With malice towards none

Media coverage highlights the problems facing the nation: war, economic crises, broken health care system, antiquated infrastructure, etc.  Obama reports re-reading Lincoln's second inaugural address - a high standard to say the least.  Parallels may be drawn between's Obama's address and a speech Obama holds in high esteem.  The address is much shorter than Lincoln's first inaugural address (where Lincoln made a plea to preserve the Union).  

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.

What strikes me is the magnanimity and generosity of Lincoln's words to rise above the bloody conflict and foreshadows his preparation for the aftermath of the war.  Lincoln is diplomatic yet prepared to sacrifice much for an end result that he desires.  Unfortunately the speech gives little insight onto what actions lay in the future.  I'm hoping Obama hints at how he is going to approach the next four years and to shape the country's direction.