Obama Delivers Comfort to Nation - image blog adamforillinois
President Obama delivered an inspiring speech last night at the Tucson Memorial for those victims of a non-political, deeply disturbed, 22 year old, who had held an interest in Representative Gifford since 2007, in other words, an individual similar to a John Hinckley, or one who has lost touch with reason. It is the most heart wrenching type of murder simply because there is no clear rationale, which leaves the families and the nation at a loss to explain and to prevent this type of horrific event from occurring. The grief of the family and, in this instance, with a Federal Judge and Federal Elected Official among the dead and wounded, the nation, should have, from the outset been the chief consideration of the media –however, it was not. As those who sit upon their pedestals of non-stop partisanship, major media outlets used the event to further an agenda by attacking, for the most part, individuals who hold different political views, in the most disgusting display of blind partisanship journalism seen in this nation to date. The President, our President, took away the vitriol and delivered a speech that was meant to comfort those families so heartbroken, and the nation, both heartbroken and divided, the later due to those in position of delivering “news”, politicizing the event, instead of actually doing their job and reporting facts. It is not the bloggers, of which there are many of us who would defend, and reflect upon what happened, as so many fish in a sea of opinions, rather the “First Estate” of Journalist who, of their own accord, turned what should have been a solemn occasion, into a circus.
The President, our President, touched upon the crux of the matter, remembering each victim, and in the process of his oratory, delivering a message regarding rushing to judgment when all the facts are not, as yet, available.
From the text of Obama’s remarks: (CBS News)
But what we can't do is use this tragedy as one more occasion to turn on one another. As we discuss these issues, let each of us do so with a good dose of humility. Rather than pointing fingers or assigning blame, let us use this occasion to expand our moral imaginations, to listen to each other more carefully, to sharpen our instincts for empathy, and remind ourselves of all the ways our hopes and dreams are bound together.
It has never been said, more eloquently, nor more passionately, regardless of the time and place, the import of all of us, Republican, Conservative, Tea Party, Democrat, Liberal, Progressive, to, of course, disagree politically, but to do so in a manner that includes due diligence as to the facts, and relies not on partisanship alone, rather on an exchange of ideas. It was, to this former Democrat, Independent, Republican, American Moderate Woman, a call to civility, delivered in such a time, place and manner as to make one take stock of what it means to take part in the public discourse, to be part of the American Dream. Moreover, how, no matter the occasion, as a Citizen of these United States of America, having the privilege of open debate, and the ability to exercise the freedoms granted all of us by our founders, to express our opinions on any given subject.
However, there is the point where we must, as noted by the President, do so with a sense towards true debate, where one might actually state an opinion and have a civil debate with one who holds opposing views. This is the only way to broaden our horizons, and to step up to the promises of our forefather, and the obligation they bestowed on each and every one of us. Of course, this call to civility, so ordered by the President, in a time and place that compels each of us to pay attention and take stock of our own lack thereof, will last only as long as the next deadline, in some cases, and in others, we may strive to give voice to concerns, and differences, and yet, politely agree to disagree. However, one thing is certain and President Obama made that point well – regardless of our difference, whenever a situation arises, we, right, left and center, rise together to heal, combat, or rejoice. It is what makes this nation exceptional. From this blogger, thank you, Mr. President, for your kind, healing, words, and your emphasis on what makes this nation the Beacon of Hope to millions, despite our differences, or perhaps because of our differences, we rise above and carry on.
No comments:
Post a Comment