Monday, January 19, 2009

History's being made!

Amazing that the inaugural ceremonies are so close to Martin Luther King day and a new beginning for America with our first African-American president. It's an historic occasion that even those who see differently than the democrats on their platform need to acknowledge the historic moment it is. 

I read the letter that Obama wrote to his daughters and it was very touching:

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me--about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

8 comments:

  1. Now, there's something to love and appreciate about the upcoming leader of our nation. That's truly tender. If I were his daughters, I would have wanted to keep it for me. I wouldn't have wanted to share it with the entire country.
    At least not so soon. So, they have some of their father's generosity of heart that many young people don't share. Kudo's to the kids!

    Please don't think that I'm not excited about the upcoming inauguaration. I am. And don't think that I'm not impressed with what Pres. Obama has accomplished.(well... he's almost there, so why not say it, eh?) I am indeed. I just feel that the glory, the praise, and appreciation belong to more than one man. There are many who have participated in bringing this event to pass. And the day belongs to every American to take pride in and savor.

    Thanks for sharing this very tender letter with us. I guess I should be saying that to his daughters. I have no idea how... so I'll say it to you.

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  2. Lovely post Lin and a very thoughtful response from Caryn. I never though he could get elected and I voted for Hillary in the primary. But it's true that he inspired so many people to work for him and I donated to the campaign which is something I haven't felt compelled to do in years. And I have a T-shirt now...I have hope...

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  3. Wonderful letter! I'm "booking off" tomorrow morning and sitting on my couch, with a box of kleenex, and watching the ceremony!!

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  4. Thank you for posting that, it is such a moving and beautiful letter that I do think depicts the kind of man Obama is. On this eve of his truly amazing Inauguration I feel more hope for this country and its people than I have felt in a very long time.

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  5. I read his letter yesterday in the Sunday Parade Magazine newspaper insert. I was touched by it, too, and thought "This is a man who had the right reasons to want to be our leader". We'll all have some work to do to live up to his and our own expectations.

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  6. I read that letter, too. And it warmed my heart. There was a great article in the NY Times today about what Obama reads....everything, but never for easy answers. It's all good. Very, very good. God bless, Lin.

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  7. I saw that letter to his daughters in Parade Magazine in the Chicago Tribune. It's beautiful! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well. I'm not expecting miracles. I just hope he can stem the tide of despair in this country and mend the fences that were broken with the rest of the world.

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  8. On another positive note...
    I had a long and fascinating conversation today with a client who works with government agencies of many countries on financial issues. He just returned from a summit attended by dozens of nations. He said that they all, but one, had a tremendous amount of respect for the United States. With one exception, they all told him that the reports of our being discredited in the eyes of the world was vastly overstated by the media in America....that George Bush is held in higher regard in other countries than he is in his own, but that many wonder why his own people feel such animosity toward their president. They said that was mostly what they were disenchanted with. The attitude of the American people, more than the actions of the American President. It was an encouraging eye opener for me. Perhaps there aren't as many broken fenced as we've been led to believe. Anyway... for what it's worth.

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