Using quotes from Inaugurals 1789-1933
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The oath taken in the presence of the people becomes a mutual covenant.[1] We seek to overcome all the defects which destroyed the ancient Republics.[2] We face questions of deep and vital importance.[3] I feel incompetent to perform duties so important[4] but for the distinguished honor, and of the confidence reposed in me by the people of United America.[5]
When law is trampled under foot, tyranny rules.[6] Nothing can be more corrupting than the lover of power.[7] There is no salvation in a narrow and bigoted partisanship.[8] Truth and reason have maintained their ground against false opinions in league with false facts.[9] Our people are determined to leave behind them all those bitter controversies.[10]
Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things.[11] The proper limitation of partisan zeal,[12] with conciliation and compromise, gave us the Constitution and enable progress.[13] Here muster not the forces of party, but the forces of humanity.[14] He serves his party best who serves his country best.[15]
There was great anxiety. Now there is none.[16] The Union of these States is perpetual,[17] an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage.[18] Free and fearless discussion, blended with unimpaired fraternal feeling,[19] harmonize conflicting interests.[20] This great country will not fall into anarchy.[21] The Government has been in the hands of the people.[22]
The present situation of the world is without parallel, and our own country full of difficulties.[23] In this dangerous crisis the people of America were not abandoned by their usual good sense, presence of mind, resolution, or integrity.[24] The shadows, dark upon our path, will soon be dispelled.[25] It will take time to restore the prosperity of former years.[26] This Nation is asking for action – and action now.[27]
Individuals must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest.[28] We pledge equality before the law unimpaired by race or color[29] including the right to vote,[30] and to protect the law-abiding citizen, whether of native or foreign birth.[31] Freedom of the press and of religious opinion should be inviolate.[32]
We cannot escape the effect of world conditions.[33] Our own great Republic is destined to be the guiding star to all others[34]: Justice to all, injustice to none.[35] Success of our arms now may long preserve our country from the necessity of another resort to them.[36]
American citizenship is an inviolable panoply.[37] Genius is free to announce its inventions and discoveries.[38] The wisdom, integrity, and thrift of our people may be trusted,[39] with practical intelligence, courage, endurance, and devotion to a lofty ideal.[40]
The future of our country is bright with hope.[41] With the better angels of our nature,[42] let us strive on to finish the work we are in[43]: to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.[44]
[1] 1889
[2] 1821
[3] 1857
[4] 1865
[5] 1793
[6] 1850
[7] 1841
[8] 1925
[9] 1805
[10] 1881
[11] 1801
[12] 1885
[13] 1829
[14] 1913
[15] 1877
[16] 1901
[17] 1861
[18] 1789
[19] 1837
[20] 1849
[21] 1901
[22] 1817
[23] 1809
[24] 1797
[25] 1917
[26] 1897
[27] 1933
[28] 1833
[29] 1889
[30] 1909
[31] 1869
[32] 1825
[33] 1923
[34] 1873
[35] 1841
[36] 1813
[37] 1853
[38] 1845
[39] 1881
[40] 1905
[41] 1929
[42] 1861
[43] 1865
[44] 1921
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