Today’s the day we all knew was coming, President Obama’s last day in office. Some hoped it would never come, others marked off the days on their calendars. No matter how you feel, it’s here.
The last few weeks have been filled with thoughts on legacy and thank you’s to the Obama Administration. Obviously, not all those thoughts have been ones of approval. If there’s one certainty about the presidency it’s that you can’t please everyone.
Starting tomorrow, we all need to be looking forward, but before we do I’d like to take one last look back.
For those who are fans, it’s easy to look back with rose-tinted glasses. For those who aren’t, it’s easy to pick apart each flaw. Which side is right? Well, probably a little bit of both. Only history will determine which side’s view will become the legacy of our nation’s first black president.
The Obama Administration has not been perfect. President Obama has by no means solved all our country’s problems. He has not accomplished all he said he would. He ran on a message of hope, and while some felt hopeful about their government for the first time, others felt forgotten.
Personally, I think our country is better off today than it was eight years ago. During the last eight years we’ve taken great strides in achieving equal rights for all. I think as a result, our nation as a whole has become more accepting and inclusive. On the other side of that same coin, the last eight years have revealed some long-standing racial tension. For many, these problems seemed to be a thing of the past, but for those who live with them every day the last eight years finally brought them to light. They’ve become a part of the public discourse. They’ve become visible, which means they can become solvable.
On a slightly less heavy note, Obama made the presidency look cool. And I’m not talking about the Obama’s slew of famous friends and glamorous guests. By simply being elected, he changed the game. He put a new face on the presidency. He changed who could be president. He opened the door to so many who don’t look like every single president before him. While it may seem like that door is slamming shut in our faces now, it remains open.
You are entitled to your opinion on the last eight years, but try to look back with open eyes, no matter your bias.
On that note, I’d like to leave with a thank you to President Obama for doing your best for this great country.
…just for fun:
Another gift from the Obama Administration…
