In a speech early today in Independence, Missouri, Barack Obama articulated his views on what patriotism is – and isn’t. And, I must say, as a speech-maker, he is smooth as silk.He has a very natural relationship with the tele-prompter, reminiscent of Ronald Reagan and, of course, Bill Clinton. John McCain could take some lessons from Obama on this score for sure.
In his talk, Obama touched “all the bases,” similarly to how he delivered the “race” speech. He was inclusive. He did not offend anyone. He nuanced the various implications of meaning. He sounded sincere and compelling.
Fairly early in his speech, he said the following: “Surely we can arrive at a definition of patriotism that, however rough and imperfect, captures the best of America’s common spirit.” How can you argue with that?
Obama then continued to say that “Patriotism…
“..starts as a gut instinct, a loyalty and love for country rooted in my earliest memories.” Nothing wrong with that, either.
“..is always more than just loyalty to a place on a map or a certain kind of people. Instead, it is also loyalty to America’s ideals – ideals for which anyone can sacrifice, or defend, or give their last full measure of devotion. I believe it is this loyalty that allows a country teeming with different races and ethnicities, religions and customs, to come together as one.” Whew! But idealistically right on!
“..can never be defined as loyalty to any particular leader or government or policy.” OK, but key word for me is “defined”.
“..is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” Better not argue with that; it’s a direct Mark Twain quotation, and Mark Twain, of course, is all-American.
“..must, if it is to mean anything, involve the willingness to sacrifice – to give up something we value on behalf of a larger cause.” (Referring to military service) Again, I find myself agreeing, though Obama himself has not served in the military.
The rest of the speech expanded upon and enlarged on these and some other great-sounding concepts. In honesty, there isn’t a whole lot with which to take issue.
So why do I have this gnawing uneasiness in the pit of my stomach, hinting that maybe this man’s words flow a whole lot easier than his establishing of a record that would validate them?
2 comments:
Talk is cheap, Bro. And easy, especially if you have good writers and coaches. Gotta get beyond the rhetoric. Where's the substance? What's his record? Where does he stand on issues? Why do his positions constantly change? Here's an honest question, if honesty counts anymore..."If Obama was white and spoke like George Bush, John McCain or Jimmy Stewart, would we be giving him a second look or would his run for the presidency based on accomplishments, a couple of years in the Senate and lack of solid solutions make him a laughing stock?" It's a valid question.
He's a smooth talker, but we've got to be more "left-brained" when picking a president.
What you bring up, bro, are the very things that Obama must face and for which he must provide solid answers, in my opinion, if he is to be successful in November. Frankly, from even a "left-brained" point of view, neither candidate reflects the majority of my views, and that's making me even more uneasy. Know where the Independent Party registers folks?
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