Invoking work and entrepreneurship as symbols of the country’s strength,
President Barack Obama in his inaugural address appealed to American employers
and employees to nurture a willingness to compromise during this time of
economic crisis.
Obama praised the private sector but also leveled
criticism: Too often organizations act only within the confines of their narrow
interests. His appeal for conciliation will likely be tested by employers
bracing for pro-union legislation and health care reform.
As an example of sacrifice, Obama mentioned employees, such as those in local
governments and at certain newspapers, who have accepted pay cuts and unpaid
mandatory vacation time as a way to forestall the layoffs of others.
Obama said it is “the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their
hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest
hours.”
In his 21-minute address, Obama lauded the country’s entrepreneurial spirit.
He said America’s greatness came from the willingness of individuals and
businesses to reward achievement gained through effort, ingenuity and risk.
“Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less,” Obama
said. “It has not been the path for the faint-hearted—for those who prefer
leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has
been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things—some celebrated but more
often men and women obscure in their labor—who have carried us up the long,
rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.”
Obama said the economic challenges facing our country come in large part from
“our collective failure to make hard choices.” It is a failure, Obama said, that
has led to lost jobs, bankrupt businesses and costly health care.
Later, he repeated his campaign promise to end partisanship and appealed to
citizens and businesses to lead the charge.
“Our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off
unpleasant decisions—that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick
ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking
America.”
Toward that goal, the Obama transition team last week unveiled a new Web
site, usaservice.org, to make it easier for people and organizations to
volunteer.
—Jeremy Smerd
Workforce
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