Government

“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” – Thomas Jefferson

A new poll found that 1/3 of Americans could not name the three branches of government, but 3/4 could name an American Idol judge.

During the past few presidential elections, there has been a lot of talk about having a beer with the candidates. Pollsters claimed that George W. Bush won both of his terms in part because he was the candidate that most Americans would prefer to make a toast with. Never mind that he doesn’t drink.

I just recently heard a bit on NPR about sipping suds with the President Obama. I get it – He is a cool cat. And, George Bush would surely make you laugh and spit beer out your nose with one of his Bush-isms.

How and when did we determine the measure of a president based on whether we want to get drunk with them? That’s what I don’t get.  I can think of plenty of people that I would love to have a beer with, but the president? Do people actually vote with that kind of thinking in mind? I can picture it now: Asking Mr. Candidate about his view on North Korea with Sweet Home Alabama blaring out of the jukebox, college girls “woo-ing” and slamming shots in the corner, and the cloud of smoke hanging just above your heads.

If so, I am afraid. Maybe a better “social” measure for a good president would be one you want to have a coffee with in your local coffee shop. At least the image of a coffee shop provides a more intellectual view: people playing chess, a local musician strumming at his/her guitar, people reading the latest books, conversations about current events and philosphy.

This beer buddy vs. coffee friend measure exemplifies this country’s divide between the intellectual elite and average joe. Frankly, I don’t want my beer buddies making the decisions that the President is required to make. I want a President who is surrounded by educated individuals who are willing to challenge him intellectually. Not those who want to challenge him to an arm wrestling contest.

Don’t get me wrong. I love to tip back a few, sing along to the cheesy jukebox music, and watch the local drunks act like fools. Shoot, I have been that fool. However, when it comes to the person running this country, I’ll take the guy that seems like a good coffee buddy that wants to get knee-deep in public policy. Even if some might call him “uppity” or elitist.

So, while I think President Obama might also be a good bar buddy, I’ll stick to the vision of sharing a cup of joe and a discussion on issues more pressing than whether or not OJ is guilty.

In the age of the new Obama administration, this word is as common as spots on a leopard. People are hopeful that his election will change the paths of the many young African Americans living in poverty. People are hopeful that his actions will improve the economy, and somehow eliminate our debt, create millions of jobs, AND cut taxes. People are hopeful that President Obama will end wars, keep us safe, and create peace in the Middle East.

I have never described myself as hopeful, particularly in respect to a politician. To be frank, I am not very hopeful that all of the above mentioned things will happen during this administration, or even in my lifetime. However, I cannot help but feel a little hope when I see the crowds that show up for him, the renewed interest in government in this country, and the constant barrage of hopeful news surrounding President Obama’s every breath.

I stopped to think about all this, and why I find myself hopeful, even if reservedly. Sure I can appreciate the magnitude of our actions in electing a minority to the highest position in the land; Something else I was not hopeful to see in my lifetime. I breathed a big sigh of relief at the long overdue change in the White House.

But, let’s face it. Congress makes laws. There was no revolution to overturn the archaic, out-of-touch lack of representation of average Americans. The top 1% has a third of the money and about 95% of representation in the federal government. The president may do his best to give the middle class a voice, but we will be drowned out by the shouts (or the $$) of that 1%.

Exactly what is it that I am hopeful about then? For the first time in my 30+ years life, the President of my great country is an intellectual. Yes, I said it, an intellectual. No, not a nerd, not a snob, but a person who values hearing opinions on both sides of an issue. A person who shows the hunger to learn, and truly wants to hear what the citizens he represents have to say. A person who makes speeches pitched at higher than a 5th grade level.

President Obama may not solve all of our problems, or keep even half of his “promises”, but I argue that he will help to improve our image and inspire us to challenge ourselves and our fellow Americans. After all, he is the most powerful leader in the world! Leaders should be just that. Leaders should sound intelligent, challenge themselves, the lawmakers, and their citizens. Leaders should welcome diplomatic relations with political and world leaders from different schools of thought.

He has already instilled hope in the apathetic and apolitical, and inspired dialog between opponents. But, I think the real hope that President Obama brings to this nation and the world at large is a new-found respect for intellect and challenge.

I believe it is time we put the days of folk speak behind us, and hold our leader(s) to higher standards. After all, aren’t they the ones making decisions on behalf of the millions of citizens and representing us to the diverse and powerful world?