Celebrating Barack Obama
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President Obama has fought for, and won, new healthcare reforms which will benefit millions of people.
People all over the world are still celebrating Barack Obama's election victory. After eight years of Bush, President Obama is bringing a new style of leadership. His appeal is truly international.
Table of Contents
- New Healthcare Reforms
- No More Taxpayer-Funded Bailouts
- Yes, We Can!
- What Inspires You about President Obama?
- Great Stuff on Amazon
- African American History
- Obama the Peacemaker
- A Man of His Word
- The Anniversary of D-Day
- Obama at the G20
- Maya Angelou and Positive Images
- The Media Response
- Positive Black Role Models Blogs
- Obama Blogs
- Black History Resources
- More Resources
- Featured Lenses
- Other Obama Lenses for You to Check Out
- What Inspires You about Obama? Please leave your comments.
New Healthcare Reforms
The House of Representatives have voted to repeal the new healthcare reforms. However, the vote to repeal is likely to be defeated in the Senate.
There will always be people who try to undermine those who work to bring about positive progress.
The new healthcare reforms came into effect this month. President Obama fought for these reforms, both against the Republicans and against members of his own party.
The new reforms make healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions of people who would not have been able to access healthcare in the past.
Provisions of the Affordable Care Act's Rules Immediately in 2010 include:
- Protects Consumer's from Deceptive Insurance Practices
- Prohibits Denying Coverage to Children with Pre%u2010Existing Conditions.
- Prohibits Insurance Companies from Dropping Coverage.
- Eliminates Lifetime and Annual Limits on Insurance Coverage.
Increases Access to Affordable Health Care in these ways:
- Immediate Coverage for Uninsured People with Pre%u2010existing Conditions.
- Extends Insurance Coverage for Young Adults until Age 26.
- Coverage for Preventive Services.
- Begins to Close the Medicare Part D Donut Hole.
- Establishes a Prevention and Public Health Fund.
There is a lot more that can be said about these new healthcare reforms. For more information, se the Black Women's Health Imperative link in the Resources section.
There will always be people who try to undermine those who work to bring about positive progress.
The new healthcare reforms came into effect this month. President Obama fought for these reforms, both against the Republicans and against members of his own party.
The new reforms make healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions of people who would not have been able to access healthcare in the past.
Provisions of the Affordable Care Act's Rules Immediately in 2010 include:
- Protects Consumer's from Deceptive Insurance Practices
- Prohibits Denying Coverage to Children with Pre%u2010Existing Conditions.
- Prohibits Insurance Companies from Dropping Coverage.
- Eliminates Lifetime and Annual Limits on Insurance Coverage.
Increases Access to Affordable Health Care in these ways:
- Immediate Coverage for Uninsured People with Pre%u2010existing Conditions.
- Extends Insurance Coverage for Young Adults until Age 26.
- Coverage for Preventive Services.
- Begins to Close the Medicare Part D Donut Hole.
- Establishes a Prevention and Public Health Fund.
There is a lot more that can be said about these new healthcare reforms. For more information, se the Black Women's Health Imperative link in the Resources section.
No More Taxpayer-Funded Bailouts
President signs the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
in July, President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, pledging, "Because of this law, the American people will never again be asked to foot the bill for Wall Street's mistakes. There will be no more taxpayer-funded bailouts. Period."
Yes, We Can!
Why did Obama say "Yes, We Can!"?
He did not say, "I Can!"
He did not claim to be our superhero come to wave his magic wand and make all our problems disappear.
President Obama continues to receive criticism, including some from his supporters. At a recent meeting, he was accused of withdrawing hope from young people.
The President responded by stating that his administration has increased student loans. He also continues to emphasise the importance of building a better future for the next generations by tackling the deficit and the economic crisis in the present. He accused the previous administration of putting off problems rather than tackling them.
President Obama seeks to include everyone, and respect and honour everyone's needs. This is in striking contrast to the previous administration with its approach of "me first" and forget about everyone else. It was this attitude of selfishness that led to the current economic crisis.
The President's message is very clear: We are all in this together. Each and every one of us has a part to play. Each and every one of us is unique.
Celebrate your uniqueness. Your unique qualities and gifts. For more on this, see
The Key to Confidence.
He did not say, "I Can!"
He did not claim to be our superhero come to wave his magic wand and make all our problems disappear.
President Obama continues to receive criticism, including some from his supporters. At a recent meeting, he was accused of withdrawing hope from young people.
The President responded by stating that his administration has increased student loans. He also continues to emphasise the importance of building a better future for the next generations by tackling the deficit and the economic crisis in the present. He accused the previous administration of putting off problems rather than tackling them.
President Obama seeks to include everyone, and respect and honour everyone's needs. This is in striking contrast to the previous administration with its approach of "me first" and forget about everyone else. It was this attitude of selfishness that led to the current economic crisis.
The President's message is very clear: We are all in this together. Each and every one of us has a part to play. Each and every one of us is unique.
Celebrate your uniqueness. Your unique qualities and gifts. For more on this, see
The Key to Confidence.
What Inspires You about President Obama?
Do you see President Obama as a positive role model for yourself, for your children, for society in general?
Plus, see below an article from the Guardian about the response from people in the UK.
I was speaking to a sistah in East London shortly after the election. She said, "My three-year-old granddaughter will grow up knowing it's possible for a Black person to be the President". It really is a different world we are living in today. It's easy for me to forget this, but there's a whole generation of people growing up now who will never know what it is to live in a world where electing a Black President was a problem.
Please add your comments to the guestbook, at the bottom of this page.
Plus, see below an article from the Guardian about the response from people in the UK.
I was speaking to a sistah in East London shortly after the election. She said, "My three-year-old granddaughter will grow up knowing it's possible for a Black person to be the President". It really is a different world we are living in today. It's easy for me to forget this, but there's a whole generation of people growing up now who will never know what it is to live in a world where electing a Black President was a problem.
Please add your comments to the guestbook, at the bottom of this page.
Great Stuff on Amazon
African American History
I am aware of the history.
An auction block where enslaved African Americans were bought and sold once stood outside the White House.
I remember the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I remember that six little girls were murdered in Little Rock because they just wanted to go to Sunday School.
I remember that Nelson Mandela was urinated on by the guards in the ferry while he was being transported to Robben Island.
I remember that people were murdered just because they were encouraging Black people to register to vote.
When I see these images of Obama, these are the things that come into my mind.
An auction block where enslaved African Americans were bought and sold once stood outside the White House.
I remember the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I remember that six little girls were murdered in Little Rock because they just wanted to go to Sunday School.
I remember that Nelson Mandela was urinated on by the guards in the ferry while he was being transported to Robben Island.
I remember that people were murdered just because they were encouraging Black people to register to vote.
When I see these images of Obama, these are the things that come into my mind.
Obama the Peacemaker
In his first year in office, President Obama was granted the Nobel Peace Prize. Some said this was a bit premature. It was given to him as a recognition of his intentions rather than his actions. However, it cannot be denied that, similarly to Nelson Mandela, Obama is quickly gaining a reputation as a peacemaker.
A current exhibition in Oslo, Norway, "President Barack Obama, A Call to Action", examines President Obama's record as a Nobel Laureate and how the President meets Alfred Nobel's three criteria for being a Nobel Laureate.
One of the criteria is to build a fraternity among nations.
The second is to hold a peace conference.
The third criterion is to abolish a standing army. At the present time, this includes the abolition of nuclear weapons.
The President recently visited Egypt, where he made an inspiring speech about the need to respect Muslim countries. He pointed out that Morocco was the first country to recognise the United States. There has been a long history of Muslim participation in every aspect of American life, including business, education and sport. Click here to read the full speech.
He then travelled to Germany, where he visited the Normandy beaches to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Although the Queen of the United Kingdom and Great Britain was not invited to attend, Obama said he would step in and try to iron out any difficulties.
A current exhibition in Oslo, Norway, "President Barack Obama, A Call to Action", examines President Obama's record as a Nobel Laureate and how the President meets Alfred Nobel's three criteria for being a Nobel Laureate.
One of the criteria is to build a fraternity among nations.
The second is to hold a peace conference.
The third criterion is to abolish a standing army. At the present time, this includes the abolition of nuclear weapons.
The President recently visited Egypt, where he made an inspiring speech about the need to respect Muslim countries. He pointed out that Morocco was the first country to recognise the United States. There has been a long history of Muslim participation in every aspect of American life, including business, education and sport. Click here to read the full speech.
He then travelled to Germany, where he visited the Normandy beaches to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Although the Queen of the United Kingdom and Great Britain was not invited to attend, Obama said he would step in and try to iron out any difficulties.
A Man of His Word
True to his word, one of the President's first acts was to close the camp at Guantanamo Bay. Guantanamo had been criticised by many because people, including UK citizens, have been held there without trial and there have been allegations of torture.
The President plans to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq by 2010. However, he has spoken of increasing the U.S. presence in Afghanistan.
To see photos of the first 100 days of the Obama Presidency, go to Obama's First 100 Days in Photos.
For photos of Michelle Obama's first 100 days, see Reflecting on Michelle Obama.
The President plans to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq by 2010. However, he has spoken of increasing the U.S. presence in Afghanistan.
To see photos of the first 100 days of the Obama Presidency, go to Obama's First 100 Days in Photos.
For photos of Michelle Obama's first 100 days, see Reflecting on Michelle Obama.
The Anniversary of D-Day
The President attended the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. He is an important figure in opposition to modern-day Nazis and far-right politicians. To read more, see Obama vs. the Nazis.
Obama at the G20
President and Mrs. Obama were the stars of the G20 meeting in London. Every head of state wanted to be the first to shake the President's hand, but as Gordon Brown was the host, he had the honour.
The President flew in his entourage of 500 people as well as armoured vehicles, as security was tight.
I wonder what he made of the demonstrations, and the allegations of police assaults on the demonstrators.
The media focused on Michelle's dress and her inspiration to young people on her visit to a North London school.
The Queen broke all protocol by initiating a hug with Michelle.
On the same trip, the President paid a surprise visit to U.S. troops in Iraq.
The President flew in his entourage of 500 people as well as armoured vehicles, as security was tight.
I wonder what he made of the demonstrations, and the allegations of police assaults on the demonstrators.
The media focused on Michelle's dress and her inspiration to young people on her visit to a North London school.
The Queen broke all protocol by initiating a hug with Michelle.
On the same trip, the President paid a surprise visit to U.S. troops in Iraq.
Maya Angelou and Positive Images
The Obama family are positive African American role models.
In Essence magazine, Maya Angelou talks about the importance of positive Black role models.
She writes of the fact that we have seen so many negative portrayals of African American parents and families, and so few positive ones.
I think one reason why I get so emotional when seeing these images of our new President and his family is to do with the impact the effect that seeing photos of an African American president in every newspaper and magazine, and footage of him on TV, is having.
Positive role models are crucial for our development. To read more, see Do You Think Like a Success?
She writes of the fact that we have seen so many negative portrayals of African American parents and families, and so few positive ones.
I think one reason why I get so emotional when seeing these images of our new President and his family is to do with the impact the effect that seeing photos of an African American president in every newspaper and magazine, and footage of him on TV, is having.
Positive role models are crucial for our development. To read more, see Do You Think Like a Success?
The Media Response
His picture has been on the covers of Essence and GQ.
Essence also published a special collectors' edition with Michelle Obama on the cover.
Ebony devoted an entire issue to him as their first-ever "Person of the Year".
Michelle Obama was pictured on a recent cover of Vogue.
When he appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the President likened his term of office to being on the X Factor, where everyone was Simon Cowell.
There's even been a book written about the family dog, Bo.
And Pride, a UK Black women's magazine, feature Barack, Michelle and their girls on the cover. Several articles about the family include "The Long Walk to Equality", which puts Obama's election victory firmly within the context of African American history.
While I do not agree that we have achieved equality as yet, I cried - yes, again - when I read this piece.
Even Madame Tussaud's got into the act. On Inauguration Day, Americans could gain entry to the museum for free.
What inspires you about Obama? Please leave your comments below.
To see more about the international celebrations of Obama's inauguration, visit: Obama's Inauguration Day.
Essence also published a special collectors' edition with Michelle Obama on the cover.
Ebony devoted an entire issue to him as their first-ever "Person of the Year".
Michelle Obama was pictured on a recent cover of Vogue.
When he appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the President likened his term of office to being on the X Factor, where everyone was Simon Cowell.
There's even been a book written about the family dog, Bo.
And Pride, a UK Black women's magazine, feature Barack, Michelle and their girls on the cover. Several articles about the family include "The Long Walk to Equality", which puts Obama's election victory firmly within the context of African American history.
While I do not agree that we have achieved equality as yet, I cried - yes, again - when I read this piece.
Even Madame Tussaud's got into the act. On Inauguration Day, Americans could gain entry to the museum for free.
What inspires you about Obama? Please leave your comments below.
To see more about the international celebrations of Obama's inauguration, visit: Obama's Inauguration Day.
Positive Black Role Models Blogs
Blogs and radio interviews with Black role models
Here are some blogs about positive Black role models.
- Black African British Identity and Young People
- Blog about Black African British identity and young people
- Paulette West MBE
- A blog about my radio interview with Paulette West MBE
- Obama in Berlin
- Obama's visit to Berlin
- Love Letter to Black People
- My radio interview with the author of Love Letter to Black People
Obama Blogs
Recent blogs about President Obama
- Video from the President
- I enjoy getting emails from the President.
What is President Obama saying? We have a long road ahead of us, we have lot of work to do. We have to work together. - Rules for Living
- When we give in to our selfish instincts, everyone suffers.
Rather than just playing by "the rules", we need to observe the real rules for living. - My Message to President Obama
- Personal response to the President
Black History Resources
- Black History with Tony Warner
- Blog about my radio interview with historian Tony Warner
- The End of Black Politics?
- An article about Obama and the Civil Rights movement in American politics
- Black People's Self-Liberation
- Wilberforce did not end the so-called slave trade. African people ended it.
More Resources
More international responses to Barack Obama.
- Black Women's Health Imperative
- Article on how the new healthcare reforms will benefit Black women and families.
- Video of Obama in London 2008
- Here's a video of Barack Obama outside No. 10 Downing Street.
- Guardian Article on UK Response
- Guardian Article on Black People in the UK Responding to Obama's Victory 2008
- Polling Day Blog
- I went to the doctor's this morning and he said, "Make sure you get it right this time. I've emailed all my American friends and told them to get it right this time." He also said, "It would have made a huge difference if Al Gore had won". And he is a white Englishman.
- Celebrating Barack Obama Blog
- This blog lists some of my other recent Obama blogs.
- Video of Obama in Berlin
- Barack Obama's speech in Berlin 2008
Featured Lenses
Other Obama Lenses for You to Check Out
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