General Discussion

frazzled

(18,402 posts)

9. It was both unexpected, and remarkable

Sun Dec 16, 2012, 10:05 PM

Dec 2012

Unexpected because we were told beforehand that he would not address any of the politics that attached to the incident, but talk about those who were lost.

Remarkable because he in the end did, and in doing so showed a tremendous amount of courage and eloquence.

I sensed that this incident has produced a seismic shift in this man. He has for decades cared much about violence and has done many things to try to address it, from the videotaping of interrogations by the Chicago police to advocacy for gun control laws. But on the national level, I don't believe until now that he has found the political will to address the really big issues head on.

Tonight was a clear signal that this has been moved to the front of his agenda: that, as he said, if we can't do something about this, about the violence, then we really can't do anything. It was truly remarkable.

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This is Obama's Finest Hour. [View all] reformist2 Dec 2012 OP

Something in my eye.. Historic NY Dec 2012 #1

This country is changing. Big time. tridim Dec 2012 #2

change... kardonb Dec 2012 #63

His re-election was huge. We are a center-left nation now. reformist2 Dec 2012 #64

He is the right man to put an end to the gun culture and its madness alcibiades_mystery Dec 2012 #3

And the great thing is, bakpakr Dec 2012 #5

Welcome to DU, bakpakr! I heard that, too. calimary Dec 2012 #60

When this president speaks, you can tell it comes from the heart. Rhiannon12866 Dec 2012 #72

I just saw this Tweet.. Cha Dec 2012 #10

Exactly what I was thinking. Only it will be digital and live forever. lindysalsagal Dec 2012 #33

Yes, impressive.... Bonobo Dec 2012 #4

He's not a dictator. "With the power of the office I hold." joshcryer Dec 2012 #8

There is much he can do, particularly foreign policy. Bonobo Dec 2012 #14

Post removed Post removed Dec 2012 #19

We're talking about a domestic issue and you're mentioning foreign policy? joshcryer Dec 2012 #22

They are not unconnected. Culture is culture. nt Bonobo Dec 2012 #23

America's MIC is not supported by American culture. joshcryer Dec 2012 #24

American's, children and adult alike are influenced Bonobo Dec 2012 #25

You're trying to form a connection to MIC and American culture when there is none. joshcryer Dec 2012 #26

I believe that YOU do not. Bonobo Dec 2012 #28

American culture does not "look to the military for their model of behavior." joshcryer Dec 2012 #30

BTW, I did not start the OP to WIN this argument. Bonobo Dec 2012 #31

It's a straw man, you should've never said it to begin with. joshcryer Dec 2012 #32

It is NOT a strawman. It is an obvious observation about culture. Bonobo Dec 2012 #34

Yeah? Then why is the discussion about foreign and not domestic policy? joshcryer Dec 2012 #35

No, I am just discussing two things. Bonobo Dec 2012 #36

Yes, Obama sucks on gun control. He came out and made a statement on it. joshcryer Dec 2012 #38

Glad you admit he sucks on gun control. That is what I said first. nt Bonobo Dec 2012 #39

I think he changed his stance. joshcryer Dec 2012 #40

Then I look forward to his non-stop campaign to make sensible gun control laws. Bonobo Dec 2012 #44

You got that from that speech? joshcryer Dec 2012 #46

Wow, we agree again! Bonobo Dec 2012 #49

Yeah, because the House would do what he wanted, ever. joshcryer Dec 2012 #56

I knew you would find a way to excuse the invariable inaction that will follow. Bonobo Dec 2012 #57

I tend to not be very disagreeable. joshcryer Dec 2012 #65

Irony = someone denying military's place in influencing culture talks of "nuance". nt Bonobo Dec 2012 #67

I made no such absolute statement. joshcryer Dec 2012 #68

Joshcryer: "American culture does not "look to the military for their model of behavior." Bonobo Dec 2012 #70

Right. joshcryer Dec 2012 #71

If he campaigns for gun control humbled_opinion Dec 2012 #48

Thank you... Bonobo Dec 2012 #53

LOL! If we looked to the military for our model of behavior we'd be a socialist country. KittyWampus Dec 2012 #69

So what is your point? humbled_opinion Dec 2012 #75

There has already been a rush at gun stores NewJeffCT Dec 2012 #17

Expect it to increase. joshcryer Dec 2012 #21

Post removed Post removed Dec 2012 #15

pffftt...nt SidDithers Dec 2012 #47

He doesn't enact legislation - why is it someone always finds something negative to say?? George II Dec 2012 #59

The finest hour will be getting laws passed on gun control. I am a big Obama supporter. nt bluestate10 Dec 2012 #6

I agree craigmatic Dec 2012 #43

What did he say? democrattotheend Dec 2012 #7

He spoke out about gun control. proud2BlibKansan Dec 2012 #16

Sorry but I didn't hear a single word humbled_opinion Dec 2012 #50

No. He said we must do more to protect children. Kablooie Dec 2012 #74

it was hardly the time to discuss gun control bills. rivegauche Dec 2012 #76

but proud2blibkansan said he DID discuss control Doctor_J Dec 2012 #80

Someone put up a video of the speech in V&M. Make sure to watch it. He was fantastic. Little Star Dec 2012 #29

It was both unexpected, and remarkable frazzled Dec 2012 #9

This is my President. nt sufrommich Dec 2012 #11

I think so too Marrah_G Dec 2012 #12

When he named the children, BeeBee Dec 2012 #13

Did you guys get a look at his eyes? Lady Freedom Returns Dec 2012 #18

I really hope so... humbled_opinion Dec 2012 #55

I agree rufus dog Dec 2012 #20

Yes it is! Little Star Dec 2012 #27

Too bad he has to keep making these speeches. joanbarnes Dec 2012 #37

All he did was make a speech and comfort families. He didn't propose new gun laws. craigmatic Dec 2012 #41

He's not going to propose specific legislation at a funeral democrattotheend Dec 2012 #51

he could have meant guns, and he could have meant mental health. ginnyinWI Dec 2012 #61

This isn't about Obama! nt Skip Intro Dec 2012 #42

So? People can't give him credit for a great speech? democrattotheend Dec 2012 #45

You're right. It's about us and our real underthematrix Dec 2012 #52

I love our President sasha031 Dec 2012 #54

Me too! I have NEVER been more impressed with my President. calimary Dec 2012 #58

I think this was President Obama's JFK speech....... llmart Dec 2012 #62

That's a good way to put it. It was monumental. Could ignite a whole movement! calimary Dec 2012 #73

Best line: Are we prepared to say that such violence visited on our children year after year... JudyM Dec 2012 #66

Totally agree, that was the issue to me too. nt rivegauche Dec 2012 #77

DURec Eric the Reddish Dec 2012 #78

Allow me to set the bar a little higher Doctor_J Dec 2012 #79

That depends on what he does from here BainsBane Dec 2012 #81