Barack Obama - Aug 2008
President Obama is in Ottawa today to meet with Prime Minister Harper and other Canadian leaders. It is a whirlwind tour of the Nation’s capital. There will be a brief press conference later this afternoon and the rest of the time will be spent working on serious topics.
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
Barack Obama - Feb 2008
In the wake of the global economic situation it is interesting that the chatter about this trip has circled around seeing the President in the flesh. The entire downtown core is blocked off and Secret Service officials are blanketing the city like a fresh snowfall. But the bigger question is – do we need to see him or do we need him to lead some of the solutions facing all of us?
Fame and Fascination
"We live in a culture that discourages empathy. A culture that too often tells us our principle goal in life is to be rich, thin, young, famous, safe, and entertained."
Barack Obama - Jul 2006
We are enthralled by celebrity. Obama is the most famous person on earth and it’s only natural that people would want to see him in action.
Despite the most historic Presidential election of all time won by one of the most charismatic political leaders in a decades, Obama himself has repeatedly reminded all of us that there is much work to do by all of us. This is not a U.S. situation, it is a worldwide situation. There is no time for pomp and circumstance.
Leaders and Laggards
"What Washington needs is adult supervision."
Barack Obama - Oct 2006
Strong leadership is enjoyed by most and some are meant to lead. It is not about a title or job description or education – it is about motivating others to work together on solutions.
It was amazing to watch the Obama camp embrace social media and empower millions of new voters to enjoy the freedom of having their voice heard and to make a difference.
Once the final morsels of confetti fell to the floor, the work began. Red carpets have been rolled way and sleeves are now rolled up.
Hope and Hard Work
"Faith is not just something you have, it's something you do."
Barack Obama - Dec 2006
I think it’s fairly safe to say that Canadians hope the President can inspire our leadership to work together across party lines and discard nick picky politics toward resolution. Perhaps the rest of us could do our part by getting to work rather than being concerned about a celebrity sighting?
Would you rather meet someone famous or be inspired by them?
km
cnet.com
