Inspirational, my one word review of the Michelle Obama speech at the Presidential Library celebration. She is a beautiful person in all regards; gracious, genuine, empathetic, appreciative, humble, eloquent and so smart. The speech was delivered in complete sentences, delivered with passion and clarity, without notes or a teleprompter. It was a master class in expressing a message of hope and contrasting it with today’s leadership. I think there was a significant amount of “shade” on the current POTUS but done without a mention of his name. Obama left our country far better than he found it and led with dignity, his list of accomplishments form a legitimate lasting legacy. Michelle’s message reminded each of us that this country is ours, each of us play an important role in maintaining the dream of freedom and equality for all. I encourage you to listen to the full speech.
I have always enjoyed the music of Stevie Wonder. The many challenges he has overcome are a tribute to his indomitable spirit. In May of l973, Wonder had a premonition that led to the song, “Higher Ground”. A few months later he was in a serious automotive accident and suffered a life-threatening brain injury. The music is described as danceable funk rhythm that accompanies a “serious message about spiritual rebirth, social accountability, and second chances.” Sadly, the issues that Wonder describes in the 70’s remain today, “lovers keep on lovin’/believers keep on believin’, sleepers just keep sleepin’—an urgent wake up call to shake off cultural apathy and address poverty, war, and political deceit.” The link will take you to Wonder’s anthem at the Library Celebration with a few famous folks who admire and honor Barack and Michelle.
The picture is relevant as the extreme leadership in our own State have made ‘tree wrapping’ a thing. We had a law that prevented the display of the Pride Flag on public Buildings, several enlightened Mayors, including Lauren McLean and City Counsels adopted the Flag as an official City emblem, clever, but the Legislature took it another step and added penalties for the act. Boise now wraps its City Hall flag poles in the Pride Flag colors and this year it encircled the trees on Harrison Boulevard with the colors. I am proud of Boise being an inclusive city and defend the rights of those who chose an alternative peaceful life style. It is these same personal agenda driven Legislators who passed a now enjoined “bathroom” law, School vouchers, and proudly say they are endorsed by the Orange Wanker.
We are seeing the devastating outcomes of a Government that is no longer for the people or checked by the Congressional mandates. The Iran War may be over and the world’s economic collapse avoided, however, there is no “deal” that can repair the damage inflicted to the respect and reputation of the United States of America. The national and local primaries offered some hope that the political tide is turning against extremism. We all must aspire to reach “Higher Ground.” Mike
Higher Ground
