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Words to Express
By priscillafairbank on 2008-11-08 10:18:37
This campaign has been long, expensive, exhausting, and, at times, tiresome and petty. One thing that has fascinated me has
been the rise of eloquence or, at least, the urge to express compelling arguments and passionate feelings. Some of this
perception may be my own increasing interest and daring to hope over this past year. However, I think that throughout this
campaign and election, there has also been a widespread awakening of hope and the passions it feeds. First are the sparks
of daring to hope. Those must be fanned gently by actions and statements that build trust; the flames can be easily
extinguished by missteps. Barack Obama has offered a message of hope to us, as citizens of the United States, and as
citizens of the world. He has conducted himself with integrity, discipline, and intelligence. The exploding of exuberance
when he was announced as President-elect demonstrates the energy and passion of so many people who hope for more.
Expectations have been raised but, so has energy. "Yes We Can." That mantra - three simple words - says so much. One
element of Obama's strengths is his eloquence. I welcome that to our national leadership in the White House. He offers not
just a heartfelt message, but one delivered with elegance - words that capture one's ear, stir the passions, and inspire. I cried
during his acceptance speech - tears of joy, relief, and hope. I sense the quality of our recent political language has risen to a
higher quality. No, I don't mean the political ads. I mean the people trying to explain the qualities they saw and supported
in candidate Obama and how Obama helped them feel hope. Complaints and feelings of desperation have been replaced
with words of hope and joy and a contagious energy. Endorsements by well known leaders such as Colin Powell spoke of
Obama's "ability to inspire" and the "inclusive nature of his campaign." His words were also spoken with eloquence. I am
hoping that the words that Barack Obama uses and that his example inspires, will continue to offer truth, transparency, trust,
inclusiveness, patience, understanding, and peace. "The pen is mightier than the sword." May we all raise our standards of
speech and seek to Wage Peace by choosing words that build bridges of understanding, speak truth to power, and continue to
fan the flames of hope.
