Watching our president yesterday field questions from the audience left me questioning why we have not heard these types of questions posed to a president in so long. My immediate answer is that the previous president wanted to avoid such issues, so they began screening admittance to such events early into his presidency. They knew that he would not be able to handle such genuine questions from American citizens. I know that people have disagreements with President Obama, including myself; although my disagreements are not ideologically based, but more relegated to current policy initiatives.
Anyway, I sincerely broke down in tears yesterday watching him field the question from the homeless lady who asked for help. Most politicians, right or wrong, would have easily moved towards abstract speech about the woman's situation. Instead, this man asked what her name was. He made her story personable to his reality. He may not be able to intervene on the micro level with this woman and her family (although he commented that his staff would meet with her after the meeting), but I could tell that he has actually spoken to someone who is homeless before. Not a surface level conversation, but a real conversation about their hopes, dreams, faults, family, strengths, problems, etc. This is the experience that Republicans mocked at their convention last year, the "community organizer." Thank you for your genuineness and honesty with the American people Mr. President. With accurate information we will face our challenges and meet them with the same resolve that has seen this country through our many difficult hours.
Ever Onward!
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