Thank you, President Obama

[H2O Man]

I am impressed with President Obama’s talk, which is being covered live on MSNBC. I say this, as: (1) a citizen who twice voted for him for president; (2) a person who has both agreed and disagreed with him on important issues; (3) an avid supporter of the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights; and (4) a human being who has had numerous relatives and friends murdered over the decades that I have been alive.

Some of these people were murdered with guns, some knives, some strangled, and one with a chain saw. In the past 15 months, I have posted several times about my cousin and his son being shot by an off-duty law enforcement officer. Hence, I recognize that no single law could have prevented the horrors of these numerous murders.

Yet, I am absolutely in favor of President Obama’s common sense, rational approach of trying to curb the hideous reality that -- no matter what statistics some point to -- our society is being damaged by on-going, high-profile incidents of gross violence. Hence, I will be calling not only the White House, but the offices of all of my elected representatives -- state and federal -- to express my support of President Obama’s efforts.

One last thing: I am very impressed with President Obama’s communication skills.

[countingbluecars]

1. Recommended!

I am with you on calling my elected representatives in support of President Obama's efforts.

[H2O Man]

5. Thank you!

I just posted a reply to my own OP, again stressing the need for people to contact their elected representatives. It means a lot to me that you responded this way. Again, thank you very much!

[etherealtruth]

2. K and R!!!!!!!!

[H2O Man]

6. Thank you!

That was a historic speech. Now, it's up to us to actively support the President. (The opposition is no doubt actively opposing it right now.)

[SalviaBlue]

3. K&R

[H2O Man]

12. Thanks!

[H2O Man]

4. The Power of Ideas

I believe that this was not only one of President Obama's finest speeches, but that it ranks with the very best in our nation's history. This gentleman clearly has a grasp of what my friend Rubin used to call the Power of Ideas. Thus, I am not surprised that some people -- on tv and the internet -- are saying, "but, it changes nothing."

The Power of Ideas includes the ability to clearly define the need for both words and action. This includes the ability to change the manner in which people understand important issues. That translates into people responding to President Obama.

Malcolm taught that if you place a sparkling, clean glass of water next to a glass of contaminated sludge, you can trust a thirsty public to make the correct choice. One need look no further than the contrast between President Obama's speech, and the terrorists in Oregon, for those glasses of water.

Each of us has the right and responsibility to make their beliefs known. We can be sure that a segment of the population -- those who tend to support the terrorists in Oregon -- will be contacting their elected representatives. I believe that we need to, too ....and express our support of President Obama on this important issue.

Thank you,
H2O Man

[SunSeeker]

7. K & R

[H2O Man]

9. Thank you.

[Oldtimeralso]

8. K & R

I am going to contact my Representative and ask for his support. I am a victim of gun violence.

[H2O Man]

10. Much appreciated.

I've been held at gun point before, but not shots were fired. (As a young man, with a large sense of self, my reaction was, "You better be a good shot, or else ...." I shake my head when I remember the madness of days gone by.)

When my cousin was seriously wounded, and his son died in his arms in October, 2014, it really changed the world that I live in. In my culture,"cousin" = sibling. I loved his son the same way that I love my nephews. There are many days that I struggle with an awful depression as a result of this tragic, unnecessary event. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

Thus, I especially appreciate your response here. It means more to me, than words can say.

[Cha]

11. Thank you, President Obama!

Mahalo H2O Man~

[H2O Man]

13. Thank you, Cha!

Among the reasons I loved President Obama's speech is that it resulted in each of my four children approaching me to discuss it. It is so important that the younger generation have a political leader who takes a firm stand on issues that they recognize as important.

[babylonsister]

14. Recommend!

I've made no secret of my admiration for this President. It seems he's consistently trying to do the right thing despite all the roadblocks and naysayers.

Thanks, H20 Man!

[H2O Man]

16. Thank you,

my wonderful Sister!

Last night, I started another of the many books that my children gave me for Christmas. (A total of 4,345 pages of new reading!) It's the second of Jonathan Alter's series on President Obama, "The Center Holds: Obama and his Enemies." I think it is "required reading" for Democrats.

Even in its opening pages, the author documents facts that we should all keep in mind as the 2016 elections approach. This includes disturbing information on the republican focus on local, state, and congressional races ....and the impact these have on the quality of life, including the on-going struggle for social justice, in every town and city in this country.

[spanone]

15. K&R...

[libodem]

17. .