The weight of this crisis will not determine the destiny of this nation. The answers to our problems don't lie beyond our reach. They exist in our laboratories and universities; in our fields and our factories; in the imaginations of our entrepreneurs and the pride of the hardest-working people on Earth. Those qualities that have made America the greatest force of progress and prosperity in human history we still possess in ample measure. What is required now is for this country to pull together, confront boldly the challenges we face, and take responsibility for our future once more.The entire text can be read here.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Being President Barack Obama IV
There is no doubt why Americans and the people of the world are enthralled with President Barack Obama. He gives us hope. Here are some of the President's inspiring words in an address delivered to both houses of Congress.
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I watched the speech on CNN yesterday night Judith. I admire president Obama. I know that a lot of people still skeptical about his plans and ideas. Many do not agree with him. However, I feel that he believes in making a difference and he also believes that we, people, can also do it.
I have always experienced how most of us, resist change and are comfort with what we have? We are sometimes afraid of the tasks we have to face. I can also see that others simply want him to fail for a political gain or other benefits.
The only thing I always wonder about it Judith is that no one is really willing to provide other alternatives and I mean the politicians.
I can see that resistance to the change advocated by Obama will start to build up as his opponents clearly admit now the influence and determination he has to pursue his ideas. I would like people only to admit that even if you do not agree with him and his philosophy that we are witnessing a bright smart man rising in our modern time.
Khaled - Thank you for your thoughtful words.
"The only thing I always wonder about it Judith is that no one is really willing to provide other alternatives and I mean the politicians."
This is so true. Instead of being obstructionists why not submit an alternative plan, besides tax cuts which are, in fact, in the Stimulus Package? It appears to be a matter of whom will get the tax cuts, those making $250,000 dollars or more or those making less which will bring immediate relief to many more Americans. 90 percent of Americans will get tax relief.
Regarding "witnessing a bright smart man rising in our modern time," the whole world is most certainly seeing this. The American people see this for sure. His approval rating jumped to 85 percent after hthe speech to Congress last night.
+1 to Khaled. I couldn't agree with him more.
Maybe I should clarify more my last paragraph. I meant by "rising in our modern time" as a historical figure. That what was missing from my words.
President Obama already established himself as a remarkable figure in our present time. I have been following what he says since the democratic primaries 14 months ago.
When the then candidate for Senate, Barack Obama, gave the Keynote Address at the Democratic Convention in 2004. It was very much apparent then that he was a brilliant compassionate leader of great appeal.
Here is the 2004 DNC Keynote Address if you have not as of yet seen it. Jindal is a weak comparison on any floor or venue. This speech is brilliant and heartfelt, as they all are.
Judith,
I didn't watch the speech last night but I did print the transcript and have read, highlighted and noted parts that I need to learn more about relative to low wage working single folks. I didn't get a chance to comment on it as yet but your post on Peggy Noonan/Tom Peters on local solutions is where I believe real change can occur. Folks in the local communities aren't necessarily adverse to change, they just feel somewhat powerless when it comes to getting their voice heard or there ideas into the hands of those who administer the programs that aren't working or those who make policies and decisions that waste resources and don't deliver as promised. This administration will be held accountable as were all others who preceeded it on how the words translate into results. This is where and why our collective voices as citizens are essential. I didn't get to use Earth Wind and Fire's song "I've Had Enough" on my last blog post. I instead used a picture of me and some of the folks lining the stairs leading to the Arkansas House Chamber as we stood to remind them a YEA vote on a tobacco tax increase would enable 8000 more children of low wage working parents to be eligible for coverage under the ARKids First program. 8000 down, 61,000 to go. This bill has subsequently been signed by our Governor and goes into effect March 1st. Can anyone make a difference...you bet!
Guess I could have used a clip from my favorite EWF song "In the Stone" to describe my experience on that day in the Capitol...
Bravo, Dave, on your work in the passing of the Arkansas legislation! I had read a post a little while back when you spoke of this legislation if I'm not mistaken. Good on you guys! (Are you in the photo? :-) I have heard your voice on a conference call but have not seen your face.)
There is no doubt that the President's sensibilities are toward the working poor, which include many single folks. These will receive 90% of the tax cuts that the Republican leadership is railing about, not to mention the money that will allow parents who are working to go back to school.
Working parents will be helped with Pell Grants as well. This will give the working poor parents relief when sending their kids to college. (Yes, they do send their kids to college!) These things too are stimulus, more money in the pockets of the working poor who by and large spend more than the rich.
Regarding this administration being held accountable, there is no doubt about this fact. What is disheartening, however, is the charade that we now see, the Republican leaders' obstructionism without any fresh and new ideas, without nothing to offer besides the same sing-song stale tax cuts for the richest folks that haven't worked and the repeated jingle that government is the problem when they themselves are in government. Hello?
Again, congrats on your efforts with the Arkansas House of Chamber! Bravi to you all!
By the way, I loved the musical references here!
"Folks in the local communities aren't necessarily adverse to change, they just feel somewhat powerless when it comes to getting their voice heard or there ideas into the hands of those who administer the programs that aren't working or those who make policies and decisions that waste resources and don't deliver as promised."
This is so very true, Dave. Thanks a million for being that voice. I wanna give you a big hug right now. :-)
Judith,
I gave up some time, made a call or two to my legislators offices, and sent a few follow-up letters. But during the day I met some great folks, made some good contacts, and got serious about trying to make a difference.
Yeah, the bald, blue, blur is indeed me!
Judith,
Now I know you are far to kind...but thanks. I am working to shrink myself down to a more compact force to be reckoned with. Two weeks on the road didn't help. I did however learn while in Waco what it felt like to get spit off the back of a treadmill. New knowledge can be useful!
How was Waco? Only one image comes to mind.
Judith,
If we're thinking of the same one (as I'm sure we are) the folks in Waco are quick to point out the compound was actually in Elk. One of the folks in our class actually lived across the road from it and described seeing the smoke and flames from their porch and on T.V.
The folks I trained are actually in McGregor. Crawford Texas were the former President's ranch is located was just up the road. Waco was terrific! Great folks to work with, a city trying to re-vitalize, and working folks facing the same challenges that working folks in Arkansas do.
Been trying to figure out how best to build coalitions in all of the 50...same folks with the same problems who know what the solutions are. Those kind of partnerships could get stuff done.
Dave - Best in your coalition building in the 50 States. That can be fun and rewarding. While people are the same, nationally and internationally, their needs are different and how they receive information or what they value equally somewhat differ. But what everybody everywhere in the world want is respect, appreciation, and good service.
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