David Brooks: Obama "May Revitalize The Concept Of Dignity"

The New York Times:

Americans still admire dignity. But the word has become unmoored from any larger set of rules or ethical system.

But it's not right to end on a note of cultural pessimism because there is the fact of President Obama. Whatever policy differences people may have with him, we can all agree that he exemplifies reticence, dispassion and the other traits associated with dignity. The cultural effects of his presidency are not yet clear, but they may surpass his policy impact. He may revitalize the concept of dignity for a new generation and embody a new set of rules for self-mastery.

Read the whole story: The New York Times

Comments

[Brett1981]

"Today, Americans still lavishly admire people who are naturally dignified ... or politics (Ronald Reagan and Martin Luther King Jr.)."

Let's see. One of two men named in that sentence fought for and led a civil rights movement, the other kicked off his presidential campaign by exploiting racial tension in the South. One railed against the wastes of Vietnam and the other railed against evil socialist Medicare.

Naturally dignified indeed.

[PurplePeon]

Please. Obama is shaping up to replace Carter as the worst president ever. Yes, even worse than Bush.

[Noratruth]

Last time I checked Bush ranked much worse than Carter in historians presidents ranking. So another Carter is still much better than Bush.

[PurplePeon]

Ya, but it's all still opinion.

[NavyMom44]

Oh please, go take your Purple Pill....the only president worse than Bush is Lincoln on the day of his funeral. Bush wanted the title of president but not the work involved in running the country other than giving over industries to his business friends.

[PurplePeon]

That's just like Obama. He wants the title, but want to continue campaigning.

[Fabienne]

How is Obama, in six months, shaping up to replace Carter? Please be specific. Point out the parallels. The similar mistakes and weaknesses. If you can't do this, we might think you are just blowing smoke.

[PurplePeon]

Please. I'm not writing you an essay for something you can look up yourself.

[Concerned American99]

Media Yawn as Obama Gives Ambassadorships to Campaign Contributors.

All three morning shows on Tuesday ignored a Washington Times report pointing out that Barack Obama is "continuing the Washington tradition of handing out ambassadorships to political friends and fundraisers." Good Morning America, the Early Show and Today skipped the piece by Jim McElhatton noting that despite pledging to change the tone in Washington, the longstanding practice has continued.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/07/obama-appoints-friends-in-high-places/

[Noratruth]

That is because Washington times has not established a reputation as a credible and reliable news media. It's reporting has always been one-sided, bias and not always trustworthy.

[Noratruth]

oops... I meant to say its not it's

[Fabienne]

Does President Obama appointing his friends to these posts, just like all Presidents do, jeopardize our foreign policy standing? Could you name these people and how they are not qualified for these jobs?

[tangelan]

"Every week there are new scandals featuring people who simply do not know how to act." So true.

[peacegurl48]

Milquetoast? Does that mean someone who is not defensive/offensive even in the face of the most vicious attacks? Someone who doesn't curse and demean others simply because they don't share the same views, politics or religion?Someone who isn't an anti-intellectual ideologue? Someone who is secure enough to respect other world cultures? Someone who practices diplomacy instead of empire building? I call that leadership with dignity, grace, intelligence and style...a leader who leads by example. President Obama never resorts to hate talk and vitriol and I am proud that he is our President.
It is sad that Dignity and Intelligence are perceived to be weakness.

[globalcitizenlinda]

No doubt about it, President Obama is a man of deep personal dignity and natural poise. BO reminds of people who through their good manners and respect for other do not just demand respect but rather naturally command respect.

BO if a person of great empathy and treats people with respect no matter their socio-status and even when they disagree with him or publicly insult him - he is more of a decent human being than I can ever be and that God he is our president!!!

[Helzapoppin]

or he could revitalize the concept of milquetoast

[Concerned American99]

Style of Substance seems to be the trend these days.

[michael d]

I'm always interested in reading Brook's oped pieces. They're a little intellectually constipated... but ususally bring something to the table. I'm not sure who Brooks represents at this point as there is no intellectual strand of the GOP remaining. I also wonder if Brooks would truly want to see the GOP with a greater voice or if he is just trying to play the role of a thoughtful protagonist.

[FebM]

This is not good news for the party of 'family values" and do as I say not as I do
But seriously, Brooks, and a few others like Christopher Buckery, Katherine Parker and George Will at least have some respect for knowledge. You may differ with them but they are thoughtful

[1088]

Yes he does have dignity! But it is apparent that American would rather a President who is unfaithful on his wife, call the other political side dirty names, kick around anybody that disagree, bully, lie, shady, hateful and will smear their opponent without blinking. We are not ready yet for such a man. Sorry, but that is the truth.

[talkitreal]

President Obama is naturally a gentleman.

[lainey]

What a timely article. As a try and raise a young girl, I can always point to the President and his family as examples of ways to carry oneself in public, which can only keep reoccuring if done in private as well. Their dignity and poise are admirable. I will be delighted when both find themselves "in" again. Thank you, Mr. Brooks and President Obama.

[FrozenNorthObserver]

he has certainly "revitalized" the concept of ba it and swi tch pol itics.

[talkitreal]

Go take your medication!

[Fabienne]

When was that ever absent from politics?

[trinidadgirl]

I meant to say waiting ..forgot to cross my t's!