Last night as I listened to President Obama outline his plan for the impending Great American Recovery, I was entranced, inspired, saddened, proud, called out and most of all, hopeful. Of course, a tear came to my eye more than once. What can I say? After the last eight years, this new president moves me.
Yes, dear friends, when the president told Ty'Sheoma Bethea's story about her school in Dillon, South Carolina, being in shambles? It wasn't this monster cold that drove me to the tissues, it was the emotional impact of this part of his speech and what it signified.
First we have this child's determination and belief that the promises of freedom and equality apply to her even though we have failed to provide true educational opportunity across the country.
Secondly, we have a president who is not too busy to listen to even such a small, youthful voice. His ambitious educational goals for our country will certainly improve education, but we know until it reaches down to every single child, not just those of privilege, it will not be enough.
In case you missed the clip of this fourteen-year-old eighth grader sitting next to Michelle Obama while President Obama spoke, let me describe how she ended up there. Ty'Sheoma goes to a school that is not only physically decrepit but so poorly located that teaching has to be stopped six times a day when trains pass. Adults have told the children that the school is not worth saving. This same sentiment has been contaminating entire communities across the country.
Ty'Sheoma, however, is not about to be dissuaded from getting a good education. She wrote to Congress and the President to ask for help. Her request? That she and her classmates be given the opportunity to enjoy as equal an educational opportunity as any other student. She didn't ask for anything special, just fair.
Her letter stated that she and the other students also wanted to be doctors, lawyers or maybe even president, just like any other children... but that they knew this would not be possible without a good education. The child ended her letter boldly by stating, "We're not quitters."
No matter what it takes, we cannot look at that sweet little face and deny her the real opportunity every child deserves. Things are tough out there, but Americans are survivors, and as Ty'Sheoma said so eloquently, we're not quitters either. I believe President Obama can inspire the best in us and does. Maybe it isn't all a dream, but a plan that will soon be self-evident. America will again be the country of opportunity and equality for all.
Oh, and for those doubters out there I have one question. Is it still a Messiah complex if he saves the world?
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Comments: 35
"we cannot look at that sweet little face and deny her This really got to me. She looked uncomfortable with the attention - which made her intentions seem innocent and sincere.
Drats.
Sorry I don't buy Obama, or his pack of lies and spending.
If he wants any respect from me, he needs to come clean and show his vault birth certificate like McCain was forced to do.
Mooch
And guess what? It's absolutely fine to feel hopeful when OUR president speaks!!!
I feel really sorry for you. It's apparent that you're miserable, and that your entire life is here.
So if President Obama makes a convenient target for your rage and lack of self esteem, if it helps, I'm sure he wouldn't mind.
So jealous that our president is intelligent and can speak in complete sentences.
Excellent and nicely written article! I agree with your feelings.
As always, Sandy Knauer, you are so right on. If there was a young girl out there (or a woman who remembers what it felt like to be 12 or 13) who didn't relate to that child, I would be astonished. I felt looking at her that this was a 'good' girl. The kind of kid who always tries her best, values her family, doesn't complain, believes in herself and still has the innocence to believe in us. We cannot let that kid, or any other kid, down.
Charles Thiesen, thanks for the reminder. I know that we need to lower our expectations, as the pressure on Obama will be truly horrid. Not only is the right hammering him, but so is the left. Jeesh, it is amazing that he ever wanted the job, but I think like FDR he is a man who believes he has a greater purpose. All I can do is feel enormous relief and gratitude.
I tell you what Mooch, when this country is once again turned around to the way it is supposed to be, for the good of all, you and your detractors can stay behind and not reap the benefits the new world order will have to afford!
I agree, Ron. No matter what happens economically, as long as Bush and Cheney are no longer in charge, it cannot be a bad day for me.
Anythingwriting
Very timed write for all are in best of
their faith in Hope only - Obaama !!!
Yes, Obama is the man. He is working so hard and astounds me every day.