Being impressed, being disgusted

Things that impress me about the actions of the new president of the United States, Barack Obama:

1. He took his wife to a play in New York City.
2. He met up with his family in Paris during a business trip.
3. He looks at his wife with affection when they dance.
4. He took his family to national parks for a summer trip.
5. He took his family to a quiet retreat and had his staff ask the media to leave them alone together for a while.
6. He told fathers they have a responsibility to the children they father.
7. He walks his dog.
8. He apologized and tried to make amends after saying something stupid -- or should I say "stupidly."
9. He doesn't give up on a goal just because the opposition intensifies.
10. He lets Congress write the laws, just like the Constitution says Congress is supposed to do.
11. He cares enough about school children that he took the time (and hassle) to challenge America's youth in one of the most inspiring talks with some of the greatest insights and best encouragement ever, showing understanding and sensitivity and confidence in their abilities and a faith in their future.

Things that disgust me about some citizens in the United States of America.

1. They get riled over the President of the United States taking his wife to the theater in New York.
2. They get perturbed over some expense issue regarding the first family's trip to Europe.
3. They talk cynically about the president's attempt to clear the air with individuals in a racially-charged dispute.
4. They exaggerate to the point of absurdity the issues being debated before Congress.
5. They bring up nonissues beyond belief like place of birth.
6. They take exception to an address to school children in America by the President of the United States.

I think it's all these talking heads on all these cable channels, making mountains out of molehills. I think it's wild Internet postings. I think it's crazy radio talk-show hosts. I think its racism. I think its close-mindedness.

I think it's time for everyone to hold on to their hats and put on their brakes and open up their eyes and get a dose of what matters and what doesn't and when something wise is being said and when someone duly elected is providing leadership.

And in the meantime, everyone can get a shot of good old fashioned wisdom that is just as likely to bring a tear as it is to bring renewed hope and dedication from:
www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-in-a-National-Address-to-Americas-Schoolchildren