Moving. Speaking as a person instead of a figurehead. I was so elated when he was first voted in but in recent years lost that enthusiasm because he seemed to me to have become affected by the position; his speech making particularly. This brings me back to that original sense of joy that there is an equalisation happening amongst the races. he doesn't expect to change the world overnight but like he says, 'things are getting better.' Each successive generation is improving. Hats off to him. He's a great human being.
Yes, agreed all round Ciaran. At the end, his words that the next generation 'are better than us' was really special. It reminded me again, of the young lads at the boy's funeral that I attended recently. The way they conducted themselves and expressed their emotions was just so impressive. I can't imagine myself or my peers being like that at fifteen. Obama explained racism in a personal and universal context that was so clear and considered. It could apply to any nation of people. I had to keep reminding myself that it was the President of the United States I was listening to.
A damage limitation exercise in a very volatile situation, but a very good one, and by 'good' I mean sincere. If ever I get lost in London or wherever and I need directions or help, I try to find a young, black man to ask if there is one in sight.
If only his words and promises matched his actions and he did promise to close down Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp! When he keeps to his word I will listen to him OK.
Furry muff Mr Heron. Though perhaps it is the sentiment expressed rather than the man that is important ... I dunno. I felt a bit the same as you, when it comes to drone strikes, Guantanamo, PRISM surveillance etc etc but if you isolate the issues, this still stands as a damn fine speech.
It's the kind of conversation we would need to have over a bottle or a percolator really. I don't know if we could come to some kind of agreeance otherwise. (Got 'fragrance' and 'Greenpeace' for that spelling transgression, which is telling.)
Well Sarah, you had better step on a plane and return to your roots because this is the year of The Gathering for the Irish diaspora . We can then put the world to rights over several bottles, for I doubt that one would be sufficient :)
Moving. Speaking as a person instead of a figurehead. I was so elated when he was first voted in but in recent years lost that enthusiasm because he seemed to me to have become affected by the position; his speech making particularly. This brings me back to that original sense of joy that there is an equalisation happening amongst the races. he doesn't expect to change the world overnight but like he says, 'things are getting better.' Each successive generation is improving. Hats off to him. He's a great human being.
ReplyDeleteYes, agreed all round Ciaran. At the end, his words that the next generation 'are better than us' was really special. It reminded me again, of the young lads at the boy's funeral that I attended recently. The way they conducted themselves and expressed their emotions was just so impressive. I can't imagine myself or my peers being like that at fifteen.
ReplyDeleteObama explained racism in a personal and universal context that was so clear and considered. It could apply to any nation of people. I had to keep reminding myself that it was the President of the United States I was listening to.
A damage limitation exercise in a very volatile situation, but a very good one, and by 'good' I mean sincere. If ever I get lost in London or wherever and I need directions or help, I try to find a young, black man to ask if there is one in sight.
ReplyDeleteOh yes it may have been damage control but it was such a human response. I think I'll hang onto this speech.
ReplyDeleteIf only his words and promises matched his actions and he did promise to close down Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp! When he keeps to his word I will listen to him OK.
ReplyDeleteFurry muff Mr Heron. Though perhaps it is the sentiment expressed rather than the man that is important ... I dunno. I felt a bit the same as you, when it comes to drone strikes, Guantanamo, PRISM surveillance etc etc but if you isolate the issues, this still stands as a damn fine speech.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I think that politicians every where need to learn that their Actions speak louder than words!
ReplyDeleteIt's the kind of conversation we would need to have over a bottle or a percolator really. I don't know if we could come to some kind of agreeance otherwise. (Got 'fragrance' and 'Greenpeace' for that spelling transgression, which is telling.)
ReplyDeleteWell Sarah, you had better step on a plane and return to your roots because this is the year of
DeleteThe Gathering for the Irish diaspora .
We can then put the world to rights over several bottles, for I doubt that one would be sufficient :)
Sounds like an economic stimulus to me.
DeleteGoodness! Is that the time time?
DeleteIt must be Kerry past middle east o'clock.
No, no it's only 22 minutes past midnight as the night is young let the frolics begin!
ReplyDelete