I love this woman!
Just like with her husband, she is such a positive presence. They both set a tone of inclusion and valuing people. Monday she visited the Department of Education. Yesterday, they visited an elementary school together. Today she visited HUD. She is getting to know her community...ALL of her community. How cool is that?!
Here are some of her words that struck me the most:
So in addition to meeting you all here at these agencies, I’m taking time out, as well as Barack, to get to know the community that we’re in. We’re going to be visiting schools and neighborhoods throughout this area, because Barack and I always believe that investing in the community that you live in first and foremost is critical. And for the people here in this agency, we are now your neighbors.
So it’s important to remember — not that you need any reminding — but the issues that you’re working on every single day, in whatever way you are working on them, in whatever capacity, affect this community that we live in, as well. They affect you, your children, your grandchildren, your neighbors.
4 comments:
I would love to hear your thoughts on Obama's promise to sign that Freedom of Choice Act and the Defense of Marriage Act. I'm not trying to be rude, I'm just curious on your thoughts about it.
Oops I meant his promise to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.
But really that FOCA that he's promised to sign it what saddens me the most...
You wrote:
"One thing I truly respect about President Obama is his tireless dedication and commitment to ALL children"
While there are some things I do like about Obama, one thing I don't respect is his lack of dedication and commitment to people who aren't born yet.
They estimate roughly 100,000 more babies will be aborted each year (google it) if Obama signs the FOCA. I'm sure that's an overestimation, but even if its just 10,000, or 1,000, or 1 that's too many.
Part of me thinks he will have a change of heart and not sign the FOCA. I just can't believe a father with two daughters who seems so nice can do something so evil.
I think the FOCA is just that "freedom of choice." It's not my right to tell someone what their situation is and how to handle it. I think they need to make a decision based on their own circumstances--whatever those may be.
"While there are some things I do like about Obama, one thing I don't respect is his lack of dedication and commitment to people who aren't born yet." I see it differently. I think we currently have a lack of commitment to children once they *are* born. I don't think children deserve that either.
I don't think Pres. Obama advocates for abortion, nor would teach his daughters to choose it...no more than I would. But he believes in giving people the choice to make their own decision based on their circumstances.
The other thing that he has spoken of, which I completely agree with, is that in addition to signing the bill, he will also place effort in providing more education and access to contraception. I hear a lot of conservatives speak out against FOCA, but it's also conservatives who want "abstinence only" taught. It is also conservatives who are fundamentally opposed to the distribution of contraceptives that could prevent some of the pregnancies.
As for DOMA, I feel the same way...it's about choice. I don't feel like any person's rights should be less than mine. I think if they are a child's parent, they should have rights to see them in the hospital and take care of them if something happens to their "spouse." Right now, they don't have that right.
Looking through a religious lens, God gives us choices. He knows we you and I will mess up. But he allows us the free will. Personally, I don't think FOCA or repealing the DOMA act is allowing people to "mess up." But that is my own opinion...and God can make that call. While we are on this earth, though, I think there are many different types of families in our society. And I believe family is important and should be valued--even if it isn't the same as my own. I think that kind of respect needs to be better established in our communities.
Hi -
You said " It's not my right to tell someone what their situation is and how to handle it."
That statement is the same thing that Christians in the 1800's said about slavery - "just because I think it's wrong to have a slave, doesn't mean it should be illegal for everyone else."
Everyone who was for slavery was free.
Everyone who is for abortion has been born.
If that's not oppression, I don't know what is.
I believe that everyone should have a choice to do as they please, as long as they are not harming someone else....I personally have not heard the whole "abstinence only" thing in a LONG time. I am definitely all for having birth control available, and I know alot of other people who care about the lives of the unborn support free contraceptives, etc.
Actually, Obama did state that he "didn't want his daughter to be punished with a baby", so I'm sure he's not against abortion.
However, I predict that Obama will not sign the Freedom of Choice Act. Or at least it won't go through. I hope I'm right.
As for the DOMA, its not the gay marriage thing that bothers me (I support gays adopting - trust me they are needed) --- its the rights of Christians being lost, I don't think people are aware of the consequencs gay marriage will have on Christian wedding vendors, churches, schools etc., but that's a whole nother story.
Post a Comment