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"First Presidential Messages"

By Rich Fisher

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwgs/local-kwgs-882440.mp3

Tulsa, Oklahoma – On today's show, with President Obama's first State of the Union address scheduled to happen this evening (at 8pm local time), we're talking about the history of American presidential speech-making. Our guest is George Otey, a Tulsa-based attorney and instructor who's taught at both the University of Tulsa and Tulsa Community College. Otey has complied and edited a new book, "First Presidential Messages." This book contains some of the most celebrated addresses ever delivered in the U.S. --- among them Lincoln's second inaugural, FDR's first inaugural, and JFK's inaugural address. And as Otey explains on this edition of StudioTulsa, these speeches (along with their far less memorable, or less famous, counterparts) almost always include a plea for national unity, an appeal to surpass the leadership of the past, and a challenge to actively and creatively work through the issues of the day. You can learn more about this book --- which is available at Tulsa-area bookstores like Steve's Sundry and Borders Midtown, and on-line at amazon.com --- at www.firstpresidentialmessages.com.