An ‘imagined’ conversation with President Barack Obama. We were in a room with others, all of us gathered as friends and I asked Barack: “What would you say to all Americans if you could talk with them as friends instead of constituents?” Barack: “How refreshing to have an opportunity for an honest conversation. I don’t have that privilege very often so I guess the first thing I want to share is: use your First Amendment, especially your freedom of speech. Your collective voice is stronger than mine or that of any political leader. We politicians have to compromise, calculate, sensor and adapt our talk because it is the nature of politics and there is little we can do about it. In total privacy and off the record, most leaders I’ve gotten to know wish it could be different. Some of us truly love being of service and we do our best. We see solutions but cant enforce them because the People don’t care enough to get well informed and join a voice - which really means sharing in the leadership of their country. I don’t know of any successful and honest political system that is all-inclusive and fair.” I asked about the current political shutdown: Barack: “I hope that the experiences during my tenure mark the beginning of real change. The government shutdown is painful for all of us but I also see it as a blessing in disguise. It is showing us and the world that even democracy has flaws and something needs to be done. It saddens me that the ideals of our ancestors, creators of our amazing United State of America, were misunderstood and misused. I wish that every U.S. citizen read Roosevelt and Lincoln and study our history with an open mind and heart. If I could, I would go as far as setting a standard of testing every politician’s knowledge of our history, not only to prove it in terms of fact but to demonstrate their understanding of those facts. I would also implement requiring every aspiring politician to write a thesis on why they want to be a politician and what their intentions are. Done in writing helps with choice and accountability. I would say to all Americans: Please love yourself and your country enough to get more involved in your future regardless who and what you favor.” He seemed sad so I asked him what was on his mind. Barack: “Most politicians believe they mean well but clearly perceptions of wellness vary. It is the People of America, who can make a difference. I don’t know what the outcome of this crisis will be. All I know is that we’re standing on the principles and values that the people elected through us, and we’re doing our best to deliver on our promises. Fundamental change isn’t easy for anyone ... I work during the day and into the night, and before I close my eyes, I pray.” This ‘imaginary’ conversation may continue...
Posted on: Fri, 04 Oct 2013 21:41:51 +0000
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