The Audacity of Hope

This blog entry is written with my former students in mind. I hope you've watched the Presidential Inauguration as much as I had. Barack Obama inspires me and America, and I hope you, and perhaps the whole world. His name became recognized in the political arena at the 2004 Democratic National Convention when he was a keynote speaker. Unfortunately I didn't get to watch that event. But, through the years, I did have the yearning to learn more about him.

In 2006, his book was published called "The Audacity of Hope." Due to such a busy teaching life, I really just abandoned the idea of reading the book until perhaps the summer 2006. Then, I kept procrastinating, which is a bad habit! Until one day in early 2008, I decided to at least buy the book, which is $80hkd at Dymocks bookstore. Pick one up if you can! It's funny, even with the near end of my teaching contract at Hong Kong, as busy as work life tend to always get, I decided to make time to read Obama's book regardless. Since the 2008 Presidential Election was coming up, time was running out to learn more about Obama. Deep down, I knew he would be our new President! I've had lots of debates with my own family members.
;-) If someone wants to be your leader, I suggest that you read up on him/her so that you can make more informed decisions that will affect every aspect of yourself, your community and country. Don't leave the politics up to the politicians only!

On the back cover of the book, the New York Times reviewed it as "Barack Obama is that rare politician who can actually write - and write movingly and genuinly about himself." And, when you read this book, you will be amazed at how well Obama can write! We always don't equate a good speaker as a good writer, but in Obama's case, he really has a talent for both. If you analyze his oral speaking, he doesn't just execute his speech with his mind, but his words really come from his heart. His pauses, stresses and intonation, eye contact, and self-confidence are in my opinion near PERFECTION in the arena of public speaking. An eloquent, engaging, steady and powerful speaker. Sorry, if I am re-collecting an oral lesson here. ;-) I just can't help it.

So, to my former students, do make time to read Obama's book. It will lift and inspire you so much. Reading in depth Obama's thoughts, philosophies and ideas that had shaped who he is and what he has become (President of the United States) allows you to see your own transformation, your own path in life and your relationship to the world, in regard to your ancestors, your homeland, your communities, your hope and desire, and the future ahead.

I want to share this excerpt with you. In Obama's speech addressing the Democratic National Convention in 2004, it was titled "The Audacity of Hope", the same title as his book. His words:

“ In the end, that's what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope? John Kerry calls on us to hope. John Edwards calls on us to hope. I'm not talking about blind optimism here -- the almost willful ignorance that thinks unemployment will go away if we just don't talk about it, or the health care crisis will solve itself if we just ignore it. No, I'm talking about something more substantial. It's the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs; the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores; the hope of a young naval lieutenant bravely patrolling the Mekong Delta; the hope of a millworker's son who dares to defy the odds; the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too. Hope in the face of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. The audacity of hope!
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There comes a point in time when all the right elements come together - the right candidate with the right convictions at the right moment in history - to create a surge of extraordinary and positive flow of energy that is the light which will move us forward to new beginnings and new possibilities. I hope you were lifted and affirmed as much as I had been after watching the Inauguration.

And finally, Obama's last thought in his book is "My heart is filled with love for this country." Well, my father used to say you better have someone who possess great love for what they intend to do, otherwise, there's no point at all.
So, as I said in the past, find your passion. It's there. It's in all of us.
Remember to keep on going with your studies and may you possess hope and dreams that will carry you throughout your path. Always do your best! Miss you all so much. May the year of the Ox bestow happiness, prosperity and good health to you and your families. And, may we always possess the audacity to hope.
Yours sincerely, Ms. Mak. ;-)