Chinese translations of President Barack Obama's inauguration speech posted on popular online portals were missing his references to communism and dissent.
The comments by the newly installed U.S. president veered into potentially sensitive territory for China's ruling Communist Party, which maintains a tight grip over the Internet and the entirely state-run media.
At one point, Obama said earlier generations "faced down communism and fascism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions."
He later addressed "those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent - know that you are on the wrong side of history."
Translations of the speech on China's most popular online portals, Sina and Sohu, were missing the word "communism" in the first sentence.
The paragraph with the sentence on dissent had been removed.
Another portal, Netease, carried a version without the paragraph mentioning communism, but retaining the part about dissent.
The full translation of Obama's speech could be viewed on the Web site of Hong Kong-based broadcaster Phoenix TV.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
President Obama's First Proclamation
NATIONAL DAY OF RENEWAL AND RECONCILIATION, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
As I take the sacred oath of the highest office in the land, I am humbled by the responsibility placed upon my shoulders, renewed by the courage and decency of the American people, and fortified by my faith in an awesome God.
We are in the midst of a season of trial. Our Nation is being tested, and our people know great uncertainty. Yet the story of America is one of renewal in the face of adversity, reconciliation in a time of discord, and we know that there is a purpose for everything under heaven.
On this Inauguration Day, we are reminded that we are heirs to over two centuries of American democracy, and that this legacy is not simply a birthright -- it is a glorious burden. Now it falls to us to come together as a people to carry it forward once more.
So in the words of President Abraham Lincoln, let us remember that: "The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 20, 2009, a National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation, and call upon all of our citizens to serve one another and the common purpose of remaking this Nation for our new century.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
Slave reunion photo from 1916
The "S" Word
We got some today - snow that is.
A light dusting as it were.
Which will turn to ice as it all ways does making it difficult to get around.
I wonder how many cars will be in the ditches round and about with plates on them reading New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania on them because they "know" how to drive in the snow.
Not around here you don't.
Ice isn't the same thing as snow.
A light dusting as it were.
Which will turn to ice as it all ways does making it difficult to get around.
I wonder how many cars will be in the ditches round and about with plates on them reading New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania on them because they "know" how to drive in the snow.
Not around here you don't.
Ice isn't the same thing as snow.
Crowds of 1 to 2 Million Expected at Inauguration
Crowds streamed into the nation's capital this morning, packing mass transit and suburban subway parking lots before dawn as out-of-towners and area residents alike headed for Pennsylvania Avenue and the swearing in of President Barack Obama.
Unchained Melody
This is our song - the Mrs., and I.
Still, after all these years!
The Righteous Brothers
Still, after all these years!
Happy Days Are Here Again!
The shrub is gone!
The Nightmare is over!
Happy Days are here again!
Now, everybody ... sing!
Happy days are here again, the skies are clear again ...
The Nightmare is over!
Happy Days are here again!
Now, everybody ... sing!
Happy days are here again, the skies are clear again ...
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