Read His Words

The more I hear, the more impressed I become. I read the speech Barack Obama delivered today. This is a link to the full text (pdf) of the speech. I encourage you to read it for yourself. For me, this speech was much more than an address on race relations in the United States. These are some take-aways that I find important:

• Rather than dumbing down to politically safe rhetoric and the empty sound bytes that have come to characterize professional politics in this nation, he articulates truth about complex issues with deep emotional overtones in a way that inspires unity for a common purpose for everyone's benefit. This alone is bold and utterly refreshing.
• He's willing to stand with people with whom he disagrees to lift them to a better place, not just throw away those with whom he differs.
• He respects the good that is present in those with whom he disagrees.
• He wants to return government to the people, not the narrow-minded, self serving special interest groups and corporate influence.
• He has substance, is articulate, and speaks as I expect a president to speak.
• His words teach, inform, and inspire!

I find this man to be a breath of fresh air in the stale, stagnant land of Washington politics, a land so out of touch with the people of America as to be all but useless. I am impressed! I can agree with a politician! I can sit here and hear the resonance of "Yes!" in my heart as I read his words.

Words matter.