What does Obama’s presidency mean to you?
America is standing on the cusp of history as it prepares to inaugurate Barack Hussein Obama as its president.
What does his presidency mean to you?
I’ve heard people say that it means anything is possible. It’s hard to argue with that, but at present the nation is in such dire straits that it’s difficult for me to perceive an Obama presidency in abstract terms.
Obama to me represents an almost immediate change in course for America. The nation needs jobs, healthcare and transparency, things I believe Obama will deliver as soon as possible.
Obama also represents accountability, something that’s been absent since George W. Bush took office–literally. Obama said he would withdraw U.S. tropps from Iraq and sure enough, he’ll deliver on that campaign promise on Day 1. I can’t even remember any of Bush’s campaign promises. Can you?
In the abstract, yes, Obama represents hope and possibility. I never thought I’d see the day when a man who shared my heritage would be president. Last night as I lay in the bed, it dawned on me that Obama and I are fewer than 10 years apart in age. Instead of becoming depressed because I’ve accomplished so little relative to Obama, I felt empowered to do whatever I want to do (something I’m still working out in my head).
I don’t recall ever having been inspired by any American politican prior to now. Come hell or high water, the next four years at least will be a thrill to witness.
Congratulations to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and congratulations America.
For me, it means I have a new responsibilty to do and be the best I can. No more “getting by”; no more blending into the general feeling of apathy or worse, doom and gloom.
No. As of 12:00 noon DC time, I have no more reason to be anything but extraordinary in all that I do. That’s how my President has affected me.
I can only hope there are a few other Americans who are feeling this way, and who will continue to feel this way. It needs to be a daily commitment.
As they say, “Today was the wedding, but now the marriage begins.”
I love what President Obama represents to black/multi racial men everywhere. I love that he made it cool to be intellectual, community-driven, husband, father. I love that he is not the negative stereotype that Sanna Lathan described in your previous post.
I love that fact that my nephews, and brothers are so excited by his ascension. That they seem to be making better choices about their future.
I know some people may not get this but absent a father many people look to those in the media as role models. Although, he will admit he is not perfect, Obama is a role model.
I just hope other men like him get their moment to shine and not just the rappers, athletes, and such.
Viva la nerd!
Response:
Barack Obama’s presidency means that my father and others hard work was not in vane. Fortunately he was able to see Barack elected, if not sworn in.
It means that my country was paying attention this time, and is beginning to practice what it preaches. America can now regain it’s standing in the world.
As Talulazoeapple stated, Barack made it cool to be intellectual, at a time when ignorance is rewarded.
The entire world is feelin this!!!!
Today is a great day.
I have never been engaged in the process like I have with this campaign and I consider myself fairly well read. This election of this President means that I need to step beyond my comfort zone, my small bubblen and stretch myself. Working thru the sorority is great but self serving to some degree. Dropping a few dollars in the plate for the food pantry at church is OK but really not quite enough.It sounds so cliched but my buppie ass could really ‘do better’ than I have been doing. And its time to stop yapping about and time to start giving more to others. My daddy always says don’t talk about it, be about it. And he’s right. He attended a intergrated high school for the first time his SENIOR year. Can you even imagine???
Its time to be about it.
Response: That’s real inspirational, TIH. I’ve never been more inspired to help penguins and polar bears. I’m going to the aquarium this weekend to see if I can volunteer to clean up after them, in fact.
Jill Zuckman said it best for me when she described Illinois politicians yesterday as pragmatic. I think Obama will do what he said he would do and not get caught up in any political ideology to the degree that it hinders his ability to lead and do what is best for the country. He will respond to issues thoughtfully and carefully, something that the presidency has been lacking for a while. Folks say that it is important to start out as one intends to go and if his first two days in office are any indication of how serious he is about getting things done, I cannot wait to look back on his first 100 days. Fact is, we need more doers in government and less gabbers, more transparency and less looking out for one’s own behind. I think Obama will return us to our founding ideals, starting with government for the people.
On a more personal note, my 17 yo brother just about passed out in DC when we saw Obama’s motorcade three times. I thought I was going to have to pick him up off of the sidewalk, lol. We had serious delays getting to DC because the interstate near us was shut down due to ice, snow and wrecks, we had to fight the snow and wet roads in the mountains of WV and MD, and he looked so disappointed because it was starting to look like we were not going to make it there. We did make it for 36 hours and it was all worth it to see the smile on my brother’s face. He is my heart, and anyone who encourages the little fella to stand taller and smile like that is fine by me.
Response: That brought a broad smile to my face. Awesome.
Something about Obama: he could be telling the nation that it would have to ration electricity and make it sound like something to believe in. He’s dope like that.