I was so proud of President Obama last night. Given the climate of Congress, the economy, and recent events, his tone and message was right on target. He inserted levity to diffuse tension, praised and challenged his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and made not a single disparaging remark. Not one.
By default I heard the opening remarks of the Republican response. So much for a cooperative spirit and focusing on the things that bind us rather than divide us. After five minutes I couldn't take the usual rhetoric and changed the channel. I had no interest whatsoever in hearing Michelle Bachmann, and wonder, still, why she was given the opportunity to set the precedent of allowing commentary from a third-party voice. When the Tea Party declares itself independent from the Republican Party, then we'll talk.
One reason I was proud of Obama is that he shifted gears for tone. Apparently the Republicans have no clue as to the significance of such a thing. The same dull drum is beat over, and over, and over again. Do you want me to listen to your point of view (and I will)? Then extract yourself from rhetoric and speak what you value, why you value it, and demonstrate how you will implement what you claim you desire.
There is no place for trash talk. Remember what your Mama taught you? If you don't have anything nice to say...
And Michelle looked stunning.
Rock on, Barack.
4 comments:
Here's a great big "AMEN"!!
We totally forgot it was on & watched a documentary instead. Oops. I agree about the rhetoric - why does everything have to sound so hateful?
People sound hateful because they or their constituents are hateful, or at best incredibly fearful. That is the sad truth.
I wish they would all stop talking the talk of "working together" and walk the walk. God love him for trying so hard to rise above it all.
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