Today we inaugurated Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. It was wonderful moment for our nation. I am sincerely proud of our country, and of our new president.
And while I hate to be negative on such an overwhelmingly positive day, something was brought to my attention today that I simply cannot ignore. This is not the fault of President Obama or of any Democrat or politician. I do not blame them in the least.
I do, however, blame the participants in the below video (as well as the like-minded people they are representing) for being so self-congratulatory, self-righteous, narcissistic and immature. (It even dwarfs "Our American Prayer", though they are part of the same disturbing trend of Hollywood celebrities vastly overstepping their boundaries, and because of their wealth and fame, reaching -- and, frighteningly, probably influencing -- millions).
Let me make one thing perfectly clear about what I pledge. Unlike the men and women in the below video, I pledge to always do everything I can to be a better person and yes, a better citizen. It does not matter whether the man or woman for whom I voted occupies the White House, or whether the political winds are blowing my way. I am first and always a proud American, and just as I was a proud American witnessing Obama's inauguration yesterday, I will remain a proud American throughout the four or even eight years he remains my president, regardless of whether or not I agree with his policies and decisions. That is my pledge.
Apparently the same cannot be said for Ashton, Demi and friends, now apparently awakened to their newfound patriotism and commitment to the greater good. Where was this altruism over the last eight years? Could Laura Linney really not stop using the plastic bags at the grocery store while Bush was president? Why is it that only when getting their [political] way are they willing to use their bully pulpit for an inarguably good cause?
I encourage and welcome your thoughts and reactions.
Without further ado...
MySpace Celebrity and Katalyst present The Presidential Pledge
I couldn’t agree more with your sentiment about being a proud American on Tuesday and your question as to why this sort of piece wasn’t put together after September 11th. Given America's obsession with all things "star," athletes, musicians and actors have unprecedented opportunity to legitimately start a cause that changes the world. For better or worse, many Americans (particularly the younger ones who used to be less likely to vote) opt to cast their vote based on the opinion that their idol expresses, rather than educating themselves on the issues.
ReplyDeleteIn the end, I’m hopeful that President Obama’s election is the opportunity for Americans to take a more proactive approach to leading a good life, doing the right thing and being less apathetic. I don't believe President Obama will lead that change (he's got enough on his plate), but I do believe that this sort of movement can continue to gain momentum because of the star power and America’s obsession with its stars. Sometimes people need an excuse to make a change (like losing weight starting on Jan 1); hopefully, this will be the excuse everyone needs to start living life better.