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Authors, sign in!My wife noticed a phenomenon over the Christmas holiday season 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 last week 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. Tonight, President Obama will address the American people and both houses of congress. He will articulate a grand vision for a great nation. My son and I will be watching. I look forward to hearing what the president has to say. And yes, I can't wait to hear my son yell with enthusiasm and amazement, “Barack Obama…the president!”
Published February 24, 2009 by Tony Hill |
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| Tags:
Barack Obama
Patriotism
Politics
Comments (4)
I love this! ...and the funny thing is, I've heard of at least two other two and three year olds doing the same types of things. I find that very interesting. I think we need to recognize how perceptive our little ones are to the very poignant issues of our time.
Posted by Janet Morrison
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February 24, 2009 8:37 AM
Posted on February 24, 2009 08:37
My kids, when they were little tots walking at the mall with us during the Christmas season, would not blurt out something like "Bill Clinton", but instead "happy birthday Jesus"!
But, that's my kids.
I just wonder when some of these enthusiastic toddlers start to grow up and wise up, will change their tone when they realize that "barackobama" just added with the stroke of a pen an additional $787B debt for them and their kids to try and figure out how to pay for!
Posted by Greg Petersen
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February 24, 2009 1:25 PM
Posted on February 24, 2009 13:25
Tony, your article here is well put together. It's not too long or not too short. It's free from localized politics that I can't relate to, free from numerical facts and figures, statistics, graphs, and hyperlinks that I have to muddle through which makes for easy reading and commenting. Good job!
Posted by Greg Petersen
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February 24, 2009 1:46 PM
Posted on February 24, 2009 13:46
Tony, great blog post. What wonderful thing that your son is growing up in this era. Your contributions to this site are most appreciated!
Posted by Nora Thomason
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February 25, 2009 10:36 AM
Posted on February 25, 2009 10:36