I wish this entry was about my support for Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States. As a woman who appreciates the vast strides and unappreciated battles of all the women who came before me, nothing would give me more pleasure.
I think Hillary is brilliant, I think she cares, I think her focus and determination helped Bill get elected. But Hillary is not a leader, she's a politician. When she could have made a difference, she went along with the crowd - because it would make her and keep her electable.
Great, I voted and got a female Senator to represent me and she's not one iota different than the rest of the white men in Congress.
I don't dislike Hillary and I don't think she is simply in pursuit of power like so many of her critics say. (And my response to that criticism is "So what if she were? Nothing is wrong with using the power instilled in you for the greater good.") I just don't think Hillary has the courage to be a leader. Bill had the charisma and the opportunity but he gave into his fears and his ego. The real shame of Bill's administration is not the impeachment but that he didn't realize his potential. His immaturity and his lack of discipline failed him. And the Republican machine was standing by ready to fill the void.
The Democrats have disappointed me for years. They react. They whine. They keep propping up unelectable men with no charisma, no backbone, no vision, no courage to stake a claim on what is best for the entire country and the world. They say they are different from Republicans but when push comes to shove they vote right along with them. They are more concerned with saving their seats than making this country better. Yes, there are exceptions but they are far and few between and are viewed as flaky or out of touch. (i.e., Dennis Kucinich)
What this country desperately needs is a leader. A mature, thoughtful, determined leader - man, woman, black white, straight, gay. I don't mean a hero. Like the word angel, hero has been overused to the point of meaninglessness. Besides, I'm a self-sufficient, 45-year-old woman, I don't need a role model or a hero.
What I need and what I think this country needs is an individual who will stand up and speak my best voice. The voice inside me that believes all the myths of America's greatness, of the possibility that anyone can become anything, that people are genuinely good, that we support each other, that big dreams come true, and more than anything, that we invite the rest of the world to embrace our best self - that self of freedom, optimism, innovation, hard work, tolerance, and respect for all.
Since I first saw Barack Obama speak at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, I knew that he was different. So did everyone else who saw him speak! As I wrote in my blog entry, I stood alone and clapped and cheered and cried in my apartment. I called my Mom and said, "Are you watching - he's going to be our first black President!" Go to YouTube if you haven't seen this speech. Read his 2005 commencement address at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois if you think it was a fluke.
I was thrilled. I was moved. I was inspired. For a few minutes, I even believed in our political process again. A few weeks later I bought his book, "Dreams f My Father" and was impressed by his unprecedented candor, his poetic perspective, and his willingness for self-reflection.
Then the election. I gave up. I was bitter. I was angry. I was apathetic. I felt like I wasn't represented by anyone in my government - even the ones for whom I'd voted. I vowed I'd never give another dime to the Democratic party. I didn't read any blogs and I didn't write in mine. I felt powerless.
Then I watched a Keith Olbermann video and I got re-engaged. I made a choice to get re-engaged instead of moping like the Democratic party on the sidelines. As the tide has started to creak, I wanted to be excited about the buzz for Hillary. I knew I'd vote for her because as everyone said, "Who is the alternative?"
Then.
This week, Barack was in NYC promoting his new book, "The Audacity of Hope." A group from work were going to go but an early arriver let us know that an hour before he was due to speak, the store was packed, no seats left, no promise there would be time for all books to be signed. I decided to stay at work because I knew I'd get a chance to see him speak again. So I bought the book and started reading. Then I googled more recent speeches.
And I remembered.
In this new book, he gets to the heart of the matter. Each and every matter. Past the polarization, past the hatred, past the judgment, to a place of thought, of consideration, of spirit, of intelligence, of optimism, of accountability. It made me, for the first time since I was an adult, want to stay in the U.S. and see what we could be instead of moving to Europe as another disaffected, cynical, Bush-hating, American expatriate. Those of you who know me well - know this is not a small statement I make.
The true leaders force us to dig deep and find the best part of ourselves. They help us excavate the parts of our soul that are barricaded by pain and fear so that our spirit can emerge and reach its potential. They tell us that we cannot sit and wait for change - we must be a part of the change. One of my favorite quotations is from Ghandi, "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."
I think Hillary is brilliant, I think she cares, I think her focus and determination helped Bill get elected. But Hillary is not a leader, she's a politician. When she could have made a difference, she went along with the crowd - because it would make her and keep her electable.
Great, I voted and got a female Senator to represent me and she's not one iota different than the rest of the white men in Congress.
I don't dislike Hillary and I don't think she is simply in pursuit of power like so many of her critics say. (And my response to that criticism is "So what if she were? Nothing is wrong with using the power instilled in you for the greater good.") I just don't think Hillary has the courage to be a leader. Bill had the charisma and the opportunity but he gave into his fears and his ego. The real shame of Bill's administration is not the impeachment but that he didn't realize his potential. His immaturity and his lack of discipline failed him. And the Republican machine was standing by ready to fill the void.
The Democrats have disappointed me for years. They react. They whine. They keep propping up unelectable men with no charisma, no backbone, no vision, no courage to stake a claim on what is best for the entire country and the world. They say they are different from Republicans but when push comes to shove they vote right along with them. They are more concerned with saving their seats than making this country better. Yes, there are exceptions but they are far and few between and are viewed as flaky or out of touch. (i.e., Dennis Kucinich)
What this country desperately needs is a leader. A mature, thoughtful, determined leader - man, woman, black white, straight, gay. I don't mean a hero. Like the word angel, hero has been overused to the point of meaninglessness. Besides, I'm a self-sufficient, 45-year-old woman, I don't need a role model or a hero.
What I need and what I think this country needs is an individual who will stand up and speak my best voice. The voice inside me that believes all the myths of America's greatness, of the possibility that anyone can become anything, that people are genuinely good, that we support each other, that big dreams come true, and more than anything, that we invite the rest of the world to embrace our best self - that self of freedom, optimism, innovation, hard work, tolerance, and respect for all.
Since I first saw Barack Obama speak at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, I knew that he was different. So did everyone else who saw him speak! As I wrote in my blog entry, I stood alone and clapped and cheered and cried in my apartment. I called my Mom and said, "Are you watching - he's going to be our first black President!" Go to YouTube if you haven't seen this speech. Read his 2005 commencement address at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois if you think it was a fluke.
I was thrilled. I was moved. I was inspired. For a few minutes, I even believed in our political process again. A few weeks later I bought his book, "Dreams f My Father" and was impressed by his unprecedented candor, his poetic perspective, and his willingness for self-reflection.
Then the election. I gave up. I was bitter. I was angry. I was apathetic. I felt like I wasn't represented by anyone in my government - even the ones for whom I'd voted. I vowed I'd never give another dime to the Democratic party. I didn't read any blogs and I didn't write in mine. I felt powerless.
Then I watched a Keith Olbermann video and I got re-engaged. I made a choice to get re-engaged instead of moping like the Democratic party on the sidelines. As the tide has started to creak, I wanted to be excited about the buzz for Hillary. I knew I'd vote for her because as everyone said, "Who is the alternative?"
Then.
This week, Barack was in NYC promoting his new book, "The Audacity of Hope." A group from work were going to go but an early arriver let us know that an hour before he was due to speak, the store was packed, no seats left, no promise there would be time for all books to be signed. I decided to stay at work because I knew I'd get a chance to see him speak again. So I bought the book and started reading. Then I googled more recent speeches.
And I remembered.
In this new book, he gets to the heart of the matter. Each and every matter. Past the polarization, past the hatred, past the judgment, to a place of thought, of consideration, of spirit, of intelligence, of optimism, of accountability. It made me, for the first time since I was an adult, want to stay in the U.S. and see what we could be instead of moving to Europe as another disaffected, cynical, Bush-hating, American expatriate. Those of you who know me well - know this is not a small statement I make.
The true leaders force us to dig deep and find the best part of ourselves. They help us excavate the parts of our soul that are barricaded by pain and fear so that our spirit can emerge and reach its potential. They tell us that we cannot sit and wait for change - we must be a part of the change. One of my favorite quotations is from Ghandi, "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."
Imagine if each and every one of us had the courage and support to reach our potential, to be that change we are so hungry for? What would our world look like then?
I know people say because he's young, because he's black, because he doesn't have enough experience, he'll never get elected. To all of those arguments I say, "When it's destiny, the time is right."
Just like the best art, music, and nature, authentic leadership is inspiring. Not because it is created by those better than me but because I can see myself in it, in them. I believe Barack is a normal human being with flaws and imperfections. He's pissed me off with some of his votes but he's also had the courage to speak to why he made those votes and they weren't about protecting his Senate seat.
So here it is.
Barack Obama is an authentic leader and more important, he is a channel for change. Like Ghandi, like FDR, like JFK, like Malcolm X, like MLK, like Bobby. These leaders didn't just sit back and pontificate. They said, "Join me. I'm not better than you. If I can do this, so can you." They inspired people - first to imagine, then to participate, then to take responsibility for building a different and better world.
I think he's going to run and I think he's going to win. I think he'll appoint Hillary to his Cabinent. I'm going to work like I've never worked in my life to get him elected. I'll make the calls, I'll go to door-to-door. I'll make sure I study to learn the issues so that I can speak intelligently to those who aren't ready to believe that change is here. That we can be better.
I hope you join me.
I know people say because he's young, because he's black, because he doesn't have enough experience, he'll never get elected. To all of those arguments I say, "When it's destiny, the time is right."
Just like the best art, music, and nature, authentic leadership is inspiring. Not because it is created by those better than me but because I can see myself in it, in them. I believe Barack is a normal human being with flaws and imperfections. He's pissed me off with some of his votes but he's also had the courage to speak to why he made those votes and they weren't about protecting his Senate seat.
So here it is.
Barack Obama is an authentic leader and more important, he is a channel for change. Like Ghandi, like FDR, like JFK, like Malcolm X, like MLK, like Bobby. These leaders didn't just sit back and pontificate. They said, "Join me. I'm not better than you. If I can do this, so can you." They inspired people - first to imagine, then to participate, then to take responsibility for building a different and better world.
I think he's going to run and I think he's going to win. I think he'll appoint Hillary to his Cabinent. I'm going to work like I've never worked in my life to get him elected. I'll make the calls, I'll go to door-to-door. I'll make sure I study to learn the issues so that I can speak intelligently to those who aren't ready to believe that change is here. That we can be better.
I hope you join me.
1 comment:
Count me in! I just saw on the news Kerry might throw his hat in the ring again. Why bother!?!? The mayor of SF is hinting at an end to his political career when his term as mayor runs out. To summarize, he has had it with a very public life and seeks balance. I was just thinking that Gavin's reasons for life back in the private sector may be the same ones that keep inspirational, good potential leaders from taking on the task. It is unfortunate that a political life is no longer about public service but about party agendas and smear campaigns. Let's hope Barack's chosen career path does not ultimately break him down. So far, he is our only light at the end of the tunnel!
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