Some Personal Reflections on President Obama's Speech Today

[sheshe2]

I've hesitated to write anything about President Obama's speech in Selma today. I'm still too overwhelmed. That's because my reaction wasn't just about the speech. Listening to it, I was transported back through the last seven years.

After he won the Iowa caucus, I noticed that there was something special about this man, Barack Obama. I really started paying attention. The more I saw, the more impressed I became.

Eventually I realized that we were living through a truly historic time. And I wanted to soak up every minute, learn what I could, and document this American journey to the best of my ability.

That decision cost me some things. But I got way more back in return. Never has that been more clear to me than it was today.

So maybe I'll have more to say about this speech later. For now, I'm simply reveling in gratitude that I've been fortunate enough to live through this moment when we not only have our first African American President, but he also happens to be an amazing human being...and my hero.


Read More http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2015/03/some-personal-reflections-on-president.html

For the BOG~

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

1. I hear you, his presidency has cost many in many ways, progress is hard

In my life I have had his presidency used against me by rightwing asshole family member in a business way, very costly to me.

But it was worth it.

Anybody who supports Obama, even if they are a hairdresser in Iowa, for instance, can be punished for that support and likely will be.

[monmouth4]

2. I have aunts and cousins who dropped me and no longer I speak to me. I am so relieved. They

were Tea Party and Libertarian..Dear gawd...

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

14. The closest relative I have on the planet is someone who is using Obama's success against me

[sheshe2]

4. Lucky for me I am from a family of Democrats.

However around some friends I have to tone it down.

[handmade34]

3. "an amazing human being"

I knew the moment I was watching him at the Democratic Convention in 2004...( I taped it and took to school the next day showing it to all my students, and teachers--- telling them to be aware of this Man!)

and then when I met Michelle (and Bo), it sealed the deal

[sheshe2]

5. Handmade, how are you?!

Ah, that speech in 2004~

yeah. He had me way back then.

[calimary]

8. Definitely.

I think he's one of "those." You know them. You probably had one in your class at school. Or somebody you knew from work or something. And you Just KNEW. You KNEW they were special. There was something special about him or her. You KNEW you were probably gonna hear more about this individual - maybe a LOT more. He or she just stood out. And sometimes you don't know why, or what it is. It's an intangible. But you just KNOW. You'll be mumbling to yourself - "THAT one's gonna be a star!"

I remember thinking - "shit! I wonder if I'm watching the future President of the United States?! Are we maybe seeing the first black President?" I was VERY impressed. He really grabbed everybody. When I see clips of that speech, I am STILL impressed.

[sheshe2]

9. From his keynote speech

"the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes America has a place for him too"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/110228127#post5

Yes we did, Mr President, yes we did have a place for you.

calimary!

[calimary]

15. I remember that line SO well.

"...a skinny kid with a funny name..." That was one HELLUVA line! MAN! Outta the ballpark! No - never mind the ballpark. That line was such a grand slam hit that it hit that ball outta the whole CITY.

[brer cat]

6. The speech today was solid gold.

He was masterful and spoke with much needed honesty. It was a historic day, and he more than rose to the occasion. It will be remembered long and well.

[sheshe2]

7. Sorry I missed it in real time.

Yet I knew DU would not fail me in posting images and his speech. It brought tears to my eyes. He is an amazing man and yes, a hero to me. Like the crew of the Starship Enterprise, he has boldly gone where no man has gone before. He has taken on issues no one else wished to touch. He has suceeded where others have failed.

He is my President and has my utmost respect.

Luv ya brer cat.

[NYC Liberal]

10. There are those who have tried, and continue to try, to do everything they can to tear him down.

They betlittle his accomplishments. They attack anything and everything he does. They always find fault. Yes, they are loud, but I refuse to shut up and let them go unanswered.

President Obama will be remembered by history as a great president. Probably one of our greatest. What he has been able to accomplish in the face of unprecedented attack and obstruction – nonstop, day after day, and even from "Democrats" – is staggering. No other president has accomplished as much facing as much hostility from his opponents.

I try to savor each day we have him as president, because it won't be much longer now before he leaves office. Although, I firmly believe that his accomplishments will not end on January 20, 2017. Nor will the BOG end then either!

[sheshe2]

11. You response, so perfect. I thank you NYC Libereal.

I try to savor each day we have him as president, because it won't be much longer now before he leaves office. Although, I firmly believe that his accomplishments will not end on January 20, 2017. Nor will the BOG end then either!

He has only just begun, same with Eric Holder. They will continue what they have started. It won't end there.

The BOG, we will love and laugh and go on. I love this President and all he has done.

[NYC Liberal]

12. I think every great president comes along just when they're needed.

The last 6–7 years have seen some of the nuttiest, craziest, loudmouths ever elected to high office in DC. President Obama's coolheadedness, his calmness, his ability to truly "speak softly and carry a big stick" and rise above the fray and be a leader, is exactly what we've needed.

Some criticize him because he doesn't yell and scream and pound the podium, because he refuses to sink to his opponents' level. To me, that's exactly what makes him great.

Personally I think he'd make an amazing Supreme Court justice. (But there are many, many things he could do.)

[Cha]

13. I am so with smartypants and the way she feels about President Obama..

"After he won the Iowa caucus, I noticed that there was something special about this man, Barack Obama. I really started paying attention. The more I saw, the more impressed I became."

//

"So maybe I'll have more to say about this speech later. For now, I'm simply reveling in gratitude that I've been fortunate enough to live through this moment when we not only have our first African American President, but he also happens to be an amazing human being...and my hero."


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President Obama and the First Lady tour the National Voting Rights Museum in Selma, Ala.

1:56 PM - 7 Mar 2015 53 Retweets 42 favorites

http://theobamadiary.com/2015/03/07/the-presidents-selma-speech/

Mahalo Nui Loa, she~

[sheshe2]

17. I know what you mean Cha.

BTW, that is one awesome picture of Selma, 50 years later, with the President and First Lady looking on. Wow, just wow, that kinda knocks the wind out of you. Beautiful and it makes me proud.

[yallerdawg]

16. You know, it isn't just Obama.

Standing in that crowd of people, the guttural raw roar when President Obama and the First Lady crossed the stage made it very clear to me he stands for all of our hopes and dreams, the American dream.

Nothing has or can kill the dream.

And then he made that speech.

[hopemountain]

18. he was in the moment while giving this speech

- and i am very touched by his honesty and love for our nation - and for all americans. i appreciate his call to action and i was inspired to action.

when the movie "selma" was being filmed i heard oprah comment about the timing of the movie - that it was made at the right time, a time of power. there is a synergy which occurs at the "right time of power" - adding impetus to the action taken.

despite all of the attacks on the president - he shines reason, justice, and strength.

and of course, there was the inspired poem about love at his first inauguration ~ the audacity of it thrilled me. that kind of love can achieve great things and is never wrong.

president barak hussein obama will mark a great place in our history because as a nation, we SHALL & will continue to overcome.

thank you for your op, sheshe