Reflections on The Moment...................January 21, 2009

Two years ago I heard a man speak and he reminded me of another man

that I had hoped would become our leader. Forty years ago our country was in

deep turmoil, divided by an immoral war and racial hatred.  Robert Kennedy

emerged as a voice of peace, tolerance and unity in our deeply divided and

wounded country. I had the opportunity to meet him and to work for him. He

woke up the consciousness of this country and tapped into the idealistic energy

of youth. He was to be our hope for a brighter future and his energy and charisma

were unparalleled and almost unstoppable......almost!  The great tsunami of

hope and idealism died the day he was stopped by an assassin's bullet.  Our

country was thrown back into a state of apathy. No one was ready capable or

willing to step into this man's shoes.

For forty years we have witnessed many leaders come and go and none have

come close to rekindling this light.  Politicians became puppets as our country

continued on a divided path. This time the division was more than racial. It was

a socioeconomic one. Those who have wealth control control the masses who

work hard to support all of us. We have been on this path to self-destruction for

a long time. The greed, power and arrogance of our unbridled capitalistic  system

have resulted in an economic collapse of our country. We were quickly becoming

the new Roman empire.

But two years ago a man named Obama stepped up to offer us his vision of a new

world order.  His message resounded the words of Robert Kennedy and his youth

spilled the contagious idealistic energy that I had once experienced forty years ago.

The man spoke with an unwavering voice that was destined to wake up the spirit of

the American people. He spoke of hope and gave us a vision of a country united and

living in the spirit of its founders.  He was not supported by wealth but was confident

that deep inside, America was waiting for a wake-up call. Relatively new to the political

arena, his chances of succeeding were almost nil. But he was aware of this and

listened to his own soul. It was the urgency of the moment that called him and he

responded without fear.

His words touched our hearts and our souls. His message was loud and clear:  this

is our country and there is nothing that can stop us from governing ourselves. It is

ordinary people doing extraordinary things that has made our country great and he

was getting the message across. He reminded me so much of Bobby Kennedy that

I had to pull out the books I had on RFK .  These individuals have the same degree of

enlightenment and charisma.

It seemed too good to be true. I might get one more chance to see what might have been

in RFK's  "newer world".  One summer night I had the opporunity to see him in action

and to listen to his unforgettable voice. I was touched and so were most of those who

were there to listen to him.  I knew that night that this man was destined to create a

movement as we have not seen in this country.  The tsunami was for real and it would

touch all of America. An inspired leader has finally come to wake us up and to show us

how we can once more be the beacon of faith and hope for the world.

The fact that he is of African descent was easily transcended by this man. It is his spirit

that is vibrant and full of faith and hope.  He must be a God sent person that is here to

unite us in our path to make this a better world.  His energy and influence know no

borders. And there is no country that will not be touched by his influence.

Today as he assumes his post as a leader the whole world will be watching. This is no

rock star and no ordinary politician. He has become a symbol of all that he stands for.

I am very fortunate to have a second chance to work for someone who has touched me

as only one had.  The road has been long but the faith and the hope have been kept

alive and today is the beginning of a new day in America and the world. Today we begin

to create the "newer world" that Robert Kennedy dreamed of.  I am living that dream now

and I pray that God protects President Obama and grants him the strength, courage and

resolve to overcome the personal temptations of the office.

No matter the condition of this country we shall overcome if we can now overcome our

differences and come together as Americans and as good stewards of this world.

Today I will be there in spirit to live the beginning of a new era. I thank all those who

helped inspire this unique person to lead us.  Abraham,  Martin, Bobby and John will all

be there.....look for them and you might see them.

God Bless and protect our President and our Country.

Moose, enjoy the moment! I will be there...........

Juan

I just would appreciate when your people talk on CNN that you ALL refer to our President as President Obama not Mr. Obama....I am just listening to your 10am PST and he keeps being referred to as Mr. Obama...

Thank you,

Joanie Smith