“At Times We Sought to Dictate our Terms. But I Pledge to You that We Seek an Equal Partnership”

I know, of course, that words are one thing and deeds are another, but I'm pretty jazzed about this. He spoke to them in a civil-society vocabulary.

We’re also committed to combating inequality and creating prosperity from the bottom up. This is something that I’ve spoken about in the United States, and it’s something that I believe applies across the region. I’ve asked Congress for $448 million in immediate assistance for those who have been hit hardest by the crisis beyond our borders. And today, I’m pleased to announce a new Microfinance Growth Fund...

He sent very few dogwhistles out for right-wingers, although he did indicate (to me) a certain amount of 'policy as it has been'. Doesn't the following mean that our generals will talk to your generals, and we'll grease the system with $30 million?

Today, I want to announce a new initiative to invest $30 million to strengthen cooperation on security in the Caribbean. And I have directed key members of my Cabinet to build and sustain relations with their counterparts in the hemisphere...

Otherwise, a base that can be built upon. And it seems like he's not fanning the fires of invasion. (Which we can't afford.)

The recurring message seems to be that we've disagreed in the past, behaved badly at times, but now is the time to take time and mend relationships. I liked the strong implication that the U.S. will recognize Cuba. 

Talking about relationships "based on mutual respect and equality" is encouraging. If that's the policy, then thisi will be very positive. 

I was interested in Obama's defensiveness and his attempt to preempt any criticism for the past role of the U.S. in these nations.

"To move forward, we cannot let ourselves be prisoners of past disagreements."

"I didn’t come here to debate the past—I came here to deal with the future."

These were two generic remarks that indicate a sensitivity to criticism of any sort for an array of autrocious actions.

"I think it’s important to recognize, given historic suspicions, that the United States’ policy should not be interference in other countries, but that also means that we can’t blame the United States for every problem that arises in the hemisphere. That’s part of the bargain."

This is a little more disturbing.  "That's part of the bargain" could be taken as a threat that if he has to listen to a lot of criticism, he's not going to follow through on his promises.  The comment and implications are both anti intellectual and anti demosratic.  What about a robust dialog on everything from our interventions and violence to the looting of a nation allowed by certain presidents of Mexico.

"The United States will be willing to acknowledge past errors where those errors have been made."

So we will acknowledge the errors but nobody better point them out.

This is much better than what we've had to put up with over the past eight years.  At the same time, it's just talk now.  What about the School for the Americas?  What about the stolen presidency in Mexico?  And so forth.

We'll see.