Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
The Audacity of Hope is the second book written by Barack Obama, and was written in 2004. His first book, Dreams from My Father, is an interesting biography of his life, including the problems of growing up as an inter-racial boy through manhood. The Audacity of Hope is not a biography it is an interesting story that includes Barack Obamas political views, ideals, and thoughts, during his 2004 campaign for the U.S. Senate. It explains his ideas how he would resolve domestic and international problems, as well as supporting his Democratic political party.
The book became popular just 16 weeks before he announced he would run for President of the United States. With each book, he tactfully laid another step, for his career, as President. The Audacity of Hope takes the reader through several stages of government, explaining how he relates to each phase, chapter by chapter.
Chapter One explains the two governmental parties, the Republicans and Democrats, and explores recent political history, explaining how results were achieved. Obama explains what Congress how it works how the whole process is slow and tedious, and he is amazed they get anything done in the first place. He knows Democrats would better handle the issues, and states there are two sides to every story the Republican side and the Democratic side. He explains he was told the differences are generational, and has followed political issues since the 60s, adding his thoughts how issues could have been handled differently. Throughout Congress, there are those Republicans and Democrats who hold on to their old ideas, and those who have solutions that are more modern. The Republicans have won because of the techniques they use, not their beliefs. Democrats must adopt these same techniques. Politics needs a well balance of maturity, idealism and realism.
In Chapter Two, Obama discusses common values. He marvels at his first visit to Washington, and compares thoughts of Washington 20 yrs earlier. The White House was impressive and he saw solutions that he felt Congress had overlooked. He believed in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and valued communities and patriotism in citizens. He saw unrest and would prefer a better balance however, a balance would not be easy. In a country like the US, there are always passionate debates, with different opinions. Instead of focusing on party disagreements, he stressed common values that everyone shared. He admits he did not win all debates, and those who opposed his views were very critical. He wanted the democratic sense of responsibility and unity of family. He was empathetic with many issues, and claimed there was an empathetic deficit in Congress. He based his opinions on American values, and he was convinced his beliefs should not compromise values.
Obama explores the constitution, and how the two political parties are organized. He struggled with the difficulties of working with Congress backlog. Communication with the other senators appeared slow and nonproductive, as many were wading in traditions. The problem was gaining control over Congress, and the irony was the issues were lost, because of differences between the conservatives and liberals. He explains filibuster, what it means, and how each party used it, in times of distress. Ultimately, through his frustration, the way things are done are set forth in the U.S. Constitution and our government founders, and even though congress is bogged down with procedures, the construction and procedures are clearly organized and well thought out, by the Founders. The procedures work, even in todays environment. He is a firm believer in democracy, and praises those who fought for its existence. Nevertheless, even though the filibuster is a time consuming method, designed to sway each side, there is always an ultimate outcome.
In Chapter 4, Obama recalls the town hall meetings as one of his most favorite tasks, of his senate campaign. He discusses the forces that influence a politician (money, media, interest groups), and his staff would setup meetings, at every chance. He would arrive early to have pictures taken, and would meet both Republicans and Democrats, throughout the country. It is an American tradition, and he enjoyed meeting the people. While campaigning, he explains ambition must be accompanied with complete humiliation. Many issues influence politicians, including media exposure and funding for a campaign. If the media finds out unsavory individuals provide funding, the campaign is viewed negatively. He spent much time with people who could influence his campaign, and realized he had to stick to his beliefs, and not be swayed by the wealthy people he met. He was fortunate to receive positive media coverage, and recalled a few specific interviews. He understands that he has to stand for what he believes, and cannot compromise or lie. He searched his beliefs and spoke his beliefs. He supported his Democratic party and felt fortunate to receive only positive advertising on TV.
Opportunities were explored, in Chapter Five. His senate campaigning required a lot of airplane travel, and he was always traveling from one city to the next, talking to the public, in his town hall meetings. The internets ability, to involve politicians with every issue, allowed his campaign to be understood, and his campaign was widely supported throughout the world. Companies and individuals could contribute through his website. He tackled the problems of globalization and the economy, in his town meetings, and what should be done about it, reflecting how previous presidents handled other situations, and how capitalism always survived. He identifies what reforms need to be made, and what he feels are the best investments for our country, for example, energy infrastructure, the national deficit, and health care reform, reflecting on previous propositions for healthcare reform. He stated he understands the situations of the American family, how it differs from those individuals with wealth, and he based his discussions on how he can help those in need.
Chapter 6 is a strong commitment to faith. After his Senate Democratic nomination, he was acknowledged as a person with a strong sense of justice and a fair-minded person. There were still those who opposed his views, especially on abortion. He discusses, in detail, his religious beliefs on the topic of abortion, and how we must move forward, in the future. He explains the problems of solving poverty, racism, and unemployment, in a ten-point plan, referring to the history of the government leaders and issues they faced and resolved. He supports his faith and the anchor it has become in his life.
The topic of race is discussed in Chapter 7.
He recalls the funeral of Rosa Parks, during the time of hurricane Katrina, and how her refusal to give up a seat on a bus started equal rights for the black community. He recalled first hand events that he experienced, causing prejudice to subside, during his campaign. His campaign caused a change in the black Illinois community, also. Funding was raised, from black professionals in the Chicago community. He exemplified that a person can live their dream, and not be confined or limited, because they are of black origin. He closed a gap between government and the public, and statistics showed that all races supported his campaign. He emphasized the universe, and was not race-specific. He reinforced that issues were not hopeless. He succeeded in convincing that things will change he heard the public, and he had a will to succeed and take care of their needs. People believed Barack Obama could change our culture, and we could do it together. His strategies were solid, and he affirmed that we were all Americans, not of any specific race.
Chapter 8 discussed international relations and the world beyond our borders. Obama explains most international countries are dependent on history and conflicts of the United States. He recalled his childhood, in Indonesia, and how most Americas do not even know where Indonesia is located. He related that foreign countries are dependent on our foreign policies, for their countrys growth. He reviewed historic events of the past, and how our government handled the situations, within American foreign policies. The demise of the world trade center created a situation that required everyone to pitch in, to raise money for the disaster. He spent time reviewing the problem, and what actions he would have taken. How much should the United States get involved in foreign governments The question became one debated for the next several years, because of Iraq. Ultimately, he supports peace, not war. Each countrys problems must be dealt with separately, and we want to spread our ideals, to promote countries to develop their own democratic government.
Chapter 9 concludes his journey to the Senate. He won the election for U.S. senator, in 2005, and commuted to Washington DC, with his family and home still in Chicago. He warmly recalls his family life, with Michelle and his two daughters. Into his second year of the senate, life had settled into a routine. He relates his own family experiences with those of the American family. The problems are all the same within families, and he has sympathy for those that have to make difficult decisions, provide for the needs of their family.
The Audacity of Hope is a very enjoyable, fact-filled, easy to read conversation by Barack Obama that is interesting and enlightening. His story is based on the strong ties he has within his own family, and the joys they bring to his life. He deals with conflicts within himself and choices within his career, as a Democrat. The Audacity of Hope is a story of a very likable person sharing his feelings and views, in a very interesting, humanistic conversation
The book became popular just 16 weeks before he announced he would run for President of the United States. With each book, he tactfully laid another step, for his career, as President. The Audacity of Hope takes the reader through several stages of government, explaining how he relates to each phase, chapter by chapter.
Chapter One explains the two governmental parties, the Republicans and Democrats, and explores recent political history, explaining how results were achieved. Obama explains what Congress how it works how the whole process is slow and tedious, and he is amazed they get anything done in the first place. He knows Democrats would better handle the issues, and states there are two sides to every story the Republican side and the Democratic side. He explains he was told the differences are generational, and has followed political issues since the 60s, adding his thoughts how issues could have been handled differently. Throughout Congress, there are those Republicans and Democrats who hold on to their old ideas, and those who have solutions that are more modern. The Republicans have won because of the techniques they use, not their beliefs. Democrats must adopt these same techniques. Politics needs a well balance of maturity, idealism and realism.
In Chapter Two, Obama discusses common values. He marvels at his first visit to Washington, and compares thoughts of Washington 20 yrs earlier. The White House was impressive and he saw solutions that he felt Congress had overlooked. He believed in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and valued communities and patriotism in citizens. He saw unrest and would prefer a better balance however, a balance would not be easy. In a country like the US, there are always passionate debates, with different opinions. Instead of focusing on party disagreements, he stressed common values that everyone shared. He admits he did not win all debates, and those who opposed his views were very critical. He wanted the democratic sense of responsibility and unity of family. He was empathetic with many issues, and claimed there was an empathetic deficit in Congress. He based his opinions on American values, and he was convinced his beliefs should not compromise values.
Obama explores the constitution, and how the two political parties are organized. He struggled with the difficulties of working with Congress backlog. Communication with the other senators appeared slow and nonproductive, as many were wading in traditions. The problem was gaining control over Congress, and the irony was the issues were lost, because of differences between the conservatives and liberals. He explains filibuster, what it means, and how each party used it, in times of distress. Ultimately, through his frustration, the way things are done are set forth in the U.S. Constitution and our government founders, and even though congress is bogged down with procedures, the construction and procedures are clearly organized and well thought out, by the Founders. The procedures work, even in todays environment. He is a firm believer in democracy, and praises those who fought for its existence. Nevertheless, even though the filibuster is a time consuming method, designed to sway each side, there is always an ultimate outcome.
In Chapter 4, Obama recalls the town hall meetings as one of his most favorite tasks, of his senate campaign. He discusses the forces that influence a politician (money, media, interest groups), and his staff would setup meetings, at every chance. He would arrive early to have pictures taken, and would meet both Republicans and Democrats, throughout the country. It is an American tradition, and he enjoyed meeting the people. While campaigning, he explains ambition must be accompanied with complete humiliation. Many issues influence politicians, including media exposure and funding for a campaign. If the media finds out unsavory individuals provide funding, the campaign is viewed negatively. He spent much time with people who could influence his campaign, and realized he had to stick to his beliefs, and not be swayed by the wealthy people he met. He was fortunate to receive positive media coverage, and recalled a few specific interviews. He understands that he has to stand for what he believes, and cannot compromise or lie. He searched his beliefs and spoke his beliefs. He supported his Democratic party and felt fortunate to receive only positive advertising on TV.
Opportunities were explored, in Chapter Five. His senate campaigning required a lot of airplane travel, and he was always traveling from one city to the next, talking to the public, in his town hall meetings. The internets ability, to involve politicians with every issue, allowed his campaign to be understood, and his campaign was widely supported throughout the world. Companies and individuals could contribute through his website. He tackled the problems of globalization and the economy, in his town meetings, and what should be done about it, reflecting how previous presidents handled other situations, and how capitalism always survived. He identifies what reforms need to be made, and what he feels are the best investments for our country, for example, energy infrastructure, the national deficit, and health care reform, reflecting on previous propositions for healthcare reform. He stated he understands the situations of the American family, how it differs from those individuals with wealth, and he based his discussions on how he can help those in need.
Chapter 6 is a strong commitment to faith. After his Senate Democratic nomination, he was acknowledged as a person with a strong sense of justice and a fair-minded person. There were still those who opposed his views, especially on abortion. He discusses, in detail, his religious beliefs on the topic of abortion, and how we must move forward, in the future. He explains the problems of solving poverty, racism, and unemployment, in a ten-point plan, referring to the history of the government leaders and issues they faced and resolved. He supports his faith and the anchor it has become in his life.
The topic of race is discussed in Chapter 7.
He recalls the funeral of Rosa Parks, during the time of hurricane Katrina, and how her refusal to give up a seat on a bus started equal rights for the black community. He recalled first hand events that he experienced, causing prejudice to subside, during his campaign. His campaign caused a change in the black Illinois community, also. Funding was raised, from black professionals in the Chicago community. He exemplified that a person can live their dream, and not be confined or limited, because they are of black origin. He closed a gap between government and the public, and statistics showed that all races supported his campaign. He emphasized the universe, and was not race-specific. He reinforced that issues were not hopeless. He succeeded in convincing that things will change he heard the public, and he had a will to succeed and take care of their needs. People believed Barack Obama could change our culture, and we could do it together. His strategies were solid, and he affirmed that we were all Americans, not of any specific race.
Chapter 8 discussed international relations and the world beyond our borders. Obama explains most international countries are dependent on history and conflicts of the United States. He recalled his childhood, in Indonesia, and how most Americas do not even know where Indonesia is located. He related that foreign countries are dependent on our foreign policies, for their countrys growth. He reviewed historic events of the past, and how our government handled the situations, within American foreign policies. The demise of the world trade center created a situation that required everyone to pitch in, to raise money for the disaster. He spent time reviewing the problem, and what actions he would have taken. How much should the United States get involved in foreign governments The question became one debated for the next several years, because of Iraq. Ultimately, he supports peace, not war. Each countrys problems must be dealt with separately, and we want to spread our ideals, to promote countries to develop their own democratic government.
Chapter 9 concludes his journey to the Senate. He won the election for U.S. senator, in 2005, and commuted to Washington DC, with his family and home still in Chicago. He warmly recalls his family life, with Michelle and his two daughters. Into his second year of the senate, life had settled into a routine. He relates his own family experiences with those of the American family. The problems are all the same within families, and he has sympathy for those that have to make difficult decisions, provide for the needs of their family.
The Audacity of Hope is a very enjoyable, fact-filled, easy to read conversation by Barack Obama that is interesting and enlightening. His story is based on the strong ties he has within his own family, and the joys they bring to his life. He deals with conflicts within himself and choices within his career, as a Democrat. The Audacity of Hope is a story of a very likable person sharing his feelings and views, in a very interesting, humanistic conversation
Categories:
0 comments:
Post a Comment