Obama's speech was a terrific reminder that America can lead and be respected in the world if it once again has a President who is a true leader and someone whom the world can respect. To someone who saw news clips of JFK's Berlin speech, this was every bit as exciting. Obama spoke primarily to the young people of Europe and the world, promising them that America would stand with them in facing the very real challenges and sacrifices that lie ahead--terrorists, nuclear weapons, the dark side of globalization, gross inequality, and global climate change. He soundly rejected the idea that any nation, no matter how powerful, could go it alone. Above all this city, he said, reminds us of how much we need each other. The desire for liberty is greater than any of the things that divide us. He called upon people to "tear down the walls" that divide races, countries, religions, ideologies.
As one of the MSNBC commentators said, George Bush goes to Europe and draws huge crowds of protestors. What a treat to see an American leader speak to cheering, enthusiastic crowds again.
And for the home folks, over and over he said how much he loves American and what it has traditionally stood for, the promise that drew his father from Kenya to the US. No one else could have done what he did. McCain seems so small at this moment, so 20th Century.
I had just turned 18 when JFK won his election for President and nothing since has given me such hope for the future. Don't be afraid to let yourself hope, folks. Hope, and work to make that better future a reality.
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