Never could I ever imagine that Barack Obama will not be in office. "Obama, Out" is the new fashion when he concluded at the Correspondents' Dinner Speech, which shows great respect for the recent-retired NBA basketball superstar Kobe Bryant.
For the record, I have not pay much heed to the U.S. and Mr. President until the controversial president-elect Donald Trump repeatedly backfires his promises and openly disparages the ethical values which the American people stand for. It was a total fiasco for those elites and so-called meritocracy. Believe it or not, everyone is at stake, or so the world seems to be.
However, before the history set its path for the upcoming inauguration in Jan.20, 2017, it is time for me, and for those who are so fortunate to witness what Mr. President have done in the past eights years. There are a few key words I would like to accentuate.
Reason and Values
I have to admit that there are so many people who obviate his achievements with benign or malicious intentions, but whenever I am bombarded with swarming criticism on Mr. President's policies, I would jump at the chance to learn and think harder before commenting with prejudices. Values may differ, but reason prevails in the end.
This scenario leads me to the very essence ofAnimal Farm, a political story written by George Orwell. If one has no reason or the ability to tell right from wrong, he is bound to blindly believe those demagogues who claim to server their interests. Cynicism and hypocrisy is no cure to the social injustice. Nothing will happen without our own efforts. In his farewell speech, he decisively pointed out:
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the Internet, try talking with one of them in real life. If something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you're disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. Show up. Dive in. Stay at it.
Feb. 16, 2016; “President Obama reacts as his putt falls just short during an impromptu hole of golf with staffers Joe Paulsen, left, and Marvin Nicholson after the U.S.-ASEAN Summit at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, Calif.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Action
Another spectacular moments traces back to the very day when he delivered his winning speech in Chicago in 2008. At the time, preoccupied with endless tests and mundane high-school activities, I was presumably dumbfounded to see an African-American politician on TV running for the next president of the United States. He was so decent and charming, always wearing a sharp suit for formal occasions and of course, a warming smile in his face. The whole campaign had set me think about the partisanship and races in every regard. The outcome was a victory for democracy and social equality no matter what the media had predicted. The keynote campaign and frantic crowd was much like the new battlefield in social media, particularly in Twitter, where all the remarks and opinions are divided and self-arrogant. Fairly speaking, supporters and opponents could never sit down and friendly discourse with each other.
When Obama calmly came to the podium, his audacious conviction has explained everything:
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
The self-awakening did not come easily. His election was the very conviction that the American Dream was possible for everyone to pursue. Since then, I hold great esteem for the man who have earned the presidency with his relentless efforts.
Sept. 1, 2011; “President Obama pauses while talking with a writer from National Geographic during his visit to Midway Atoll.”(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Faith and Hope
In 2009, my dream was shattered by the lackluster performance in the College Entrance Examination. Devastation, remorse, helplessness all rushed in and my parents felt the same. We had a dispute and I lost. I had succumbed to their disappointment and decided to choose English aimlessly. Despite that my English outperformed the majority of my contemporaries in almost every crucial examination, I was still at my crossroads.
Fours college years was much like a dream with moments passing by. I used to listen his weekly addresses and came to realize that life is your adversary and the world is your hands to change.
His public speaking titillated me and his firmed belief reverberated whenever I stumbled in my life.
His memoir inspires me as well.He is an exemplary, I suppose. Back in 2010, I was thrilled to read one of his books,Dreams from My Father, in which he boldly discussed his childhood, his difficult years in Chicago as community leader andhis race and roots in Kenya. Uncompromising and optimistic were his words and his endeavors to come. I began to catch a glimpse of his life and his struggle during my summer vacation.
When he was re-elected in 2012, it was my best wishes that he could contribute more the the turbulent world. Another four years has come to an end. To me, the past eight years attest to his promises.
Now, his term ends, but his legacy stands. In his farewell speech, all he embodies is inclusion and hope for a better generation. About 40-minute speech epitomizes everything this administration has gone through.I am tremendously moved by his passion and love for his family. He is humorous and dedicated as usual, stirring the hearts of all.
Nov. 10, 2016; “Two days after the election, the President meets with President-elect Donald Trump.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Perhaps what saddened me is not only the overwhelming citizens, but also my passing days and memories.
Differences are inevitable, all we can do is embrace and compromise. However, I do not care what others may think or judge this essay, but I will continue to look up to him and strive to be a game-changer.
I won't stop. In fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my remaining days.
Thank you, Mr. President~
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