His First 100 Days
Sometimes we need to remember that our President is a man. Not a god, not an idol. He is not omnipotent nor is he infallible. He makes mistakes, changes his mind, says the wrong thing, scratches himself in inappropriate places, tells bad jokes and occasionally passes gas in public. How do I know? Because we all do.
He has a family that he loves, just as they love him. He also argues with his spouse, becomes exasperated with his kids and makes them cry, spills coffee all over the place, throws his dirty socks on the floor and forgets to put the cap on the toothpaste. How do I know? Because we all do.
He's a man with the most important and intolerable job in the world. He has millions of bosses telling him what to do and how to do it within a million time frames. Sometimes he feels discouraged, abandoned, afraid and alone. How do I know? Because we all do.
Our President is a man with a family trying to do his job to the best of his ability. Agree or disagree with him vehemently - that is but one of the blessings of being a citizen of the United States of America. But when you pause to take a breath ... spare one for him.
Take a look at these photos that are in the current edition of Time magazine. His first 100 days.
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1893255,00.html
















I don't think a day goes by that either my husband or I just casually mention how happy we are to have him for our President.
I know he has been a big disappointment for some, and I can't say I have agreed w/ his every move. But, this is the first time in my adult memory that we've had a President that I'm proud of. That makes me feel down in my bones that he is really trying to do what's best for us.
Thanks for the pics, Missy...
April 24, 2009 9:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
They make him a bit more human - something we all need to remember he is from time to time.
April 24, 2009 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Very well said. Very insightful.
We're not going to agree with everything he says or does - none of us. I can live with that. I am just glad we have a President that speaks to us like adults, displays good reasoning skills, and is staying centered during what must be some of the most trying times anyone in the Oval Office has seen since the 1930's.
And talk about a thankless job...
Know what I think the difference is? Those two adorable kids. We have a guy in there who sees his kids every day, and thinks about the world he'll be leaving them when he's done.
April 24, 2009 10:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're so very right, me. He's trying to look so much farther ahead than most of us can imagine. We'll never agree with everything he decides, we'll be disappointed and angered. We already are. Yet, as imperfect as he may be, he's our President and deserves our respect.
April 24, 2009 11:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well said. And thanks for the reminder.
April 25, 2009 12:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
I just watched Howard Dean on Bill Maher. One thing Dean said that kind of stuck with me was that America has high ideals. We may not always live up to them, but the fact that we try to is what makes us admired.
I know President Obama has very, very, VERY high ideals. I don't expect that he will always be able to live up to them, but as long as he keeps trying, we'll all be better for it.
Nice blog, barefooted. Thank you.
April 25, 2009 9:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
As long as he keeps trying ...
I believe he will, Bwak, as must we all.
April 25, 2009 6:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, and if anything try even harder now.
Our President needs our help, not blind loyalty. That is an insult to principled people.
April 25, 2009 8:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
barefooted, thank you. A president who, not only knows he's human, but isn't afraid to be seen as human too. Beautiful.
April 25, 2009 3:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nice change of pace, eh? Funny how not being afraid to have faults brings a strength all its own.
April 25, 2009 7:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
You couldn't be more correct!
April 25, 2009 7:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
I see a humble man. I see a contemplative man. I see a common man. I see a family man. I see a consummate President.
Thank you for the thoughtful words, and link, barefooted.
April 25, 2009 7:34 PM | Reply | Permalink