First Presidential Messages

First Presidential Messages Edited and Introduction by George N. Otey  First Presidential Messages is a unique historical collection of presentations made upon becoming the nation’s chief executive. This compilation presents not only the traditional inaugural addresses but also the little-known remarks given by Vice Presidents when assuming the higher office.   As the nation marks the two hundred twentieth anniversary of the U. S. Presidency and the peaceful transfer of executive power, it is inspiring and enlightening to read the comments of each President, from George Washington in 1789 to Barack Obama in 2009.  While First Presidential Messages reveals a uniformity of focus on the Founders’ vision of self-government, some presidential speeches are so artfully crafted that they rank among the world’s greatest; especially Lincoln’s second inaugural, FDR’s first inaugural, Eisenhower’s first inaugural, and Kennedy’s inaugural.   More than historical curiosities, these presidential speeches transcend time and present a continued call for national unity, an appeal to surpass the leadership of the past and a challenge to actively and creatively work through the issues of the day so as to safeguard civil liberties and leave the nation, and the world, a better place. Here are some familiar excerpts: “On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. ”    – Barack Obama  “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem!”     — Ronald Reagan  “My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over.   Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. ”    — Gerald Ford  “. . . ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. ”     – John Kennedy  “. . . let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. ”    – Franklin Roosevelt  “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, . . . and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. ”    — Abraham Lincoln  This 360 page hard bound volume is both a general research tool and a citizen’s companion that will provide the reader with a sense of pride in the genius of our Founding Fathers and the political system they created to protect the values of the American Revolution.