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Global Change: Barack Obama’s Capacity to Change the World
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In earlier posts, I have written about the capacity for one individual to change the world. The first one is about the impact of individual actions. The second one is about Barack Obama’s capacity to bring about change at the national level through his authentic presence.
In that post I wrote:
“What Obama brings is hope, compassion, candor and authenticity. The power of this one man’s willingness to bring his whole self forward (not just his mind, but his heart and his spirit) is evident in the outpouring of support he has been receiving. His presence has brought about an upsurge in energy, excitement, and active involvement.”
If anyone doubted the power of authenticity and compassion, the election results in the U.S. vividly demonstrate its powerful impact on the national level. Obama was able to talk to the best in each of us – to talk to our commonalities rather than our differences. As a result, United States citizens rose above their differences and came together with new vision of the future.
In the December 8, 2008 issue of Newsweek Magazine, Fareed Zakaria writes about the power of Obama’s personality at the global level. Obama now has the opportunity to do at the global level what he did at the national level. As Zakaria states:
“Were his administration to demonstrate in its day-to-day conduct a genuine understanding of other countries’ perspectives and an empathy for the aspirations of people around the world, it could change America’s reputation in lasting ways.
This is a rare moment in history. A more responsive America, better attuned to the rest of the world, could help create a new set of ideas and institutions—an architecture of peace for the 21st century that would bring stability, prosperity and dignity to the lives of billions of people.”
Yes, he can. :)
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2 Responses to “Global Change: Barack Obama’s Capacity to Change the World”
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Not only was the election itself a tremendous opportunity for change, but we are offered a great opportunity at the http://www.change.gov website. The transition team has posted information on the meetings taking place with various groups and organizations, and given the American people for the first time ever, an opportunity to have a place at the table. If we so choose, our voices can and will be heard. It’s like attending a town hall meeting at the national level.
We’re being asked to hold discussions on how the future of health care in America should be shaped between now and Dec. 31st, and to report the results back to the Transition team. This is truly ground-breaking, and I look forward to the chance to participate.
Thanks for the information Celeste!
Deb