Thursday, February 2, 2012

LAD #28: Wilson's Inaugural Address



In his 1913 inaugural address, Woodrow Wilson claims that a great change has overtaken the government. This change - he recognizes - is that the senate, house, and the presidency itself has come under the rule of the democratic party. Wilson attributed this success of the party with the growing desire for change and reform among the people of this country, as conflicts and issues had been brought about by the Progressive Era - notably by the actions of Republicans - through Roosevelt and Taft.Wilson praises the Americans for their recognition of such action and their ability to see with moral clarity, and he attributes this behavior to America's growth and success: it grew into a leading world power over the past 150 years.

However, Wilson also mentions that such actions taken in the road to success also have their consequences and casualties. For example, Wilson claims that industrialization has become an epitomy of debauchery and corruption - which has brought about terrible atrocities to the working class - and tariffs posed on the common man violates the nation's protection of civil liberty and the basic principles of taxation. This, coupled with the increasing agricultural-commodity oriented issues of the time, proves - as Wilson argues - that the government needs to intervene and become the enforcer of justice yet again. By doing so, one is ensured equality regardless of socioeconomic standing - thereby creating indemnible rights in the more modern, capitalistic business oriented world. Wilson concludes by asking the people to aid this movement, hence modifying the economy for the greater good and general will of the people.

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