 pm
    I remember asking you before the election and you claimed to be undecided. I knew you weren't. All you phony priks are the same.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    Wow Chuck
    January 22, 2013 12:10 pm
    That was very poignant.....but I can tell the "hate speech" you were referring to is the opposite of the hate speech you side with.....
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Chuck Gould wrote...
    maplefish and hate speech...
    January 22, 2013 2:21 pm
    Wow. Can you furnish some examples of the "hate speech" I side with? That way I'll have some idea what the opposite hate speech might be.

    Experiment with reading for content. Nothing in my post indicated that everybody listening to hate speech was tuned into the same station. :-)

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    Fair enough
    January 22, 2013 2:36 pm
    I did like your post, but you being as liberal as you are, I can only deduct you' d be talking about Limbaugh or FOX news or Medved or any of the other conservative radio voicesthat the Liberal Left constantly label as hate speech....Just because it has a different opinion.......Don't try to be so coy....LOL :)
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  • anotherfencewalker wrote...
    "Dear Leader"..
    January 22, 2013 7:34 am
    Again PK, Lets hear about your specific experiences of the time YOU spent in while a resident of North Korea under Kim Jongs thumb. After that, perhaps a story or two about your tenure in the Soviet Union before the wall came down. Convince us that Obama and Jong are one and the same or even similar. Reveal your hatred with facts. We'll wait.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    I would do that for you fencepost
    January 22, 2013 11:08 am
    but it would be a waste of my time. Don't ask for knowledge for which you have no capacity to comprehend. It will only frustrate you. Best that you just remain content in your ignorance.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Fuego wrote...
    I don't remember
    January 22, 2013 7:58 am
    one inaugural speech that made a difference in my life or my friends/family. The only thing we need to fear is if BO's words are turned into legislation.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • William Lawn wrote...
    Fuego
    January 22, 2013 8:34 am
    You need to be impressed and it needs to be lifechanging for you. It was for Newt Gingrich.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
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