Re: Obama's Inaugural Address

[thedaffodils]

My fellow citizens：
I stand here today humbled by the task before us， grateful for the trust you have bestowed， mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation， as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty？four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet， every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments， America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office， but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers， and true to our founding documents.

The text I quoted is an excerpt from US President Obama's Inaugural address.

Could someone please answer the following questions for me?

- What does 'forty' refer to?
- does high office refer to high rank?
- What does founding documents refer to? American Constitution, etc.?

Thanks!

[Raymott]

The text I quoted is an excerpt from US President Obama's Inaugural address.

Could someone please answer the following questions for me?

- What does 'forty' refer to?
44 presidents have now taken the oath that Obama is taking.

- does high office refer to high rank?
Yes.
- What does founding documents refer to? American Constitution, etc.?
Yes, and their amendments (I guess). Maybe an American could give a list of what documents Obama means, if he did indeed have a specific list in mind.
Thanks!

R.

[thedaffodils]

Thank you for your help. I understood.