Whispering in the President's Ear

From the Tracy Press Newspaper, Wednesday January 21st, 2009

In President Barack Obama, I see a confident man who understands the truth of what was, the clarity of what is and the confidence to lead us to be accountable for what will be.

I, like millions of Americans, have been fascinated with the transition that our nation has just made.

In my house, the news is always on. Frequently, I have found myself talking to the TV screen. No doubt, my words have fallen on deaf ears. But somehow I feel better just putting it out there.
Usually, my words are words of praise, thanksgiving and joy. But sometimes, I want to put in the correction.

Each time I hear President Obama answer a question, I want to offer my spin as to how I wish he’d answer it. Often, I’m surprised that just as I’m about to speak, he offers words of wisdom that far exceed my humble offerings, so I sit back and just smile. However, if there is one answer that I want to whisper in his ear, it would be this.

When asked how he feels about taking the oath of office on the steps of the Capitol, which were built upon the backs of slaves, or when he’s asked what it feels like to move into the White House, which was also built by slaves, I want him to say:

“Oh, they knew. They had to know that this day would come. That’s why they did such a masterful job. They could not have survived the slurs, the whippings, the belittlement had they not held on to their vision of the dream that this day would someday come to be. As I stand on these steps built by these men, I am truly standing on their shoulders. Their work was not in vain — I would not be standing here, had they not first tilled this land, forged these stones and built these steps. I stand here today honoring their efforts.”

I’m not an advisor — he hasn’t asked my opinion. But if he ever did, that would be the message I’d whisper in his ear.

• Thinking Out Loud runs occasionally in Our Town for the Tracy Press Newspaper. www.tracypress.com.