"Barack Obama represents a perspective..."

[Voice for Peace]

from an email I received today from a friend of mine:

"Barack Obama represents a perspective that transcends the issues that
divide us, race, gender, sexual orientation, party affiliation,
economic status, religious beliefs, gun ownership and etc, etc.

What he speaks to are the fundamental needs and aspiration we all share;
he speaks to the reason we are in a society at all:

to help each deal with the vicissitudes of nature, the accidents of life and
to the enemies of peace that forever assault us.

To understand that we are in all in the same boat and that together we
can flourish in this hostile ocean is unique.

He really is deep and inclusive."

[depakid]

1. That and a couple of bucks buys you cup of coffee.

in the real world.

[LaurenG]

7. Have you ever heard of "Human Sigma"

It's a "new" paradigm, a better way of treating each other. This is the beginning of a new way of dealing with each other from the ground up and it is a very different way to do business. He is on the right track. If he really wants to lead in this direction we truly can change the world, one encounter at time.

[depakid]

8. Now that and five bucks will also get you a scrambled egg breakfast

personal philosophies don't win elections or change public policy.

[LaurenG]

10. They do though.

The respect that we show for each other would be the beginning of a change, if we had a leader who not only behaved in ways that were supportive of those they led, but supported the people they served. This is not something that will happen overnight, it will take time.

Generation after generation have become more and more aware of the things they did that were ugly. We are evolving as human beings and we are going to need someone who can not only make executive decisions we need in a leader but someone who shows us our better selves which in turn cause us to make better choices. Choices that are supportive of all of us.

A war monger or someone with the attitude that they are the "decider" only serves to alienate thinking people. I'm looking for a better world, one that nurtures it's inhabitants and the home we call earth. The old way of doing things is passing away, we are headed into uncharted waters and we need someone who knows what a heart is for.

[Voice for Peace]

11. If his perspectives ignite the better part of human nature, which it does, except that

you don't really see it on this board, then change can happen. Ending
the mindset that got us into war, gets us into wars, big and small.

[polpilot]

12. People have forgotten what can happen when Pro-War, Pro-NAFTA policy leaders are banished. Hope

springs eternal. Yes it does!

[depakid]

13. That's magical thinking

You can't reach out to those who'd cut your arm off.

What changes public policy (as true today as it's always been) is economic consequences and the willingness to get down and dirty in the trenches. Oppressive regimes and their supporters (in this instance, "movement conservatives and fundies) don't up and change their stripes- not will they simply give up power without fighting tooth and nail.

[Voice for Peace]

14. It's magical thinking to imagine it can happen all at once; but as the poster above

points out, evolution of the human race is still taking place. In a speech I heard Obama give, I think it was in ND, he was talking about a long term vision. It's going to take more than one president to lead America out of this mess; and I think all of us need to have long-term vision as well as deal with the immediate state of things, which includes dealing with people who thrive on cheat and deceit.

To be honest, I am in favor of magical thinking. If it isn't true magic that makes this whole universe exist, I don't know what does. I believe in possibilities, even the most magical sort.

[anigbrowl]

9. Whereas supporting Hillary gets you a free donut?

I'll have to try that one at 7-11 tomorrow. I'll let you know how it works out!

[sandnsea]

16. No, it gets you a Presidential nomination

and a changed world. Even for the cynics.

[Faygo Kid]

2. Plus, he can pronounce "nuclear" and doesn't "misunderestimate" people.

What an utter disaster George W. Bush has been. What abiding hope Barack holds out for a better day. I will even take the "little" things - like literacy - from our next President.

Of course, as your post reflects, Barack does much better than just that.

[quantass]

6. Cool pic!

[Voice for Peace]

15. That's a REALLY big hat!

[Redstone]

3. What, he's Jesus Christ incarnate? Come on. I like the guy, but that's a stretch.

There has NEVER been a politician who fills THAT bill, and never will be.

Redstone

[Voice for Peace]

18. There's nothing in that post about Jesus Christ.

And in a very real sense, I don't think of what's happening with Obama as being about him. I think he's a really smart and sharp guy with enormous talents for energizing & motivating other people. Plus I think his integrity is authentic, and that he lives what Socrates called a considered life.

The real phenomenon is that inside of people there is a beautiful power, and it's that which makes great things possible.

[quantass]

4. Give your friend a cookie ... great email!

[babylonsister]

5. Thanks, Voice for Peace. You have one smart friend there! nt

[QC]

17. Didn't Tom Cruise once say that while jumping on a couch? n/t

[DemGa]

19. Wow, someone drank deeply!