The Obama Era

I value Barack Obama for reminding us what political leadership means. He showed that intelligence is a strength, compassion is a virtue, humility is not a sign of defeat, and dignity should be respected, not ridiculed. He is missed and appreciated by many.

I didn’t agree with all his policies, but I believed he was dedicated to serving all Americans.

He is an American who has endured many indignities, from questions about his birthplace to attacks on his legitimacy as an American citizen, because his father was born in Kenya, which, according to some, would make him ineligible for the presidency of the United States. Still, he handled it with class and grace.

Many politicians opined that his election to the presidency in 2008 marked the end of racial inequality and bias in this country. If only this were true! Instead, it awakened the sleeping giant of racism and bigotry, which fueled Donald Trump’s presidential ascent and affirmed the prominent place of whiteness in America. Black and brown people are useful for shining your shoes, cooking for you, and serving the interests of white privilege.

As the 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama’s key achievements included signing the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), guiding the nation through the 2008 financial crisis via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and authorizing the raid that led to Osama bin Laden’s death. He also helped secure the historic 2015 Paris Climate Agreement and ended decades of travel restrictions on Cuba.

During his first 100 days in office, Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, which extended the time frame for equal-pay lawsuits; authorized the expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP); secured congressional approval of a budget resolution emphasizing major health care reform; introduced new ethics policies to reduce lobbyist influence on the executive branch; diverged from the Bush administration on several policy issues, except in Iraq, where he continued troop withdrawals; supported the UN declaration on sexual orientation and gender identity; and lifted the 7½-year ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

His tenure advanced policies and legislation that benefited all Americans, especially the marginalized, and emphasized that international relationships and partnerships were vital to maintaining honor and respect for American leadership and standing on the international stage. The core responsibility of a president should be exactly this. However, many Americans are overlooking this fact because the current Administration has persuaded them that their neighbors are the problem, that the rich create jobs and should receive tax breaks, and that expressing grievances is a valid way to communicate their personal beliefs and opinions. I was moved by both of Obama’s speeches at the opening of his presidential library in Chicago. His words reminded me of what the American presidency used to be - civil, respectful, and caring - a sharp contrast to the current occupant of the White House.

America is clearly at a crossroads of identity and conscience. If race remains the sticking point, we will never acknowledge the racial diversity that truly reflects America. Our melting pot of people from other nations strengthens us and points us toward a nation that is stronger and more significant because of our diversity.

We are a Nation of Immigrants rooted in the concept of a “melting pot”; our identity is continually reshaped by generations of newcomers who assimilate while introducing new cultural, linguistic, and social dynamics that strengthen the nation.