Obama's Thanksgiving Message
I noticed that Barack Obama has been giving more press conferences (three in three days) emphasizing a new economic message/development every day...which seems to give the stock market a little hope.
So it figures that he would try to keep hope alive in the rest of us with a Thanksgiving message.
"Nearly 150 years ago, in one of the darkest years of our nation's history, President Abraham Lincoln set aside the last Thursday in November as a day of Thanksgiving. America was split by Civil War. But Lincoln said in his first Thanksgiving decree that difficult times made it even more appropriate for our blessings to be -- and I quote -- 'gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people.'
"This week, the American people came together with families and friends to carry on this distinctly American tradition. We gave thanks for loved ones and for our lasting pride in our communities and our country. We took comfort in good memories while looking forward to the promise of change.[..]"
I appreciate Obama's modern day fireside chats. He does this so well...gives us hope but with the warning that it's going to require some sacrifice (what, no shopping?).
He knows the right thing to say to not only capture the moment, but provide hope and inspiration for what's to come.
The great American Experiment is set to move on with new leadership...a significant change is about to occur in our politics and culture. It's rare that exactly the right person ends up in the right place at the right time.
Has anyone in our history ever been in Obama's position? Think about it -- he finds himself having to calm and reassure the nation before he even takes office. He is actually fulfilling at least some of the duties of the presidency...and there must be several areas in which he'd rather not be tipping his hand right now. It's one hell of a tightrope to walk. And so far, it's pretty impressive.
I haven't felt this much hope in years...and we're in the middle of one of the dangdest messes this country has ever seen.
I'm not the only American who gave thanks for President-elect Barack Obama yesterday.
