My prediction for Obama’s speech this evening is that there will be no announcements about the legalization of marijuana or a ban on torture or an immediate withdrawal from Afghanistan or the outlawing of potato chips and fast food. The President will instead try to rally the nation around the idea that our eyes have to lift off the ground and as a nation we must gaze into the stars.
The media are calling this a sputnik speech referring to Eisenhower’s challenge to this Nation that we will not fall behind Russia in the Race into Space. Our new rival is China. The Red Middle Kingdom has spent our trade deficit on improving its infrastructure and their military weaponry. The USA produces little of its consumption thanks to the off-shoring of industry, the yuan’s low value to the dollar and a cowered work force.
I’m watching the speech on CNN online. Thousands of miles away on the other side of the world. It’s 9:05 PM. The President is making his way down the aisle of Congress. A sustained applause from both parties and the audience. He’s wearing a soft blue tie. Hands extended to him and he offers comments to the representatives and senators. Another few minutes and he’ll be live from Washington DC.
The President of the USA.
I still like him.
And Fenway’s mom put the speech on the TV for me.
His reach isn’t as long as Michael Jackson, but he gives me hope for a better world.