LARNED, Kan. - My wife noticed a phenomenon involving our two year old son. While they were walking at the mall, he would spontaneously shout "Barack Obama!" Pleased, but embarrassed by the unsolicited outbursts, she called me from her cell phone to report the incident. I reasoned that it must have been due to viewing so many pictures and television appearances of the newly elected president. She agreed, but wondered what triggered the behavior.
Well, it has been a couple of months and we have finally figured it out. I actually witnessed an occasion first hand in our home. One day our son pointed to an open closet and yelled "Barack Obama!" The only item that could even loosely be associated to President Obama was an American flag that was stored up on a closet shelf. To confirm my hypothesis, I showed my son other American flags and sure enough he yelled with excitement, "Barack Obama!"
A two year old who equates President Obama with the American flag. How poignant since during the campaign 'candidate' Obama was maligned as being 'un-American.' Only time will tell how his presidency will impact us all. Historically, when it comes to the public discourse on the subject of race, we may be a "nation of cowards" as suggested by the first African-American Attorney General Eric Holder, but we are to be commended for electing our 44th president. As a matter of fact, my son can now even say, "Barack Obama, the president!"
Of course, since his inauguration President Obama has been all over the news. When I listen to some of the pundits, I hear doubt, gloom, doom, skepticism, cynicism, and even mockery. Yes, it's politics as usual. But when I hear my son, I hear the voice of change, faith, hope, and even love.
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