Reflecting on President Obama’s inaugural address, I come away not with the hope of change expressed by so many, but with disappointment and skepticism. I base this reaction on several statements that I found disturbingly reminiscent of not just the Bush Administration policies and attitude, but that of so many American presidents before him.

I believe the message Obama gave to the rest of the world is that of the “ugly American,” that we are superior to all others, we deserve to maintain our power and prosperity, and we have the right to do whatever we think is necessary to protect our way of life.

Following are some of Obama’s statements that portray America’s long held attitude toward other nations and cultures; an attitude that at this point in time has not served to bring us together, but driven a wedge between us and our opponents as well as our allies.

“Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.”

This is that same old “good against evil” mentality that has been used to promote the idea that we are engaged in a battle with unreasonable and sinister forces that are set, not against our policies and actions in the world, but against our very ideals. This argument has been used since the time of the “communist threat.” It negates the need for diplomacy, fairness, and justice in dealing with our opponents, and advances the notion that war is the only solution.

“We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense…”

This statement conveys a belligerence that for the rest of the world sounds all too familiar. Worse, it excuses the interference in other nation’s economies and leadership that America has been engaged in covertly and openly for many decades. The phrase “American interests” has been used to justify assassinations, coups, violent incursions, support of brutal dictators and an enduring military presence in other nations, in order to sustain and defend “our way of life.” The message Obama gave to the world with this statement is that we’ll do whatever it takes to maintain our supremacy and feed our greed.  

“…and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.”

Obama made no mention of what those “aims” are, but the implication is that there is no political or social cause behind the tactics of “inducing terror and slaughtering innocents.” If the “war on terror” is defined simplistically as fighting those with evil aims, then the true cause of terrorism can never be addressed or defeated. Until the aims are correctly recognized, properly defined, and actively addressed, the only option is perpetual war.

“To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.”

The phrase “blame their society’s ills on the West,” completely invalidates the very real concern of many people in other nations who’ve been severely impacted by our policies. It ignores the dire results of covert operations in Central and South America that enabled brutal leaders and militant groups to slaughter thousands of civilians, U.S. military invasions in the Middle East that brought pain and death to millions, and unconditional U.S. support of the Israeli occupation of Palestine which has caused the suffering of several generations of Arabs. It’s a sad fact that America has been the source of grievous “ills” for several dozen societies, and with one sweeping statement Obama shrugged off our responsibility to see that from now on, peace, justice, and freedom are served by our policies.

“To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”

This is a perfect example of America’s unwillingness to admit any culpability for our support of corrupt deceitful regimes such as that of several Latin American countries, Saddam Hussein, the Saudi royal family, Egypt and Israel. It ignores the possibility that if we first extended our hand in a gesture of fairness and respect for human rights, the fists would naturally unclench.

And finally; “We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth.”

With this statement, Obama reinforces the impression that we are an egomaniacal society that intends to continue to exert hegemony to maintain our perceived supremacy at all costs.

All in all, I don’t see any indication of a change in attitude toward the rest of the planet or a change in our foreign policy which might bring about the peace Obama claims to champion on behalf of America. With the above referenced statements, he keeps us on the same destructive and dangerous road that led to the events of 9/11.

No change in attitude, no hope for peace.