Welcome to the Toughest Job on Earth Mr. President

I caught a few blips on TV and a few Twitters about the inauguration. So many people were overjoyed, some crying, some cheering, some relieved. Even a skeptic and curmudgeon like me cracked a smile. It was all quite beautiful. Barack and Michelle Obama couldn't have looked better, and the events went off without a hitch. Sorry about Ted Kennedy, but I hear he's okay.

However, the kind of intellectual food I crave was nowhere to be found on Capitol Hill. The ceremonies, perfectly coordinated, were nothing more than the similar kinds of repetitious sound bytes expertly laced together by media experts, psychologists, and speechwriters. Essentially a repeat of the months of campaigning with only one side on display, prettier outfits, and better food. Tony Woodlief sums up the disappointing results (emphasis mine),

It was revealing that one of the speeches most worthy of note, from the incomparable Forest Whitaker, was essentially a selection from William Faulkner's Nobel acceptance speech, an uplifting affirmation of art and truth that is at the same time a denunciation of the worst of post-modernism and relativism. What we have forgotten, as unwittingly attested by the voices at this concert (excepting Mr. Obama, of course, who is a first-rate speaker), is that actors are not, in a classical Aristotelian sense, artists. They are skilled, to be sure, but they are empty vessels, to be fitted to parts as suits the real artists, the writers and photographers, the costumers and make-up specialists. This is not to deny the accidental beauty of Marisa Tomei or Jamie Foxx, or the emotive skill of Denzel Washington. But something is strangely out of whack when speeches are to be delivered at the foot of Lincoln, on ground hallowed by King, and the deliverers we choose are none of them thinkers or writers.

I don't know much about Barack Obama. Oddly, though, he makes me want to know. And perhaps this is his victory - that even those who dislike his policies are insanely curious about him. Obama, well, he seems intelligent, so why all the bad ideas? What is he about? What is he trying to get at? What, if anything, will he accomplish? Is he truly a thinker? Did he even write those books he published? Does he have a coherent system of thought that isn't hidden behind the baffling and meaningless modifier pragmatist? Does Obama have a hobby? Has he ever gotten mad? What kind of music does he like? Is he proud of his Kenyan roots?

I'm fascinated to find out what's going to happen next. Fear, trepidation, and yes, even hope is in my heart. I hope everything turns out well for the President. I really do.




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9 Comments:

  1. He certainly does have the toughest job on earth ahead of him. It's mindblowing to see how much he is revered, and to wonder how he will live up to all the expectations of him.

    If you haven't already though, I'd highly recommend reading Dreams from My Father -- you'll learn a lot about Obama the person rather than Obama the politician.
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  2. @Nisha - I agree, the President of the US is a difficult job - and I think whoever holds the position should be respected as a person, regardless of how you feel about their policies.
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  3. I am looking forward to seeing how things will change under the scope of scrutiny as having a minority as the leader of the free world leaves room for new possibilities of hate, admiration and respect.

    I wrote a piece on the stories I heard and dealt with personally on Inauguration day. I know so many people were so happy and excited, but many of us were kept grounded by the insensitivity and bigotry around us. You can check it out at UrbaneBlog.com - it's titled "Black President / 'Black' Perspective."
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  4. @Hubert - I don't think of Obama as a "black" President, he's just "the" President. But maybe I'm in the minority of people who think that way. I don't care what color he is, but I can understand that his race is significant to many people, for good and bad reasons.
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  5. @Milena
    We are very much the same in that regard. I see most folks for what they are an individual, regardless of their basic superficial make-up. I like to recall Dave Chappelle's "blind racist" skit where the guy hated black people, but was black himself and never knew it.

    At the end of the day, the President is going to need to help everyone understand that he cannot do it alone. He needs the aid of every citizen to turn things around. At this rate, we will never see a free market economy until people learn to be prudent and ethical in their spending/loaning/borrowing. There needs to be a change in the "Me Me Me" mentality. It's why we are where we are.

    But my real question is, when does Milena Thomas take the blog speak to conferences and open mics?
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  6. Where are these conferences and open mics you speak of? I'm not shy. Well, unless I'm singing.

    Are you actually suggesting I speak in public about the things I talk about on my blog? Hehehe, I was hoping to keep a few of my friends... ; )
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  7. @Hubert - wait, wait, I meant, I AM shy, unless I am singing. I sing all the time.
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  8. LOL, I was going to say...

    Well, I think Metro Detroit could use a young voice like yours, whether singing or talking classical liberalism. Either way, we'll probably be better off for it!

    In fact, I'm looking to stir up some stuff in the local Royal Oak gov't. I could use some support!
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  9. @Hubert - well, it depends on what you are stirring up, of course! Let me know what it is!
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I'm curious to see what you are thinking...

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