Staring @ the Ceiling

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. — Barack Obama, November 4, 2008 in Chicago, IL USA.

Barack Obama is intelligent, well-spoken, and has a firm grasp on the issues facing our country. But even more important, he’s a true leader.  This became the primary reason I supported Obama in his candidacy for the presidency, because all of my other reasons stemmed from these impressive leadership skills.

A true leader instills confidence in those around him, encourages them to do more than they might think they are capable, of, and helps them to believe in the impossible.

Robert Kennedy once paraphrased a George Bernard Shaw quote by saying ‘There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask why? I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?’ in what I believe to be one of most inspirational quotes in history.

When I listen to Obama speak, I’m reminded of two of our country’s best leaders.

That Franklin Delano Roosevelt was able to rally the US behind him is a testament to his incredible talent as an ebullient public speaker.  That the country had been well-steeped in a stifling depression for almost 4 years when he gave that first inaugural address is a testament to his qualities as a leader.

Can you imagine a country dealing with 25% unemployment, failing stock market and 5000 bank closings, 45% drop in industrial production, dust storms throughout the Midwest, and an escalating war in Europe – somehow STILL managing to feel great about the future? In spite of all the American people were facing in the early 1030s, FDR’s declaration that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” inspired them to sing “Happy Days are Here Again” with abundant enthusiasm and instilled a willingness to work together and make sacrifices. He believed in the United States’ ability to overcome any challenge if we worked hard with a spirit of cooperation.

John F. Kennedy is considered a great leader because of his belief that our strength as Americans was in our ability to work together for real and significant change.  One of JFK’s first presidential acts was the creation of the Peace Corps.  Americans immediately volunteered by the thousands to travel to underdeveloped nations to offer help and education. In fact, they volunteered so quickly that the program wasn’t yet ready.

JFK also possessed the ability to inspire Americans to do the impossible – such as landing a man on the Moon.  He first made the goal for landing a man on the Moon in speaking to Congress in 1961, saying ‘first, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him back safely to the earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.’

Kennedy made another speech in 1962 in which he said ‘no nation which expects to be the leader of other nations can expect to stay behind in this race for space.’ He also said ‘we choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.’

That says it all right there – we do it because we’re Americans and we can do anything if we put our minds to it and direct our energy towards a common goal.

Barack Obama possesses the strength and conviction it takes to be a true leader. You’ll notice that in the two historical examples I’ve given, the American people were asked to make sacrifices.  These two leaders ASKED much from us as a country, we enthusiastically rose to the challenges, and we prevailed together.