20th
Historic - For All
Finally getting a moment to reflect a bit on what happened today.
We welcomed a new president, and in the process signaled what I hope is the beginning of true change in America. Change into the country we all hope it can be, but isn’t today. The thing is it won’t happen without everyone working towards it, not just President Obama. Wow, how cool was it to say that. President Obama. And from what I’ve seen he knows it, and it pushing people to get involved.
Yet we are an idle nation, mostly, full of indifference and cynicism. It’s like our cynicism drives our indifference — it’s not my problem, now is it? Well, when it comes to the problems facing this country, it is your problem, and mine. It’s ours to act upon. And what I fear right now is, people won’t step up to that challenge enough to drive the kind of change Barack speaks about with such passion. This is where the cynicism has gotten to me. Maybe its realism, but it sure feels like I’m a cynic.
What to do? First, I’m going to make sure my daughter has the right sense about her, something I encourage every parent. A sense of justice, hard work, patience, and optimism. The sensibility to judge people on their character, not superficial aspects like race, creed, or gender. To give the benefit of the doubt but know when something isn’t right. To trust, to love, and to work hard for what she believes in — to not be another generation of cynics. I think we’ve had enough of that.
I find myself still in wonder at what has occurred, both today and in November — I met Barack about six years ago, at a dinner put together by my father’s teachers union. I remember beer, corned beef, and this guy I’d never heard of speak like a ball of fire. I remember being struck by his speaking style, at how powerful it was and how the room reacted to him. Then I remember talking to him for a while, and being amazed at how he was speaking to me at my level, and others at theirs, even though I could tell he was a very intelligent guy. Some people can do that, not speak down or up to you, just to you, with you.
I remember thinking, that guy will do something someday. And then, when does it actually happen?
Today. And every day, because what it says is anyone can achieve what they want if they go after it hard enough. Barack had a true uphill battle in many ways, yet he countered with his intelligence, sensibility and magnetic personality. He also surrounded himself with incredibly smart and able people.
The lesson is you can get whatever you want. It’s no “Secret”, its just positive thinking. But its work, its sweat, its failures and its tears. Still, you can do it.
Just put your head down, and go. Just don’t stop. Don’t ever stop.
