Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Yes We Can

CHICAGO - President-elect Barrack Obama and his wife took their daughters to work at a food bank on the day before Thanksgiving, saying they wanted to show the girls the meaning of the holiday, especially when so many people are struggling.

Ten-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha joined their parents to shake hands and give holiday wishes to hundreds of people who had been lined up for hours at the food bank on Chicago 's south side.

Sasha wore a pink stocking hat over her pigtails and Malia had on a purple striped hat as the family handed out wrapped chickens to the needy in the chilly outdoor courtyard. Those seeking food on Wednesday at St. Columbanus also received boxes with potatoes, oranges, fresh bread, peanut butter, canned goods, oatmeal, spaghetti and coffee.

The president-elect, dressed casually in a leather jacket, black scarf and khaki pants, was in a jovial mood, calling out "happy thanksgiving" and telling everyone "you can call me Barack."

He told reporters that he wants the girls "to learn the importance of how fortunate they are, and to make sure they're giving back."
The soon-to-be first lady said the Obamas wanted to give their children "an understanding of what giving and Thanksgiving is all about."

The Obama family's activities in the courtyard quickly drew the attention of schoolchildren whose windows overlooked the courtyard. They put up a sign against the glass that read: "We love our Prez".

Obama then turned to his wife and suggested they go visit the kids. Secret Service agents, looking surprised, disappeared inside the building to accommodate his request.

Minutes later, hundreds of children were brought down to the school auditorium, and Obama loped onstage as they screamed and cheered.

"I just wanted to come by and wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving," he said. He then asked the children what they would be eating for Thanksgiving dinner.

So lets recap.
He took his kids to work in the cold…? Instead of getting someone to line up and dish the gifts? Instead of telling them 'You are kids of a VIP. Therefore there are things that you can’t do. To show the kids that people are suffering? Yes, that people are suffering? They have to live understanding the importance of giving back to the community.

Let us learn from this great family… and for those who have children, this is a wonderful example of raising our kids.

From Miss Weasley

4 comments:

Indigo-Daisy said...

I love Barak Obama and think he is going to do great things for America.

Too bad he can't kick Bush out now and just start doing what needs to be done.

Unknown said...

patience dear daisy...all in good time! Great post Pearl, thanks for sharing xo

Anonymous said...

Mmmm well politics besides, hes just damn cute to look at...lol

Sorry MG, you know this story reminded me of Lady Di who caused controversy taking her boys to Mcdonalds etc... guess ya cant please all the people all the time...good on him I say

Unknown said...

Me too Indigo and Kyles :-) January can't come around too fast for me ....

I thought about whether it was politically prudent too AJ, I mean it is a great photo op, even little me in Oz is going on about it. Then I decided I didn't care.

The family got out for the day, the girls met people they might not have come across before. The family gave did something for the community - whether it was just a photo op or not.

Barack is not the new savior, although we all wish he was, and the US and its problems won't be fixed overnight - or possibly even in the first term. And he will make mistakes. And he will do things I don't agree with. Despite that I am still incredibly optimistic and think he is a genuinely decent guy with a decent family.