Hope
Two years ago, I read an article about Barack Obama and declared ‘He could be the next president of the USA’. His charisma shines in a way that is rare in politicians. And so I joined other people celebrating his election – including my friend Sue – a Brit living in Portland, Oregon ‘proud to be American’. And yet I am taken back to the election of the previous labour leader who promised so much, and then went down a road of hypocricy and self-serving, creating a huge sense of disappointment in those who voted for him, with so much hope in their hearts. In the film “Clockwise”, John Cleese is lying on the ground having watched his day, and many aspects of his life, fall apart and says something along the lines of “I don’t mind the despair, I can cope with despair; it is the hope I can’t cope with”.
I believe Barack Obama merits our trust. While many people celebrate his race and what he has achieved, my feeling is that he was elected because he is the best – he is a man with massive integrity who will attract others of that ilk to him. December 2012 will be upon us in four years. Grandfather Fire (the Mexican Huichol Indian’s god) has declared, like many spiritual beings, that at that time there will be a shift – but it will not be one big hit, just a needed shift for the planet.
My hope is this: that more people like Barack Obama are elected to the highest office in their countries, to replace the many despotic, cruel and self-serving leaders that the world sees at the present moment. The Dalai Lama emphasises that true leadership comes from people who manifest wisdom, compassion and loving kindness.
Long live hope, and Barak Obama.