Today on Facebook someone asked, during a discussion about Obama’s inauguration:
"I am asking this in the the most sincere way — I hear all of these supporters who say they are hopeful or so happy – but I am not sure why lol! What exactly is it that people are looking forward to or think that he is going to do?! Are there specific things or just general feelings?"
This is my reply:
"I feel hopeful because I think we should all strive to be what, in my opinion, this man embodies: people who value intelligence, continuing education and respectful debate, people aware and respectful of a bigger world than the small one we interact within each day, who follow the urge to serve a greater good that goes beyond our own personal dreams and wishes. That’s why I am hopeful. May we all strive to be better, whatever our goals in life."
The other day a friend said she cried on Election Day when Obama won, but her tears were from disappointment and anger.
So tell me: Are you hopeful or worried, and why? I welcome your thoughts!
I’m hopeful because I believe we have a positive leader who looks at the big picture and the welfare of the world/mankind as a whole.
I also believe that he’s the type of leader that can rally the nation to do THEIR part, too, and not just expect government to make everything perfect.
What more could we ask for?
Agree! Thanks for chiming in!
I love what you wrote! I’m more than hopeful, I’m confident that he will be a great leader.
I do believe he will be smart and make informed decisions after careful debate and thought. Thanks for adding your $.02
is there a word for the combination of the two?
We definitely need change.
The president’s new job really sucks.
Things are a mess.
He’s got a lot people “on his side.”
Support will help.
Those expecting a “miracle worker” are doing no one any good.
Especially the guy who has to perform the miracles.
Cuz he’s only a guy.
And that guy’s a politician.
But he says he’s a politician for change.
We need change.
Like I said, many people are “on his side.”
That will help if they will listen.
He may not say all the things they want to hear.
Not right away.
Will everyone be patient?
Will everyone be cooperative?
“Everyone” is a key word here.
It includes everyone.
“We the People” and the other politicians.
I’m hopeful that change can happen.
I’m worried what will happen if it doesn’t happen as everyone wants it to happen…
He’s just a guy, just a politician….
Re: is there a word for the combination of the two?
)
“complexity” is the closest word I can find, or here are two: “realistic awareness”
Yes, exactly. It will be hard. It will require effort and sacrifice and respect and support and willingness to give along with the take. I think most people believe this, but those are the ones who live their lives quietly, working hard, sacrificing already.
Thanks, Slatts!
(In the meantime, here’s a little more cowbell for you
I’m hopeful — not because I think Obama will hand us the world (as he almost promised in his speech(es)), but because so many others are inspired by him. I’m hoping his time as our President will mark a real turnaround in the overall attitude and willingness of Americans…no, I didn’t vote for him (or McCain). But I will support him — and I do hope that he accomplishes as many of his good goals as possible.
That’s an interesting comment. I didn’t get that same sense from his speeches, but I’ve heard others make similar comments. His speeches left me thinking we can get to a better place if we, all of us, are willing to work harder and sacrifice more that perhaps we’d like. I believe his intelligence, world-view, and so far smart decisions for what will be his presidency translate into more smart decisions made after looking at both the big and small picture from all angles.
This is fun! Thanks for weighing in! May your hope be well-placed. If it turns out otherwise, it’s up to all of us to demand accountability. (but I think Obama will step up and assume that anyway)
He’s a community organizer and. . .
‘We the People’ have hired this person, who worked in a section of a ‘very’ political city = Chicago, to organize [ and fix ] the mess the past presidents & Congresses have gotten us into.
So yes — he’s a politician and for some people that’s a bad word but I think an ambitious thoughtful politician is what’s needed in a president.
I think he will help to turn things around and bring the country back to ‘We the People’
so we better be ready and do our part =)
I am full of hope and looking forward!
I like what you said & thanks for continuing the discussion here =)
Re: He’s a community organizer and. . .
I think an ambitious thoughtful politician is what’s needed in a president.
Yes, exactly! A leader who will put a great deal of thought into his decisions, I believe, translates into positive action. And yes, we all better be ready to do our part.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Here, have a Nike statue
Great reply!!
I totally agree with you.
I’m filled with happiness just because I feel like I have a leader in the White House fighting for goodness, fighting for ME and my family, for our country, for our world.
I think he’s a real hero as a father, husband, politician, human being. I just adore him!
I think they will. At least we all know someone in Washington is working hard for the common man, woman, child. Cheers!
Hopeful. And thus far, his actions continue to bear me up. He represents a return to our actual constitutional values and democratic ideals, and his actions today in limiting lobbyists (and the ability of people in his administration to become lobbyists), and to encourage transparency and more information being released under the Freedom of Information Act, plus his orders regarding Guantanamo, which will put an end to torture and illegal detainment in our names, is all very positive, in my opinion.
We needed you in that Facebook discussion! Good specific opinions from someone who clearly has been paying attention
The wrinkle being that I’m not a Facebook user. His actions yesterday (close Guantanamo within a year, no more waterboarding, no torture) and the way Clinton made it clear that State is going to run more openly are further causes for hope, in my opinion.
We’re thrilled about the closing of Gitmo and the lobbying limitations
Hopeful!
I’m glad!
Obama
I shed tears of happiness on election night, and shed them again on inauguration day. I was glued to the TV all day and well into the night. I was bowled over, blown away by the huge crowds joyfully celebrating.
My personality is an uneasy combination of cynic, pragmatist, and idealist, but the idealist in me was overwhelmed on both November 4th and January 20th. As President Obama said in his election night speech, there are great challenges ahead and there will be false starts, but I feel so optimistic that he will find a way to meet the challenges head-on.
I feel like maybe the U.S. gets a do-over. A fresh start.
Peace out,
Judy H.
Re: Obama
Great way to put it, Judy! I call do-overs