Getting to know the community is critical

I love this woman!

Just like with her husband, she is such a positive presence. They both set a tone of inclusion and valuing people. Monday she visited the Department of Education. Yesterday, they visited an elementary school together. Today she visited HUD. She is getting to know her community... ALL of her community. How cool is that?!

Here are some of her words that struck me the most...

So in addition to meeting you all here at these agencies, I’m taking time out, as well as Barack, to get to know the community that we’re in. We’re going to be visiting schools and neighborhoods throughout this area, because Barack and I always believe that investing in the community that you live in first and foremost is critical. And for the people here in this agency, we are now your neighbors.
So it’s important to remember — not that you need any reminding — but the issues that you’re working on every single day, in whatever way you are working on them, in whatever capacity, affect this community that we live in, as well. They affect you, your children, your grandchildren, your neighbors.

Comments (2)

Nora Thomason

You know one of the things I like is that she refers to her husband as "Barack" - I don't know why but it always bugged me when Laura Bush always referred to her husband as "THE President." I think it's because I felt like she viewed the rest of the Americans as the hired help - or so it sounded when she spoke of her husband this way.

Posted by Nora Thomason | February 5, 2009 1:56 AM

Posted on February 5, 2009 01:56

Janet

You're so right, Nora! I, too, have noticed the way Michelle says "Barack," but I couldn't pinpoint what I liked about it. I had completely forgotten about "Laura's" (or do I refer to her as "THE [former] President's wife"), but as soon as I read your comment, I can hear her voice in my head saying "THE President." As I write that, I also realize that by Laura referring to "THE President," it also puts her in a position to be "THE President's wife." Instead the current president and his wife speak in terms of each other on a first name basis, demonstrating that each have equal significance.

President Michelle Obama...though I don't get the sense that she's trying to set herself up for that, I definitely think she has it in her. I like that thought, Pam! :)

Posted by Janet | February 5, 2009 8:47 AM

Posted on February 5, 2009 08:47

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