Like Obama, we are at the start of a long fight
No one could have avoided Barack Obama's inaugural speech last week — why should they?
It was a moment in history giving resonance to different people across the world. Whether it was race, age or professional awe that made you watch it, you did.
What he said was real, relevant and poignant, not just to the American people, but the world as a whole. I listened carefully to his words and what struck me most was that he was a leader preparing for a long drawn-out battle, one which he couldn't win without the co-operation and backing of the American people. It got me thinking about how our industry is also set in battle.
He said he takes his oath "amidst gathering clouds and raging storms", a mirror image of our sector, whether it be onslaught of recession, fights for and against the pubco model or victimisation from the Government through taxes and bureaucracy.
He adds that there are "indicators of crisis… a sapping of confidence — a nagging fear", and this to me is exactly what many feel whether they're licensees running pubs or locals using them.
He states: "Greatness is never a given. It must be earned. It has not been a path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only riches and fame." We need to work harder and leaner. The prosperity will come, but for now it is work over leisure — then great British pubs will remain great.
Obama says of his cynics: "They have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose". Pubs across the centuries have grown to be part of our culture and being. They have progressed and we can continue to evolve our dearly loved pub — our common purpose is its survival.
He offers: "America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks peace and dignity". What is a pub if not a friend to every man, woman and child who seeks peace and dignity? A secure haven for all to meet and enjoy. We should not forget our history and why pubs are here.
Finally: "we come to proclaim an end to petty grievances and false promises, recriminations and worn-out dogmas". Today, we need to lead. We need "the skill and vision of those in high office" combined with our people "who have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers".
It's time too for us to stand together, to take care of the British pub and to see it remains a central part of our lives, instead of what we have.
