Great Speeches

[Stu Monty]

This was something that I caught Radio 5 talking about this morning in the aftermath of the US election and the speech from Obama. Immediately I thought it was a great idea for a thread. I think it would make sense if we say that instead of just throwing half a dozen clips on a post we should limit ourselves to one speech per post and at least mention a little about the context of the speech. If we want to pop back a few posts later with another then we will, and do the same.

 

I'm going to start us off with one that a post on another thread just made me think of. It's not one that people might immediately put down as one of the great speeches but for me it is a wonderful example of a politician actually having the dignity and intelligence to stand by his guns and put over his reasons is such a compelling way.

 

It's Robin Cook's speech to the house upon resigning from the government over the decision to go to war illegally.

 

0dwKkl7Nydw

 

[Faustus]

Even though this speech is ficticious and I wouldn't particularly describe myself as patriotic, the "band of brothers" speech from Henry V really stirs me:

 

YouTube - Henry V - Band of Brothers

[Section_31]

Franklin Roosevelt's speech after America enters the war, one of my all time favourite historical figures. A truly great man.

 

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives:

 

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

 

The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

 

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

 

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

 

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

 

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

 

Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

 

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

 

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.

 

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

 

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

 

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God.

 

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

 

[YOUTUBE]3VqQAf74fsE&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]

[ticklemeclemo]

Martin Luther King

 

I have a dream, truly powerful and inspiring

 

[YOUTUBE]PbUtL_0vAJk[/YOUTUBE]

[Elmyn Noos]

Martin Luther King

 

I have a dream, truly powerful and inspiring

 

[YOUTUBE]PbUtL_0vAJk[/YOUTUBE]

 

It certainly inspired someone to put a bullet through the portly trouble-maker.

[Guest PaddyBerger15]

[YOUTUBE]fljoBP9wYW0[/YOUTUBE]

 

I've lived my life by this speech.

[Lurtz]

Sorry about F on the GF but this deserves a mention:

 

“Don’t let your heads drop. We are Liverpool, you are playing for Liverpool. Don’t forget that. You have to hold your heads high for the supporters. You have to do it for them. They have come a long way. Don’t let them down. You cannot call yourselves Liverpool players if you have your heads down. “If we create a few chances, we have the possibility of getting back into this. Believe you can do it and you will. Give yourselves the chance to be heroes.”

[Section_31]

And of course, Winston's fight them on the beaches speech.

 

The bit in the middle is often quoted, but I've always felt the end of the speech is fairly dark, he's basically conceeding, in not as many words, that defeat is a very real possibility.

 

"I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone.

 

At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty's Government-every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation.

 

The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength.

 

Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail.

 

We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France,

we shall fight on the seas and oceans,

we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be,

we shall fight on the beaches,

we shall fight on the landing grounds,

we shall fight in the fields and in the streets,

we shall fight in the hills;

we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old."

[Strontium]

The Guardian issued a set of pamphlets and a CD of great speeches last year, I think that's a good starting point:

 

Great speeches of the 20th century | From the Guardian | guardian.co.uk

[mattyq]

An ironic great speach packed with lies and mendacity.

Thatcher on first being elected to PM in 1979.

I hate that women

 

Very excited, very aware of the responsibilities. Her Majesty The Queen has asked me to form a new administration and I have accepted. It is, of course, the greatest honour that can come to any citizen in a democracy. (Cheering) I know full well the responsibilities that await me as I enter the door of No. 10 and I'll strive unceasingly to try to fulfil the trust and confidence that the British people have placed in me and the things in which I believe. And I would just like to remember some words of St. Francis of Assisi which I think are really just particularly apt at the moment. ‘Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope’ … .[fo 1] … . and to all the British people—howsoever they voted—may I say this. Now that the Election is over, may we get together and strive to serve and strengthen the country of which we're so proud to be a part. [interruption "Prime Minister … ."] And finally, one last thing: in the words of Airey Neave whom we had hoped to bring here with us, ‘There is now work to be done’.

[redrosetints]

Blairs final speech at the Labour Party conference. His summing up, when he made the point, that no matter what their differences, he and Tony Benn shared one thing in common, the health of the labour party was superb.

[Unrighteous]

[YOUTUBE]80lLU5-yji8&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]

 

He may have been a nutbar, he may have had a dodgy moustache, but he was a brilliant, inspiring, orator that is still unmatched today.

[Malarkey]

[YOUTUBE]80lLU5-yji8&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]

 

He may have been a nutbar, he may have had a dodgy moustache, but he was a brilliant, inspiring, orator that is still unmatched today.

 

"Jews are suffocating our country and our people."

 

Fucking fascist pig.

[Unrighteous]

"Jews are suffocating our country and our people."

 

Fucking fascist pig.

 

I was just reading that and thought, "You know, if I was jewish, and german... and I heard Hitler banging on about 'blood jews' and whatnot.... I'd probably leave the country."

[Malarkey]

I was just reading that and thought, "You know, if I was jewish, and german... and I heard Hitler banging on about 'blood jews' and whatnot.... I'd probably leave the country."

 

I probably would aswell. It's mad to think that one man could manipulate so many people. Kristallnacht was the best example of this. That must have had to been one fucking bad ass propaganda and political drive to get some many people to partake in that orgy of hatred on the Jews.

[longballs]

There was a great book out this time last year called Speeches that changed the world. Anyway, this is my favourite...

(for those who had never heard this speech) Its a very powerful speech by Martin Luther King (not his I had a dream speech) called The Mountain Top.

 

There is a lot more to it but I have taken just the following extract from it:

 

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

You know, several years ago, I was in New York City autographing the first book that I had written. And while sitting there autographing books, a demented black woman came up. The only question I heard from her was, "Are you Martin Luther King?" And I was looking down writing, and I said, "Yes." And the next minute I felt something beating on my chest. Before I knew it I had been stabbed by this demented woman. I was rushed to Harlem Hospital. It was a dark Saturday afternoon. And that blade had gone through, and the X-rays revealed that the tip of the blade was on the edge of my aorta, the main artery. And once that's punctured, your drowned in your own blood -- that's the end of you.

 

It came out in the New York Times the next morning, that if I had merely sneezed, I would have died. Well, about four days later, they allowed me, after the operation, after my chest had been opened, and the blade had been taken out, to move around in the wheel chair in the hospital. They allowed me to read some of the mail that came in, and from all over the states and the world, kind letters came in. I read a few, but one of them I will never forget. I had received one from the President and the Vice-President. I've forgotten what those telegrams said. I'd received a visit and a letter from the Governor of New York, but I've forgotten what that letter said. But there was another letter that came from a little girl, a young girl who was a student at the White Plains High School. And I looked at that letter, and I'll never forget it. It said simply,

 

 

 

Dear Dr. King,

 

I am a ninth-grade student at the White Plains High School."

 

And she said,

 

While it should not matter, I would like to mention that I'm a white girl. I read in the paper of your misfortune, and of your suffering. And I read that if you had sneezed, you would have died. And I'm simply writing you to say that I'm so happy that you didn't sneeze.

 

 

 

And I want to say tonight -- I want to say tonight that I too am happy that I didn't sneeze. Because if I had sneezed, I wouldn't have been around here in 1960, when students all over the South started sitting-in at lunch counters. And I knew that as they were sitting in, they were really standing up for the best in the American dream, and taking the whole nation back to those great wells of democracy which were dug deep by the Founding Fathers in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

 

If I had sneezed, I wouldn't have been around here in 1961, when we decided to take a ride for freedom and ended segregation in inter-state travel.

 

If I had sneezed, I wouldn't have been around here in 1962, when Negroes in Albany, Georgia, decided to straighten their backs up. And whenever men and women straighten their backs up, they are going somewhere, because a man can't ride your back unless it is bent.

 

If I had sneezed -- If I had sneezed I wouldn't have been here in 1963, when the black people of Birmingham, Alabama, aroused the conscience of this nation, and brought into being the Civil Rights Bill.

 

If I had sneezed, I wouldn't have had a chance later that year, in August, to try to tell America about a dream that I had had.

 

If I had sneezed, I wouldn't have been down in Selma, Alabama, to see the great Movement there.

 

If I had sneezed, I wouldn't have been in Memphis to see a community rally around those brothers and sisters who are suffering.

 

I'm so happy that I didn't sneeze.

 

And they were telling me --. Now, it doesn't matter, now. It really doesn't matter what happens now. I left Atlanta this morning, and as we got started on the plane, there were six of us. The pilot said over the public address system, "We are sorry for the delay, but we have Dr. Martin Luther King on the plane. And to be sure that all of the bags were checked, and to be sure that nothing would be wrong with on the plane, we had to check out everything carefully. And we've had the plane protected and guarded all night."

 

 

And then I got into Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers?

 

Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop.

 

And I don't mind.

 

Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!

 

And so I'm happy, tonight.

 

I'm not worried about anything.

 

I'm not fearing any man!

 

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!!

 

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

//

 

He was shot dead whilst on his balcony the very next day

[Section_31]

I probably would aswell. It's mad to think that one man could manipulate so many people. Kristallnacht was the best example of this. That must have had to been one fucking bad ass propaganda and political drive to get some many people to partake in that orgy of hatred on the Jews.

 

It shows you how pretty weak-minded the average person is though and how easily swept along they are.

 

It's the same with a footy crowd on a much smaller scale, look how easily they're stirred into violence when certain circumstances present themselves? People who would normally never lose their temper on a one-to-one level.

 

It also confirms that a lot of people - essentially - just want to be told what to do - and when you're confronted with a difficult situation - a colapsing economy and loss of national pride - you're willing to follow the light, no matter who's holding the torch and no matter where he's leading you.

 

Look at what Bush got away with in his first term too? It's really not that hard to manipulate the terrified masses.

 

The human being created civilization not because of willingness but of a need to be assimilated into higher orders of structure and meaning.

God was a dream of good government.

You will soon have your God, and you will make it with your own hands.

[Unrighteous]

I probably would aswell. It's mad to think that one man could manipulate so many people. Kristallnacht was the best example of this. That must have had to been one fucking bad ass propaganda and political drive to get some many people to partake in that orgy of hatred on the Jews.

 

A lot of it came from the promises he made of improving Germany, Malarkey.

 

Post-WWI Germany was the Everton of Countries. Bitter, defeated, demoralised, and poor.

 

He was basically putting all of that to blame on the Jews whom were 'the vampire of Deutschland'.

 

"Let me handle these jews... and I'll make sure our country prospers."

[JohnnyH]

And of course, Winston's fight them on the beaches speech.

 

The bit in the middle is often quoted, but I've always felt the end of the speech is fairly dark, he's basically conceeding, in not as many words, that defeat is a very real possibility.

 

Apparantly the taping of that was actually voiced by an actor. If true and not an urban myth, then that would be quite funny given your chosen website name!!

[redrosetints]

I probably would aswell. It's mad to think that one man could manipulate so many people. Kristallnacht was the best example of this. That must have had to been one fucking bad ass propaganda and political drive to get some many people to partake in that orgy of hatred on the Jews.

 

Look at le Pen in France or even our own BNP. All prey on disillusioned, disenfranchised people.

[WaltonRed]

Bobby Kennedy, one of my favourite politicians of all time on the death of Martin Luther King.

 

Off the top of his head, its ace.

 

YouTube - Robert F. Kennedy

[WaltonRed]

Another ace RFK:

 

YouTube - Mindless Menace of Violence

[dudek#1]

I always remember this damnation of "Washington justice" from George Galloway's testimony to the US Senate Investigaton into Iraq Oil for Money corruption.

 

Galloway was accused by the US Senate of receiving the right to buy oil under the UN's Oil for food scheme, that he made substantial profits for trading in Iraqi oil. This followed the report by the Daily Telegraph in 2003 that Galloway received £375,000 per year by acting as a commissionary agent in the trading process. Galloway subsequently received damages from the Telegraph on behest of the High Court after he sued them for defamation.

 

The Senate Committee chairman, Minnesota Republican Norm Coleman (who is currently in a Gore v Bush style recount dispute with Al Franken for the Senate) however, accused Galloway of wrongdoing. Galloway's testimony serves as a his damning response.

 

YouTube - George Galloway vs. the US Senate: FULL AND UNCUT!

Edited November 6, 2008 by dudek#1

[Paul]

Great idea Stu. I'm not sure if it's mentioned on the massive election thread as I haven't caught up on it with being about twenty pages behind. However, Obama's acceptance speech is brilliantly crafted. If I had time, I'd ditch the curriculum with my Year 11, Set 1 and spend a few lessons on this. Some of the rhetoric is brilliant and the layers of nuance in the references to other epochal American political speeches are breath-taking even to me, a relative ignaramus on the subject. The bits in bold are especially brilliant in my opinion; not for the content, but rather their composition. A great speech (once the thank yous are out of the way):

 

 

 

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

 

It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

 

It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

 

It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

 

It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

 

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he’s fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.

 

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

 

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation’s next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House. And while she’s no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

 

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics – you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you’ve sacrificed to get it done.

 

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you.

 

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn’t start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington – it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

 

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

 

I know you didn’t do this just to win an election and I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime – two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they’ll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor’s bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

 

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.

 

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

 

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

 

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it’s that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers – in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

 

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House – a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

 

 

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security – we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

 

For that is the true genius of America – that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

 

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that’s on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta.

 

She’s a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing – Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

 

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons – because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

 

And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America – the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

 

At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

 

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

 

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

 

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes we can.

 

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

 

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves – if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

 

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

 

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

[Uncle Junior]

This was a fuckin great speech....

 

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