Thinking of Dr. King and great leaders like @repjohnlewis who carry on his legacy. May their example be our call to action. -mo
—
The First Lady (@FLOTUS) January 16, 2025****
The boy from Troy
It was more as though
He were recounting a dream
And I cried like a little child does
After experiencing a bad dream
When I heard John Lewis
Speak to those assembled
At the My Brother’s Keeper event
In Miami on Dr. King’s birthday.
He spoke of his youth
Working the family farm
In rural Alabama
When he prayed with his Bible
When he preached
” … to the chickens …
who listened to me better than
some of my colleagues in the
House of Representatives, today”
And everyone in the room laughed.
He spoke of his journey
Through school
And about the teacher who admonished,
“Read! Read!”
And how eventually he met
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
And introduced himself as
John Robert Lewis
And how Dr. King called him
“The boy from Troy.”
I cried when he spoke
Almost as though it were a dream
Of his journey
Working with civil rights activists
Sitting in the “White Waiting Room”
When the Klan attacked them
In my lifetime
How one of the men who had beaten him
That day
Came to his office at the Capitol Building
Decades later, to apologize
And the former Klansman started crying.
And Congressman Lewis repeated
“Hate is too heavy a burden to bear”
As Dr. King had said.
“Never give up
Never give in
Stand up
Speak up
You have a moral obligation
To do something and
Not be quiet,”
He said.
John Robert Lewis said A. Philip Randolph
Had told them, speaking of the slaves
And the slaveholders,
“We’re all in the same boat, now.”
We are one people, one family,
We all live in the same house
The American house.
“Stay in school
Study
Read! Read, my child!
Use your education
Thank your teachers
Register to vote,”
He said.
And then John Lewis told
Those who heard him at the
My Brother’s Keeper event
And reminded me, while I was crying
That when he was 23 years old
In my lifetime
He joined Dr. King
At the March in Washington in 1963
And President Kennedy had invited them
To the White House
And it was only
Months before Kennedy was assassinated.
And he talked about Selma
And how he had brought
Something to read
In case he went to jail.
And something to eat
In case he went to jail.
And how they had asked
The State Troopers
If they could kneel in prayer
Before the State Troopers
Took them to jail
After they had beaten them.
“I wish you well
Go for it, just go for it
People are praying for you
Stay away from violence
Never hate,”
He said.
Today when we heard him
It was like a dream
And all we could do was cry
With tears of
Incredible and
Unexplained longing
For the days when
So much was won
By “the boy from Troy”
And those who taught him what
Good trouble
Meant.
****
Dr. King and those who marched with him proved that people who love their country can change it. As Americans, we all owe them a great deal.
—
President Obama (@POTUS) January 16, 2025
White House.gov
Good evening TOD folks! Blessings to you JOB as always for your words.
An incredible story to be sure!
Wonderful Jacqueline. Love it.
Congratulations Vetivera and to Jacqueline for another beautiful poem.
I just watched the video of the ceremony. They really honored this President. It was a great one to be his last.
I did too mtmarilyn, brought tears to my eyes. That was one raucous bunch in the WH. I am so glad he was able to celebrate their championship before he left the WH. What an honor. They were all on their game today. Loved every minute of it. 🙂
I cried too. Seems like we’re doing a lot of crying lately.
Thank you Nerdy Wonka. You are tireless in your support of this blog and the TOD community.
Don’t say…
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/16/top-donor-for-trump-nominee-allegedly-leaned-on-employees-to-support-gop.html
thanks a lot Ms. O’boomer for another great expression of our collective gratitude to those who gave and are still giving their all to the goal of securing the rights of all and thereby contributing to the Perfecting Our Union
❤
Oh, My!
Well and he looks to be a really fine specimen, of what I’m not too sure
😀 😀 😀
LOL !!
For crap sakes!
I came across this Canadian lady defending NATO against the most recent insulting statement of the one-who-shall-not-ever-be-my-president;
I am taking a few minutes to highlight the tweets below so that those who can could share them with their social network. so please bear with me;
Ps, although the tweets are from a Canadian perspective, they should apply to all of NATO. they could guide us when we try to “teach” the home-grown demagogue and his cult of supporters;
;
RIGHTEOUS RANT!! 🙂 Good for her!
https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/trump_nuclear_global_en_loc/?ftExylb&pv=85
Where are we on this? I’m for it, although I trust PBO without any hesitation in everything, am often reluctant to EVER tell him how to do his job! Especially because it’s a job he was born to do, and has mastered better than anyone throughout history
Well, he’s still the President…he can do what Presidents are allowed to do.
a new definition of lame ducky thingy: leaving the rubber on the road
He promised to run through the tape. We know he keeps his promises to us! Rhodes is in Cuba today doing something, new appointments, Uncle Joe is in Davos after visiting Ukraine, and SoS Kerry is in Viet Nam. I love all of these folks!
also. too. fuck you, nyt.
MORE!! This one has sound!!
Wonderful!! So thrilled that this swing set went to children that appreciate this gift:) It makes my heart happy.
I’m telling you, it’s such a thrill to see them pass on this joy. I hope they feel the LOVE.
I’m pretty sure they felt the love and appreciation:) They give me joy, because they gives others such joy.
Give. They give:) Honestly, just sparkling water…that’s all:)
a longer video
I am SO glad the swingset is going to be used and enjoyed by worthy recipients. These kids will love it and treasure it. As usual, POTUS and FLOTUS did exactly the right thing.
it is so awesome..
Welcome to California, Mr President and First Lady Obama. May the sun shine on your presence.
Uh oh, weather forecast calls for rain on Friday the 20th and the sun won’t appear until Tuesday, the 24th, but, the temps will be in the mid-50’s F.
Booooooo!! We want warmth and sunshine!!
Inorite?
Well at least it will be degrees warmer than the DC area and depending on how long they stay…sunshine is sure to appear 🙂
GE Meta.
This year has been an El Nino year for SoCal. (I know it’s not an El Nino year, but our rain patterns have been consistent, at least once a week for about the last 6 weeks — sunshine only a couple of days during this time — dsert wildflower blooms should be SPECTACULAR this year — visited Joshua Tree National Park in April 1998 [during our last El Nino season] and it was absolutely breathtaking — the ENTIRE desert and hillside were carpeted with wildflowers, as far as the eye could see — imagine it’ll be similar this Spring.)
One WHPC reporter (named John, don’t know his last name… there are many in that room with that name) said he looked up the Friday weather forecast for Honolulu and Palm Springs — he said the forecast high was 60ish, possible rain — and that it was 65 in DC that day. @PressSec was noncommittal.
I’m sure PBO and Michelle won’t mind the cool weather and rain — think they can stay in a place that’s relatively secluded, so they can sleep in, watch a movie or two, and when the skies clear, it’ll make gorgeous golfing for PBO — crisp, clear and lots of snow on 11K ft San Jacinto mountains. 🙂
Tomorrow’s the LAST 😦 WHPB for Josh, so should be bittersweet viewing.
I know they will find peaceful respite. Here is where they’re likely to stay:
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/michael-s-smith-james-costos-palm-springs-home-article
ohhh JO’B your beautiful poem had me crying big tears earlier today when I read it. Thank you so much.
I just immersed myself in the Sherlock season finale. Twas excellent.. and totally removed me from reality for about 90 minutes.. and I will now feel good for a while 🙂 🙂
Thanks so much, honey bunch - to you and others who’ve commented. I cried for a long time.
The Press Pool is gonna miss President Obama and First Lady Michelle.
and you thought you gonna catch some sleep. ha.
a
woman’sman’s job is nevah done, dood.http://www.rediff.com/news/report/pix-what-obama-looks-forward-to-after-january-20/20170116.htm
wut
Good!
Obama said after January 20, he will try to get some sleep.
“And do a little puttering. Because I haven’t had a lot of chance to reflect and absorb all this. I do not expect to be behind a desk a lot. I look forward to teaching the occasional class, because I was a professor. And I had fun doing it,” he said.
where do we sign up for his classes? 🙂
Nerdy, thanks for sharing this video.
all i can do is cry…i will miss them so much
I love these videos of our President and First Lady with the kids.
Thanks so much for including my poem, Nerdy.
I like this:
To Nerdy, JOB and everyone here. Thank you for everything you do. JOB, your poetry is a balm. Love every one of you. Hugs to everyone as we try to get through this week.
❤
Amen
when i read statements like this i am dismayed because Hillary won the popular vote…it is the Electoral College that needs to be abolished
HRC DID win the popular vote. However, I think many of us would agree that the DNC as an organization needs to:
Work on gerrymandering
Take concrete steps to better staff, support and FUND state operations at the local level
Reconsider the way they solicit money from constituents
Re-examine who gets funded and search for more effective organizations
Reevaluate how the DNC is staffed
Have a Chair who is full-time and devoted to building the organization
Provide more transparency in all these areas
These are the things Tom Perez is talking about when he talks about reform.
These are structural changes that need to be made to make the organization more effective. But I worry about philosophy and direction. Rebuilding state organizations that are grass roots and community friendly is also needed That has to happen from the ground up. Not the top down. It is time to define what is a democrat. Who is a Democrat. What do we stand for. Tired of the big tent theory. That got us Bernie Sanders.
outvoting the bigots. every effing single time.
We Must!!
This.
THANK YOU, Dr. Moniz, for this major milestone.
JOB, I finally went back and read your poem. Again, your words are so meaningful. You are such a beautiful writer. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you, mtm. Really appreciate it.
History:
I am happy they are recording the great moments of their lives.
Night everyone. Thank you for all the goodness that was brought here today….Boomer, another great job!
🙂
lol. always an eye for the detail (and the fine print).
Yes, EXACTLY. He never misses a thing!!
Not sure if this thread has been posted …
Rachel says there are more than 200K signed up - so far - to attend the Women’s March on Saturday. Yay!
do we have to sign up for it? yikes, I thought we could just… arrive??
I’m guessing you can just arrive … but I think they asked, in general, for people to let them know in advance, if they were attending - for crowd control and all that. I have no real details. You are going? Yay if you are!
I found their facebook page and signed up there- so thanks for that headsup this morning 🙂 Yes we are planning on going… my middle son and family.. youngest son has to work so can’t go. Unless something comes up we can’t control, the plan is to definitely take part. We feel we just can’t sit this out. I’m sick most of the time (physically) so I don’t usually attend much of anything. I will just take rests as much as possible and son and fam seem to be ok with that.
Please “represent” me, there!
where are all the ‘conscientious’ white folks?
Waiting to see which way the wind blows and for their marching orders from their corporate overlords.
Yep my dem rep hasn’t tweeted one thing or to my knowledge said one thing in opposition to Trump or his choices… or about the inauguration. He has, however, tweeted support for Mattis. Something I will be writing to him about. Not been pleased with his lack of leadership, yet he continues to get reelected and runs unopposed by either dem or repub each election.
click the linky for the list- this photo is highlighting John Lewis’ leadership
Rep. Earl Blumenauer from Portland, Oregon has opted out and made a public statement. I’ve seen some others.
daughter unit’s ‘joke’.
are doctors always this morbid?
dratz.
if the pic doesn’t show up (yet again), the linky.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1j56d1&s=9
Unreal….paid seat fillers and trying to find people to attend through FB.
i have cried quite a bit these past few days
THANK YOU PRESIDENT OBAMA,
VP BIDEN
welp that one really got me, did me in. thank you Sheila. My hope / dream was that on Jan 20th we the people would line the streets of DC all with signs saying Thank you to POTUS et al.
that would be great
I haven’t always been the biggest fan of John Brennan but love how he stands with his crew.
Our future president pals around with curious fellows like these. Totally normal, right?
Not that I’ll be watching, but happy to hear it’ll be a bust.
I have so many bad wishes…. which make me ashamed of my mind and myself. But they bring a sense of relief and revenge for the Biggest Show on Earth that is no longer the Ringling Brothers. Tragic!
I’m sure most of us share your viewpoint!
Thanks, Jacqueline O. This week is hitting me hard.
We’re in it together - keep that in mind!
Putting lipstick on a pig. They could not get big name acts and crowds are staying away so they try to act like what they are left with is what they always wanted. And that pitiful bribing on Facebook to get seat fillers? Really? But watch how this, his crew and Fox one will be sending out lying tweets and reports that his crowds are more vast than PBO’s were. The only thing that I am looking forward to is 1/21 and the nation-wide protest marches and activities.
Me too CEB- only looking forward to the 21st.. and you are right, they will lie about the crowds. They’re trying so hard to spin this as an inauguration of “simplicity”. Hogwash. Just another cover-up.
To 1/21 for all of us, it is! PBO had almost 2M (1.8) attending his first Inauguration. Top that, orange glowstick! But, yes, Saturday’s nation-wide protest marches and activities will be fabulous to see, and The Start of Something Big.
Never liked her. Karma is a b####.
For Monikkka Crowley:
I’m skeptical that the plagiarism is the real reason for her being dumped- DT doesn’t let little indiscretions trouble him, from what I can see. There’s more behind the headline- after all, his own wife plagiarized her speech to the convention, and she’s apparently still employed. Albeit in a minor role, and mostly off camera.
This is pathetic. I would have given anything for a special ticket to PBO’s inauguration.
Well, even for his own fan base, the proximity to the toxicity of the Jackass-elect is maybe too much.
You honor us with your brilliance, grace & exceptional insights, {{{{{{{{{Jacueline}}}}}}}}} !!
Thank you {{{{{{{NW}}}}}}} for featuring the poem.
Oh, thanks so much, Bob!
Goodnight TOD ….
Should have included this ….
Heading off to bed on a high note! A demain.
***
President-in-Chief, forever
You can tell us that on Friday
There’s a changing of the guard
You can say it’s time to pack up
And stack our boxes in the yard
The moving van can come around
And show us the ticket to ride
But along with Bo and Sunny
We all just plan to hide
Grandma Robinson’s not going anywhere
The girls have locked their bedroom doors
The Secret Service is in on it
We’ve even cancelled White House tours
The food staff’s still prepping
And the butlers aren’t resigning
Everyone knows it’s been a dream
But there’s a silver lining
Life may sometimes come at us
In midday like a damn thief
But Barack Obama’s in our hearts forever
We’ll never surrender our President-in-Chief!
Woot! You’re damn right we won’t! ❤
Woot!
Oh JOB, I am so serious about wanting all your poems. Your gift is so precious.
Ya know, it is just starting to sink in how many people in this incredible administration I am going to miss beyond the top four. I love the videos that come out of the Department of Energy explaining what they do and the progress they make, and Dr. Moniz is the best. He’s also worked hard to advance science for women and girls. John Kerry has been remarkable and tireless. Samantha Power has been a remarkable voice at the UN. Susan Rice has always struck me as just incredibly calm, smart, savvy and competent. The list goes on and on. And they LOOK like America! It is going to feel like an absolute drought after having these incredible people running our government. So very sad to see all of them go.
Good night TOD.
PBO is the only president in the past 50 years who will still be a force after he leaves. He ends his presidency without scandal, with high approvals, in good health, relative youth and without being bankrupt because he owes money to lawyers. LBJ’s push for the Civil Rights Act and the escalation of the Viet Nam War, did not leave him in a good position to run for re-election so he did not and little was heard from him after his term was over. Nixon resigned before he was impeached and was persona non grata; Ford, a one-termer who lived quietly afterward. Carter was felled mostly by the Iran hostage crisis. Post-presidency he has done much charitable work with his foundation but he stays out of the political fray. Reagan had the Iran-Contra affair and signs of diminished capacity even before he left. I still remember that day when Nancy was picked up on a mic telling him how to respond to reporters’questions. Papa Bush got us in war for oil and did not realize that even sitting presidents have to campaign if they want to be re-elected. He spent most of his time after serving jumping out of planes, defending his son, and adopting Bill. Clinton knew how to win but not how to govern and forgot the golden-rule of affairs; make sure that the other person has as much to lose as you. He let Gingrich and company make him their bitch, while he was pulled, not to the center (there is no such thing) but to the right in his desire to be liked The awful effects of NAFTA, the Crime Bill and the rolling back of some financial regulations, are mostly still with us today. Dubya looked so whipped and beat-up at the end of his term that he looked even more like Elmer Fudd that he did usually. A huge financial crisis that he did not see coming and had no idea of how to deal with it, two wars raging, and our Number 1 enemy living in a large compound with his wives and children right in the middle of the Pakistani military complex. Here is a man who had two terms who is reduced to making child-like paintings of his dogs who is not welcome in any country. Only PBO ends with the stature, the popularity of a great statesman. He went in to it for the right reasons and keep them focus. He accomplished 85% (his words) of what he planned while dealing with all of the unexpected things that no one could plan for He went through the fire for our sake and came through burnished like gold. He will be in great demand from countries, organizations and people all over the world. He and Michelle can make millions upon millions if they choose to do so (not likely). They will be able to go anywhere and do anything. They will be able to call upon the best and the brightest to join with them in their service projects. The great in all aspects of life will fete them and all of the rest of us will welcome them with open arms and happy smiles. This unlikely man, one that we were not looking for, is the greatest president of all times. Many of the others some consider great were stained by slavery, elitism, racism and personal scandal. PBO will be the first to say that he is flawed and really mean it when he says this, but his flaws are not the type that would harm our nation. More than anything else, he had the unique pressure of “presidenting while Black” and even this did not pull him from his focus. We have been so blessed to live in and to be “woke” enough to witness and appreciate his service. God has answered our many prayers in protecting and guiding him and all who served with him and may He continue to do so. Amen. Amen.
Amen.
Amen! So well said!
Thank you, CEB. I agree with you 100%.
It is cold ,but bright morning here in London.
I’ll stay positive and hopeful despite of all things happening in US and Brexit Britain, because I have to follow the great example of PBO.
Love to all
Cherish
Morning, cherish:) Keep the faith:)
When President Obama, Mrs. Obama, Malia and Sasha head west, this will likely be the home where they will stay:
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/michael-s-smith-james-costos-palm-springs-home-article
Beautiful modern elegance, surrounded by mountains, near a golf course, absolute privacy.
All our love, FLOTUS!!!!
Hmmmmm…… not sure what happened there.
Morning everyone…You know, I thought of some #Goodtrouble we can get into to help put a fine point on how important it is for Americans to have Obamacare….I think that we should SHOW the congresspeople that want to get rid of it…by sending them the bills (or just a facsimile:) for the healthcare that we now will not be able to pay because of what they want to do. FLOOD their offices with notes about what they will be responsible for…and ask them, WHO PAYS FOR THIS NOW? DO YOU WANT ME TO DIE?
What say you?? 🙂
Also, I saw this this morning over at BJ:
For those worried about ACA coverage for themselves and their families…. After hearing about the midnight repeal of the pre-existing conditions clause, a friend of mine called Senator Warren’s office. The woman she spoke to said they are being flooded with calls, as are the offices of Speakers Ryan and McConnell.
Senator Warren’s staff member told her that what would help the most would be to call the five Republican senators who have broken away from the GOP to demand a slow down of the repeal. Tell them how much you appreciate their efforts to stop this train wreck! If this issue affects you or someone you love, share your story with the staffer who answers the phone. (Remember the time difference when you call.)
The senators are:
Senator Bob Corker – (202) 224-3344
Senator Lisa Murkowski – (202) 224-6665
Senator Rob Portman – (202) 224-3353
Senator Susan Collins – (202) 224-2523
Senator Bill Cassidy – (202) 224-5824
if you call the number and get VM, one approach would be to leave an appreciative and encouraging message. I know people who prefer to do that, since calling a Representative’s office often means waiting on hold for a loooong time.
Huh.Don’t say.
too lil, too late, assholes.
Morning, amk:) Well…this is part of the “process” that they have to go through to realize that the people who want them to DIE, you know, the Republicans, are the people THEY voted for to take their lives away. We’ll be seeing more and more realizations like this as time goes on…..meanwhile, the rest of us are screwed. I hate stupid people.
Morning, df. They had decades of pain & suffering before the kenyan came along and showed them a much better way. And these pos voted against him repeatedly. No way these racist scums will change their way of life or thoughts.
Suckers. They have allowed themselves to be used by upper income/class whites in power since before the days of the Revolution and have gotten nothing for it but disdain and empty pockets. They have spit on anyone who has tried to help them.
Just look what they did. Look who they welcome and celebrate! 🙂 Happy Birthday, Michelle Obama. Best First Lady EVER:)
https://www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside-white-house/peoples-house
Good Morning TODVille.
CNN is at it again. As if I needed a reminder that the Jackass-elect was going to be inaugurated! My heart sank, nevertheless.————————
Donald Trump will become president Friday with an approval rating of just 40%, according to a new CNN/ORC Poll, the lowest of any recent president and 44 points below that of President Barack Obama, the 44th president.
Following a tumultuous transition period, approval ratings for Trump’s handling of the transition are more than 20 points below those for any of his three most recent predecessors. Obama took the oath in 2009 with an 84% approval rating, 67% approved of Clinton’s transition as of late December 1992 and 61% approved of George W. Bush’s transition just before he took office in January 2001.
Trump’s wobbly handling of the presidential transition has left most Americans with growing doubts that the President-elect will be able to handle the job. About 53% say Trump’s statements and actions since Election Day have made them less confident in his ability to handle the presidency, and the public is split evenly on whether Trump will be a good or poor president (48% on each side).
May everything sink or fail about him!
Pretty much what happens to me…
Most corrupt? For sure. Get away with it? That is my nightmare, that he destroys everything conning his base into thinking it is better and he gets re-elected.
He’s back!
LOL. Go F yourself. He just can not stand this. He is a petty, small person.
Remember he said the election was rigged, I guess he want Putin’s help again. To help him with his approval numbers
and united states of shitty rethugs.
amk…do you still have the keys to the kingdom? We could use a new thread and let Nerdy sleep in:) 🙂 Just wondering….
nope, not any more. don’t think any of us has any more.
bummer:(
yup, the main reason I won’t be around after 20th.
FYI -
He’s done an outstanding job for our nation.
Will be interesting to see what icon he uses to replace the ‘egg’ 😀
i love how everyone is giving us a way to stay in touch with them…smilin
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A GREAT FIRST LADY…..MICHELLE OBAMA
New post.
https://theobamadiary.com/2017/01/17/giving-back-to-the-community/