Notes from the Boat (That We're All Riding In)...

Here are some thoughts about current events...

Probably the greatest speaker in my lifetime was Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights activist who led America to a better place. The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is tomorrow.

Certainly, an excellent speaker of these modern times is President Barack Obama. I recently listened to his speech at a Baptist church today.

I find myself looking at Obama near this King holiday and wondering, "What would Martin Luther King Jr. do if he had been the U.S. president?" Of course, King never had the opportunity. King had to sometimes stand alone or in the minority, face danger, advocate change, stick to his values (which included a belief in non-violence), rally support, and merge sympathies and outside powers in order for the power of his words to be fulfilled and turned into reality. He had a very tough journey, especially considering the times and the power structure of the bigoted South.

The problem that Obama faces now is that, while he can inspire with words, he has the power that King never had--Obama has the power of the U.S. presidency. Therefore, it is not enough anymore, at least for me, to hear an Obama speech and to nod in complete agreement. Obama has to inspire more than just through words. He needs to inspire through policy. He has to keep his administration from compromising for qualities that make the ring of his speeches sound flat and false. He has to make progress truly happen.

The expectations are high for Obama because he has what any activist would love to have: the power of policy. If Martin Luther King Jr. could move the country in the ways he did, having little official power, then Obama should be able to, as president. The expectations are high for a reason. With power comes obligation of governance for achievement, well beyond the hope of inspirational words. The words are great as directions for the road map. But, with the privilege to lead and to hold the greatest power perhaps in the world, the destinations have to be reached in order for success and quality to be real and true.