YOUNG VOICE
Obama and Ina
Yes, We can. This campaign slogan has been abused and clichéd. It dominates the newsstands in bold-written headlines and revolutionized the definition of catchy titles for cover stories. Yet, it has also been the cry and the source of hope for millions of people around the world who deemed for change.
Yes, We can. This is the campaign slogan of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. The mere shadow of this Hawaii-born lawyer is a beacon of optimism not only to his nation, but to each individual who waited so long for change. Obama made the union of skin color clearer as the first Black American President. His powerful speeches satisfied the long lost dreams of society and has given boost to the tiny spec of hope into a possible reality.
I could not agree more with the majority. Obama is more than qualified to reside in the White House. He graduated law in the prestigious Harvard Law School and even became the first black president of the publication, Harvard Law Review that stirred up media and made him known to the bigger crowd. I am inspired with his unmistakable honesty when he confessed of his teenage drug experiences. I am certain his seven years as a State legislator of Illinois and around three years as a U.S Senator would give him more than ample experience to run the land flowing of fast food chains. But, his accomplishments, his overwhelming speeches, nor his envied height of 6'1 ½'' were not the reasons why my youthful spirit is at rest with him.
There is one underlying reason for my admiration of President Obama. He is a family man. For me, that reason is good enough to put his country and my world's trust in his shoulders.
President Obama and I are both hooked to the Harry Potter Series. Yet, I liked him more when Michelle, his wife, revealed that President Obama would spend time to read the series to his two daughters, Malia and Sasha, also fans of the series. For someone who has his daily schedule submerged in meetings, conferences and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, he proved he is a good father.
I read in an online article that President Obama once had an unhealthy habit, smoking. Although this fact wouldn't be a turn-off to millions of his supporters, it could have been for me. But, not until I knew that he stopped smoking on the advice of his wife. I get giggles every time I see Mr. and Mrs. Obama publicly displaying their fondness of each other, it seemed genuine. For someone who has been proclaimed as the most superior and powerful leader of the world, he has proven that he's a good husband.
He is a family man, and I know he's more than ready to lead and be the strength of a larger family, his country and the world.
Just recently, I watched the Filipino novelty film, Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat, starring Ai-Ai de las Alas. And yes, I laughed at the weirdest combinations of proverbs and her impeccable obsession for multi-colored hair dyes. Filipinos really are suckers for corny jokes and odd humor. I was appalled that a governess can right there and then be inaugurated as the president of the country. But Filipinos produced the films with the best morals. Ina in the movie said, running a country is like running a family. I could not agree more. A man's ultimate success is not completely measured in the million's worth of bank accounts or high-ranking positions, but in the end it boils down with his relationship with his family.
The country is made up of millions of families which share the same amount of suffering, triumphs and hopes. It would be too soon for someone to lead a country while his kids are seeking for a father to put them to sleep while reading bedtime stories. It would be too soon for someone to lead a country while his wife is yearning for a husband to put up personal conversations with while spoiling each other with hugs and kisses. There is a reason why the family is the basic unit of
society. I believe that one can't be a good president, unless he first becomes a good father and a good husband.
Barack Obama is a family man; a good father, a loving husband. That's enough reason to place the world's trust in him.
(For comments and reactions please send an email to reylangarcia@gmail.com or an SMS to 09186363090. View my blog at http://www.theyoungvoice.blogspot.com.)