Wow

I don't have strong political feelings one way or another. I don't think of myself as belonging to any particular party, and while I'm kinda fond of the guy in the office right now, I neither think of him as the savior or the antichrist.

But I just read the text of his speech today - mostly just to see what the big deal was - and... just wow. I don't know what else I can say.

I wish someone had given me this same speech when I was in elementary school. I can't imagine the difference it would have made to me, having someone tell me that I was worthwhile, that there was something I was good at, and that I owed it to myself to find that; and most of all, that it was okay to make mistakes and try again and ask questions. I know it sounds obvious and trite and cliched, but... well, not every kid gets to hear that. And they all should. Hearing it from an authority figure like the president (who, when I was six years old, was a nebulous, faceless figure who sat somewhere between Dad and God in authority) would have carried the weight of gospel for me.

So. Whatever else he may succeed at, or fail at, I'm pretty sure he made a big difference to at least one kid today. And for that, he has my respect and loyalty.