~There is Within~

There is within

a beating heart

the urge to be of service

a need to heal

the scars within and without

turn pain into process

with the power of

kindness, words, laughter

in the name of Hope

one nation, self-evident

with liberty and justice for all

Comments: 25

elizabeth evans Jan 21, 2013, 1:52pm UTC

I was impressed with Obama's Inauguration Speech.....I think he addressed many of my concerns. I'm glad he spoke out about gay rights, equal pay for women, gun violence and immigration reform. I really liked the following quote:

"The commitments we make to each other–-through Medicare, and Medicaid, and Social Security--these things do not sap our initiative; they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great."

JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Jan 21, 2013, 1:58pm UTC

There were many moments worth quoting, for sure, bob.

elizabeth evans Jan 21, 2013, 1:58pm UTC

â€¨ Featured in A Little Kindness Please at the Triple Name Club.

JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Jan 21, 2013, 2:02pm UTC

Thank you, bob!!!!

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JOHN BECK Jan 21, 2013, 2:19pm UTC

One key statement, in my opinion: "We cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling as reasoned debate." I suspect that the majority of Americans do not support extremism on either side of the important issues before us, yet extremism has interfered with constructive government function for too long. Those who favor both many progressive principles plus fiscal responsibility fee disenfranchised, unrepresented, ignored, frustrated, disgusted.

JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Jan 21, 2013, 2:35pm UTC

I suppose everyone who watched will take away what resonated the most to them. For me it was: For we have always understood that when times change, so must we, that fidelity to our founding principles requires new responses to new challenges, that preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action.

His entire speech: HERE

JOHN BECK Jan 21, 2013, 5:01pm UTC

I have no problem with that statement; the rub is what that collective action is and what the consequences are. On the state level, over the years I've seen many laws passed without full regard to the consequences.
I felt that much of his speech was very patriotic and uniting. That some of his points are controversial and were a call to arms for his policies was not inappropriate--he has strong feeling about his goals for the country in the next 4 years and beyond. I personally felt that his speech was well balanced between the "together" and "my way" elements. Whether one agrees with all of his positions or not, I'm proud to have him as our President.

JOHN BECK Jan 21, 2013, 5:04pm UTC

I did listen to the entire speech, then read the entire text.

JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Jan 21, 2013, 5:13pm UTC

I agree with you, completely, John. I also listened, then read.

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Magi the magical poet is flowing with the wind Jan 21, 2013, 4:42pm UTC

Let it Be.

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Magi the magical poet is flowing with the wind Jan 21, 2013, 4:48pm UTC

If it Be Your Will

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Magi the magical poet is flowing with the wind Jan 21, 2013, 5:03pm UTC

You're the Voice

JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Jan 21, 2013, 5:13pm UTC

Thanks, Magi!

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Barbara H. Jan 21, 2013, 6:04pm UTC

A good time, brand-new period in our history to deal with what must be met head on in solving problems that keeps them solved so they don't crop up later and burden the shoulders of the future. I like Obama and his familys presence in the White House because they represent FAMILY, (and most important a SOLID family, STILL the backbone of society.) We still have so much to work thru in every aspect in this country but Obama has provided a renewed hope even for those who had no hope at all before...

Your post has once again reminded, thank you Michele!

JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Jan 21, 2013, 6:28pm UTC

Thanks for your comment, Barbara. Good to "see" you!

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Marianne K. Jan 21, 2013, 11:38pm UTC

I love Obama and his family, and respect his moral values. I listened to his speech in full, and I was absolutely delighted America trusted him with a second term. Australia has very close ties with the USA.

Watching the video added to my interest to read the Biography of Doris Kearn Goodwin called "Team of Rivals" an account of Abraham Lincoln. The movie 'Lincoln' will be out in February here. It mainly deals with the Abolition of Slavery, the last 4 years of his Presidency. Spielberg chose those 4 years from the 900 plus pages of the Award winning Biography. It's on my Kindle Touch!

xxxx

JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Jan 25, 2013, 9:54pm UTC

xoxox

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Joy Bee Jan 21, 2013, 11:48pm UTC

What a refreshing and uplifting comment thread.

JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Jan 25, 2013, 9:54pm UTC

:)

It's lovely.

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A. F. Stewart Jan 22, 2013, 8:39am UTC

A wonderful poem.

JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Jan 25, 2013, 9:55pm UTC

It's sort of a "found" poem, I suppose. Bits and pieces from here and there, with a smattering of my own words...

Thanks, Anita.

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stephen berwaldt Jan 22, 2013, 11:09am UTC

A terrific tribute to one man who was so instrumental in eradicating America's greatest ugliness...gave his life in the act of restoring pride in the breast of every American...
A lovely poem worth writing...

Thank you for posting your work to Gather's Luminous Writers and Artists. Now Featured.

JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Jan 25, 2013, 9:55pm UTC

Thank you so much, Stephen and thank you for the feature.

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Ann Marcaida Jan 23, 2013, 11:27am UTC

Your first two lines hooked me, Michelle. Tweeted!

JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Jan 25, 2013, 9:55pm UTC

Thanks, Ann.

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~There is Within~

10 people recommend this post

Comments: 25

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