New York's governor-elect, Eliot Spitzer, delivered his inaugural speech today. And what a great speech it was. This, my friends, is exactly what I mean when I talk about Teddy Roosevelt/RFK Progressivism (note: you might want to substitute "Virginians"/"Virginia" for "New Yorkers"/"New York," just to emphasize that we are fully capable of moving "forward together" with a truly Progressive vision here in Virginia as well).*Bold reform that "dare[s] to take on the political machine and inbred corruption in order to give government back to the people."
*An end to "the politics of cynicism and division."
*"A different and more vibrant future for our children.
*"Energy and purpose in the halls of our capital."
*"A politics that binds us together, a politics that looks to the future, a politics that asks not what is in it for me, but always what is in it for us."
*"A vision that upholds the values of individuality and community; of entrepreneurship and opportunity; of responsibility and fairness."
*"A state that is not urban or rural, upstate or downstate, Republican or Democratic, but first and foremost New Yorkers GÇö striving together, reaching together, working together toward our common dream."
*An economy "that it is ready to compete on the global stage in the next century."
*A government "that it is as ethical and wise as all of New York."
*"The recognition that we are all on this journey together."
*"As New YorkGÇÖs former Governor Theodore Roosevelt once remarked, there can be no great progress without first entering the arena."
Great stuff, I strongly recommend that you read it all. Hey, here's a thought: Spitzer for President or Vice President, 2012 or 2016? Hell, I'm ready to start the draft movement now, how about you? :)
It has been a long time since we had a president with both an uncompromising reform agenda and the courage to carry it out. I agree that he would make a great president. I predict that if a Dem wins the White House in '08, he or she will quickly tap Spitzer to be AG.