Our president had to give a eulogy for a senator and a minister slain in a Charleston, South Carolina church by a hate-filled madman, but then he sang "Amazing Grace" from the podium, in a voice threaded with sorrow and weariness, yet a voice that held in its cadence the will to keep fighting, to keep the faith, to keep on.
The day before, the Supreme Court of the United Stated had upheld Obamacare subsidies, once again refusing to dismantle the law. I personally love calling the Affordable Care Act Obamacare, because years from now when it is just a fact of American life, his name will be attached and he will get all the credit, just as so many try in the present to heap blame. But his back is strong. His health care plan prevailed.
And then. And then. On Friday morning the Supreme Court ruled that all people have the right to marry whom they love, regardless of gender. When the news hit, just in time for Pride weekend, landmarks across the country lit up with the colors of the rainbow, including the White House.
Banner headlines blared that the president's legacy had been sealed, which of course sent the GOP hacks into a collective freakout. They called for the abolishment of the Supreme Court, saying the justices were unelected so who were they to make law anyway? Where were these critics when the court gave George Bush the presidency over Al Gore back in 2000? They were pretty happy with the justices then.
My husband likes to say that everyone is playing checkers while Obama is playing chess. And he's right. All these victories didn't just happen. Obama has been moving pieces around the board for six years. It helped that a wide enough swath of America, perhaps not the most vocal swath, but certainly enough hearts and minds, finally brought about critical mass in the court of public opinion, led by a courageous president.
None of this "just happened."
History will tell.
Yes. When Obama got elected the first time, I remember my son calling me and crying. "We did it!" he said. And I cried and said, 'Oh my god. I can't believe it."
ReplyDeleteHis legacy is going to live forever. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this president. I am just so FUCKING GRATEFUL for him.
Damn. Damn. Damn.
I love him.
Mary, we lose sight sometimes of how amazing this man is, by virtue of the fact that he managed to be elected, and has managed to not only endure such vitriol, but do a measure of good in spite of it. I ache for him sometimes, because I can see that what he deals with has taken a toll, but I am so proud of him, too, and so happy for the way this past week has unfolded.
DeleteI am keeping my fingers crossed that this huge swell of goodness keeps going, that we get another four years of liberal government and further cement the legacy.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, just when we thought the night was darkest! What a bright fucking dawn!
DeleteYou are absolutely right. This is all part of a steady progression that has been developing for years, and to Obama's credit, he has led us like the capable, visionary leader he is. I love your husband's expression about checkers and chess.
ReplyDeleteCan you believe that image of the white house lit up like a rainbow? Could you ever have imagined such a thing back in the time of Ronald Reagan? I certainly couldn't. How far we have come!
Steve, I loved the photos of all the landmarks lit up in rainbow colors. Such a joyful sight! Do you think it was planned that this decision would come down just before Pride weekend? To me, that was the cherry on top!
DeleteIt is incredible that in the face of such fierce - and shortsighted - opposition Obama is able to keep the vision. It truly boggles my mind that anyone could spout such vitriol for the legacy he has gifted upon America. This includes some of the people I love in my own family. I don't get it. But, thank goodness our leader has the insight to play the long game.
ReplyDeleteOn another, but related note, national landmarks light up in the colors of the rainbow is a beautiful sight. It is very moving. Thanks for posting. Your words and pictures are very healing. Love wins!!
Gary, there are people in my extended family who have been very silent with me this week, people i love, who are still coming to terms. They'll get there. I truly believe that. I think if a person's default mode is loving, he or she will get there. And if they don't, well, the law is the law, so there's that! I have been so very moved by all of it, too. Nice to see you.
DeleteIt is a real shame that he can't be elected for another term. He is doing to much right for our neighbours to the south. That said, the twit that keeps getting elected in Canada (right wing conservative) since 2006. Far too long. I want him out!
ReplyDeleteOh I love this! Your husband's assessment is so right on.
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