Speaking One’s Mind

I’m not a particular fan of our current president, nor am I an outspoken critic of him either. I’ve seen glimmers of brilliance and duplications of errors made by so many other politicians over the years. His idyllic outlook often puts him at odds with the majority while is simplicity is attractive to even the most staunch critic. The very least one can say is that he is an original and has surprised us over the years with some of his profound comments and decisions.

I honestly never thought I would see a sitting president make positive comments about the gay community or the idea of marriage among other than heterosexuals, especially during an election year when the results were guaranteed to be counterproductive to his campaign, yet there he goes again with another surprise. I would like to say it was a grand mistake, but frankly, anytime a head of state takes a stance to acknowledge the minority over the majority opinion, it shows a certain level of courage one simply does not find among the average politician these days.

While many quote the words of Abraham Lincoln, here is a man that takes a stance, no matter how unpopular, that supports a minority with little chance of a positive political outcome. I suppose the thing that impressed me was the matter of fact sincerity we saw and an understanding that the office of President isn’t supposed to be about always doing what is popular, but more about doing what is right for the country, regardless of it’s popularity. If the historians that write about his presidency fail to note the many attempts he has made to heal old wounds and to truly represent the rights of every single citizen, no matter how insignificant, they shame on them for failing to see what will certainly be a defining moment in this country.

Regardless of a persons beliefs, the constitution guarantee’s they certain rights and privileges. We often forget the importance of that when we are in the heat of battle, fighting for our own point of view. Thankfully, there are a few cooler heads out there that look at the broader scope of things. So, while I don’t necessarily like the man, he had earned a bit more of my respect this week. I may never have a genuine liking of the man, but that little habit of his is one that I would certainly like to permanently engrain in every politician out there. It certainly couldn’t hurt the country.