Happy Birthday Mr. President


Barack Obama turns 48 today -- having been born August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii. I realize there is a whole group of people that have trouble with that, people who for some reason want to believe that the birth certificate is a fake (despite the insistence on the part of Hawaii officials -- including its Republican Governor -- that it is authentic).

When I think about it, this is the first time in my life that I am older than our President. It may only be 3 and 1/2 years, but still I'm older. That's a bit difficult to get my head around. It's a bit like the feeling I got when in my late 30s I realized that an athlete my age was considered old!

While I don't agree with everything President Obama has done or said, I'm quite pleased with his work to this point. I think back eight years and remember that at that point many Americans worried about George W. Bush's apparent lostness in the job, taking solace in the fact that standing behind him was the experienced hand of Dick Cheney (of course we came to realize that Mr. Cheney had a dark side that would come to haunt the country).

Barack Obama has come to office at a most difficult time in our history, and has tackled a myriad of important issues and crises. In just a short period of time the stature of America in the world has risen considerably (I can't figure out why Americans think it a badge of honor to be hated). The economy is starting to rebound. We're taking important steps to deal with a health care system upon which we spend huge amounts but leaves much to be desired in its effectiveness.

I wouldn't want his job, but I think he's handling it marvelously. So, Mr. President, I say, step back and enjoy your day. You deserve it!

*******

Note that in the picture, President Obama is sharing cupcakes with Helen Thomas, who turned 89 today!

And for a bit of a funny response to the day, check out this posting by John Shuck about our first Kenyan born president!

Comments

Gary said…
Obama is wrong about everything. He doesn't have a clue about how to solve any of the country's problems.
Anonymous said…
I would say 48 is pretty much the prime of life, for most healthy people.

prime of life - the time of maturity when power and vigor are greatest.

What a sweet gesture for him to remember Helen.

Pray for him Gary, he needs them.
Even McCain would have needed them.

David Mc

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