Barack Obama Omits Mention of Life in Declaration Cite in Inaugural Speech
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
January 20, 2009
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — School children learn the line in civics and government classes — "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Yet, incoming president Barack Obama, who likes to remind people he is a former Constitutional law professor, disregarded life as the first of the inalienable human rights.
The omission in his inaugural speech either came as a purposeful one or is evidence that Obama isn’t as sapient as he claims.
Obama referred to the Declaration of Independence when he said, "The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."
Family Research Council president Tony Perkins noticed the absence of the crucial pro-life right.
"What he neglected to include was the Founders’ emphasis on life and liberty," he told LifeNews.com.
Perkins thinks the failure to mention the right to life was an example of a failure to reflect on the entirety of the symbolism Obama has relied on for his inauguration.
"The weekend has been full of symbolic tributes to President Abraham Lincoln: the train ride to the nation’s capital along the same route taken by President Lincoln nearly 150 years ago, the festivities yesterday in front of the Lincoln memorial, the swearing in on Lincoln’s Bible," Perkins explained.
"While we celebrate the symbolic meaning of these events, there is much more to Mr. Lincoln that we urge President Obama to reflect on," he added.
"Lincoln once said, ‘Nothing stamped in the divine image and likeness was sent into the world to be trodden on….’ Mr. President, with respect we ask–are not unborn children so stamped?" Perkins asked.
The pro-life leader continued, "Mr. President, this is an historic day. Your inauguration heals an ancient wound. We pray that your administration will not deepen and inflame the wounds of today. We urge you to reject the counsel of those who prey on the young, who profit from death, and who daily break parents’ hearts."
"President Obama, on the first day of this new chapter in America, we appeal to the better angels of your nature. Protect the most vulnerable among us," he concluded.
Sign Up for Free Pro-Life News From LifeNews.com
Daily Pro-Life News Report Twice-Weekly Pro-Life
News Report Receive a free daily email report from LifeNews.com with the latest pro-life news stories on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here. Receive a free twice-weekly email report with the latest pro-life news headlines on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here.
