President Obama Inspires Optimism In Others
Written by: Kim Sawyer
Our 44th president is an inspiration. Don’t believe me? Take a minute to reflect on some of the following phrases that are associated with President Obama, his campaign and his presidency: “At Last”; “Change Has Come To America”; “Yes, We Can”; “Yes, We Will”; “Hope Over Fear”; “Unity of Purpose Over Conflict And Discord.” Whether or not you agree with the President and his philosophy, it is very apparent that he is optimistic and inspires optimism in others.
According to dictionary.com, optimism is defined as, “A tendency to expect the best possible outcome or dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation.” I think President Obama does that, don’t you? I, personally, love to hear optimism from others. Especially a prominent leader such as our President. Everyone loves hope and in dire times, such as the current ones we live in, I think President Obama’s optimism is a breath of fresh air.
Like so many others, I read the Huffington Post yesterday (Inauguration Day). And, I saw this one particular article, written by 7th graders at the Harlem Village Acadamies. These acadamies are located in, where else, Harlem, New York. The Harlem Village Acadamies teach kids that they (the kids) can do and become anything they put their minds to. This sentiment is a far cry from what some of the kids were hearing at other schools. It seems that at those other schools some of the kids’ parents were informed, by some of the teachers, that their kids were not good learners, that their kids would not make it, or that they (the parents) had to be “realistic” about their expectations for their kids. Now, if the teachers were bold enough to tell the parents this, can you imagine how they were treating the kids in class?
Anyway, as I read the article by the 7th graders, one particular comment stood out to me. 7th grader, Dejanae Ware stated, “I’m thinking right now that if America can change, so can I. I can change my behavior, my attitude. I can make so many improvements. Like Barack, I am going to be somebody. I, too, will help America. I, too, will mold America into the shape of justice and peace. If Barack can win, then I can go to an Ivy League college.” Now, if this isn’t an inspirational and optimistic confession, I don’t know what is!
I think it’s absolutely awesome that kids, who may have felt that there were limits to what they could do or achieve, now feel like anything and everything is possible for them because Barack Obama was elected president! When someone can inspire optimism like that in so many people, from kids to adults, that, in my opinion says a lot about that person. Oh well, enough about what I think. I would love to hear your opinion(s) on President Obama and if you feel he inspires others. In fact, I would really love to hear from you if you feel the total opposite. Let’s talk……
Tags: Change Has Come to America, Harlem Village Acadamies 7th graders, Hope Over Fear, Huffington Post, President Obama, President Obama Inspires Optimism
January 21st, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I am at work so I don’t have time right now to list all of the things Barack Obama exudes! There is not one negative thing I can say regarding Barack Obama. He is the epitome of optimism and just pure good!
The other day I was analyzing the incoming President and the outgoing President. The cup for Barack’s optimism and positivity runneth over! The list goes on and on! When I got to Bush I felt bad that I didn’t have a list for him as well; but one thing that I truly admire about ex-President Bush is his evident love for his wife. I heard an interview he did once about how badly he wanted Laura and how he went after her until he got her! It was really precious and softened me toward him as a person. As I watched him give his bye-bye speech there was a brief moment when he acknowledged her, and for that brief second or two, the ruggedness that eight years of Presidency brings to a countenance vanished, and he was clearly and honestly still joyful saying her name. Unless I missed it, he made it through two terms without “the other woman” scandal. Good job!
Sorry, I got off point. Like I said, I could give a long list of all the great things I think Obama is. Let me just go a little slang and say, he’s all that and a bag of chips! Every time he speaks is a therapy session/pep rally for America!
America, we did good!
January 21st, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Obama has a swagger that no other president has had in my lifetime. OK, the only president who even had any charisma at all was Bill Clinton, but Obama is still cool, calm and collected.
He still has a lot to prove – a lot more than we have probably expected of a president in a long time – but so far he has had few problems along the way.
I know there are those out there who don’t really like President Obama at all. My only hope is that they at least care about the feelings of their fellow man. If they do, they will know how a lot of Americans have been feeling for the last 8 years. I will always say, one of the most amazing/dumbfounding things to ever happen in my life will be when Bush was re-elected. I know the Kerry may not have been the best choice, but come on.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:33 am
I love that swagger! Justine Timberlake was one of the guests at the neighborhood party and he talked about that swagger and the fact that Obama’s engaging/attracting spirit makes us all walk with a little swagger in our step! Which goes back to your original point Kim, he inspires us all to be better and, like a child with a parent, want to make him proud!
Tom, I hear you about not everybody liking Obama, but I just live life as if everyone does! I talk to people as if they like his as much as I do. I don’t even ask, I just grin and talk! If they don’t like him, they will get over it and even if things aren’t perfect during his administration (and they won’t be) they gotta love the man. Not liking Obama “the man” is like saying Luther Vandross can’t sing! Inconceivable!
I’m just saying….
February 12th, 2009 at 9:59 am
I do not dislike Obama but I’m also not blindly following him like a lovesick puppy. I read all of your comments and this is what I’ve gotten from you so far. Apparently you think a “swagger” and “charisma” are great qualifications for a president. I also get that some of you think everyone should be as “in love” with him as you are. I don’t know anyone who is perfect and without flaws. He’s just a young man who is human like the rest of us. He does not have all the answers and readily admits that. He is being put so high up on a pedestal that you’re setting him up for failure. That’s right! YOU are doing it. Give the man a break. I can’t imagine the kind of pressure that put’s on him and I feel sorry for him because of it. There are so many people out there who honestly think he’s going to solve all their problems. Wake up people! We need to solve our own problems. Do you even know what your congress and senate are up to right now? Turn on your radios and televisions to something besides music and American Idol. ( I watch it too…) Pick up a newspaper and read it. There are things happening right now that you should be very alarmed about. And for the record, there are a lot of things I admire about Obama. He is an eloquent speaker, intelligent, and does seem to be a very caring person.He’s also easy on the eyes. I was even going to vote for him until I learned more about his political positions. I also think he and his wife are wonderful parents and I think the little girls are adorable and very well behaved. I have a lot of admiration for what he’s accomplished in his life so far but that doesn’t mean I have to agree with what’s happening in DC or blindly follow him or anyone else.
elaine kazinecs last blog post..Fabric valentine cookies with ribbon frosting.
February 12th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Hey Miss Elaine. First, let me thank you for reading past posts and commenting. I like that you’re being a loyal 7DayBuzz reader. Now onto your comments. I definitely, without a shadow of a doubt LOVE President Obama’s “swagger” and “charisma.” But I also, like you, like the fact that he is an eloquent speaker, highly intelligent, a caring person (you really can’t fake that) and an OUTSTANDING father. I look for all those characteristics, plus more, in a president and right now, he’s meeting them. Sorry, can’t say the same for past presidents. Now, as to your comment about following blindly, you really should continue to read my past posts. I like President Obama, but when I think he’s messed up, I say so. I don’t feel sorry for him because there’s nothing to feel sorry for. He’s trying to do the job that he was put in the office to do, and that’s all I can ask of him. I don’t think he’s going to solve all of my problems and the only person I put complete trust in is my Heavenly Father. Oh, as far as picking up a paper and turning on my radio and televsion, I am avid watcher of CNN, Fox News, ABS News and other news sources (I’ve mentioned this prior posts), so I am in the know of what’s happening in congress. I’ve also written about those topics. I don’t’ think anyone on this blog has asked anyone else to agree with what they were saying. This blog is about voicing your opinion, which is what you’ve done (and continue to do). I look forward to reading more of your comments.
February 12th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Oh,one more thing. Just like it’s Rush Limbaugh’s mission to trash President Obama every chance he gets, it’s going to be my mission to praise him every chance I get.
February 13th, 2009 at 9:23 am
I was really generally speaking, based on the contact I have with people when I’m out and about as well as on tv. My fear is that people are putting so much faith in him that they are not being realistic. It’s almost like he’s superhuman in so many eyes. When you set someone up that high you’re going to be disappointed when they turn out to be human after all. I’ve never seen anything like this before and it concerns me. The sad truth is most people in this country do not turn on a tv or radio for anything except entertainment purposes and really don’t know what’s going on. That’s what scares me the most. I do find a low tolerance from people for those who disagree with Obama in this country today. I’ve actually been approached (several times) because I had a Bush/Palin bumper sticker on my car and told that I’m an idiot. My sister in California has experienced even worse. But you are right that I shouldn’t take it out on you. It’s obvious that you educate yourself and I didn’t mean to insinuate that you, or anyone else on this blog, are uninformed. I’m sorry if it seemed that way. I don’t want to be guilty of doing the same thing I’m complaining about!
elaine kazinecs last blog post..Fabric valentine cookies with ribbon frosting.
February 13th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Hi Miss Elaine. Good morning to you. There’s no need to apologize. I really do like your comments and appreciate your take on things. Here’s something that may surprise you. Initially, I wasn’t sold on President Obama. In fact, I didn’t make up my mind about him until approximately a month before the elections. What sold me on him was how he handled himself during the debates. I don’t like it when people think just because you don’t agree with them, there’s something wrong with you. That’s where I have low tolerance and for people to mistreat someone just because of their beliefs is plain ole wrong. So, you know and I know, President Obama has some misguided folks who follow him:–) What do you do?:–)
Kim Sawyers last blog post..President Obama, You’re 2-1
March 11th, 2009 at 9:31 am
rock music…
I can see a hot Insignia being very much a niche model but will 320bhp from a single turbo 3. 2- litre V6 engine it should be rather good fun. Vauxhall’s VXR models tend to be rather good. Expect to see it in your local Vauxhall dealer around Septembe…
October 27th, 2011 at 6:56 am
Swaggggg
November 10th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
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