Dear Editor,
Never met the man and probably never will, but I am impressed by the presidency and achievement of President Barack Obama. History will confer the appropriate accolades in time and future generations will reap or chafe. Impact is certain; miraculous seemed his appearance and rise on the world stage in just the past 12 years; some may even say divine providence. God works in mysterious ways.
The unlikeliest of candidates embodying both the heartland of America and the heartland of Africa; educated in Muslim Indonesia and ivy league Harvard; community organizer in Chicago; this black man rose to the presidency with audacity.
Yes, a black man, but president of all Americans. He was elected to office by Americans of all races and of all economic ladders; he represented a vision, a dare, a risk and a challenge, and reality. He has proven again that black leaders of great calibre do exist, and that blackness is not an obstacle to success. His presidency also proves that blackness will excite passions in some societies, in various directions, among some groups.
The hope of so many, he also became the poster child for everything that is still wrong about the country and the world. Republicans vowed from day one to make his life miserable and determined he will be a one-term president. They obstructed him in every way and at every turn. Elected it seemed to make sure the president (and the country) fails. Yet he prevailed against the odds on many occasions; yes, the black boy from Chicago saved the auto industry, saved the economy from a second Great Depression, passed health reform that gave millions healthcare for the first time, and he laid Osama bin Laden to rest, and more. He was elected to a second term.
At the same time, Barack Obama brought out the demons hiding in the hearts of many. Reminding us that evil forces are forever lurking just beneath the surface in the hearts of man. It takes very little for these to bubble to the surface; you don’t have to do people anything it happens automatically when they think they are losing ground, when they believe they are governed, threatened by those who look or think different than them.
So, President Barack Obama was a force for good but also a reminder of what is still to be accomplished in this world. God uses the least among us to teach us these important lessons; he seeks out the unlikeliest of characters to represent him among our peers. Barack Obama has done what he came to do; a President for his time. The rest is up to who comes after.
You came, you saw, you conquered. You held the office with decency and distinction. I wish him and his family well. Sayonara!!!
Glenn Schmidt
Statia
