Jimmy Carter Inauguration Speech Analysis

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Healing the Past: Preparing For the Future President James “Jimmy” Carter’s inauguration speech is full of contrasts. He speaks of the United States being a “purely idealistic nation,” but he also recognizes the need for strength. He states we “cannot dwell upon remembered glory,” while at the same time saying he has “no new dream to set forth today, but rather urge a fresh faith in the old dream.” President Carter came to the presidency during a period of healing for the nation. He would lead a nation in transition, but struggle to give strong leadership. President Carter opened his inauguration speech thanking his predecessor, Gerald Ford, for his part in healing the nation. Gerald Ford had pardoned Richard Nixon for his part in Watergate. This led to a series of allegations of corruption against President Ford. This action was, however, seen later as a correct and healing action. He knew that hate of the government, or their actions can lead to growing rifts. President Carter later stated in his speech that we must remain united, and not hate our government. Being united gave us the strength to do anything we set our minds to. The government needed to be “competent, yet compassionate.” This showed President’s Carter’s belief in the need for us to heal, so our nation could move on. …show more content…

He argued that the world was every changing, and ripe for democracy. The population of Earth was quickly growing. We could not, however, spread democracy if our own house was not in order. President Carter urged the people to fight against the traditional enemies of ignorance, and injustice. He also said we must fight against poverty. If we truly mastered ourselves, then the world to would take notice and potentially adopt American democracy. He argued that the United States must prove itself worthy of emulation if the new world was to take part in the American

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