Our president is deeply concerned for the country, especially for ordinary Americans. So it should not surprise us that, at this time when unemployment and uncertainty are high and the country is going through fundamental changes, he has his gentle and benevolent finger on the pulse of the people. He hears us and he knows us. He may even know us better than we know ourselves. But that's why we trust him.
He recently told us* why we are so upset going into this midterm election. (His heart! His fatherly heart!)
I felt that his words were like a presidential hug. I was both warmed and calmed by them.Part of the reason that our politics seems so tough right now and facts and science and argument does [sic.] not seem to be winning the day all the time is because we're hardwired not to always think clearly when we're scared. And the country's scared.
He then offered this poem. (Any resemblance between this and Robbie Burns' "To a Mouse" is entirely coincidental.)
"To the Voter" -- by Barack Obama
Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim'rous beastie,
O, what a panic's in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty
Wi' Tea Party combustion!
But I wad be loath to rin an' chase thee,
Wi' humble contrition.
I'm truly sorry Bush's dominion
Has broken America's social union,
An' justifies that ill opinion
Which makes thee startle
At me, to come who was the One
and seems immortal!
We're unworthy! We're unworthy!
*Carol E. Lee, "President Obama: 'Fear and Frustration' Drive Voters," Politico.com, October 16, 2010.
1 comment:
There is much credit to be awarded to whomever wrote that poem.
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