During the George W. Bush administration, traveling to other countries was an invitation for criticism. You found yourself either dodging or countering attacks. We have, indeed, been down in international opinion polls. What a breath of fresh air it is to see our president and first lady impress the world with their sincerity, calmness and intelligence.
This wouldn't be the case had the president decided to present speeches void of spontaneity. Instead, he was relaxed and spoke of Roosevelt and Churchill having a brandy together, those being easier times, and in a light-hearted manner framed for the world today's challenge of bringing multiple opposing parties together to reach agreements important to us all.
Michelle Obama couldn't have been more impressive. Some didn't care for her hair or outfits, but how little such things matter when an accomplished woman reaches out to a queen and children with equal honesty and graciousness. I could go into how ridiculous it is for the media to be constantly focusing on her clothing and hair instead of on what comes from her heart, instead of the impressive way she presents her thoughts and has come to embrace being a role model for girls and women, but I'll put that on hold.
Don't get me wrong; it's great to look attractive. But will women ever be free of front-and-center superficial evaluations? What you have to like about Michelle Obama is that she doesn't appear to let such pettiness weaken the messages she is intent upon delivering -- among them that little girls, "little jewels," everywhere should aspire to great heights.
Tomorrow is another day. And when President Obama gets home, the problems left behind will still be there. But America has been going it alone for a long time. It has caused us extraordinary problems and exacted inestimable losses. We learned again that just as no man is an island, no country that considers itself above or indifferent to others avoids ultimately paying a high price. This president promised the same wouldn't happen on his watch, and is delivering on that promise.
So take a deep breath. The air is cleaner now. Travel advisories are turning positive. It seems even the French are starting to like us again.
Dr. Reardon also blogs at bardscove.
I can not put into words how depressing the last eight years have been. I'm not speaking from the Democratic, Republican, Conservative, Liberal, Right Wing or Left Wing perspective. It is based on the manner in which the Bush/Cheney administration divided this GREAT country, smeared the image of our nation around the world and took OUR men and women into war, yet still will not admit their faults and mistakes. But that was then, this is now and we've been blessed with a new beginning.
Barbara Walters said on a recent video that it was the Queen of England that touched Mrs. Obama first; and yes the tears she held back when talking at the girls school made me think that she was realizing just how far away her daughters were.
Yet it is only our own minds we can really know...right?
It's going to take some getting used to, having an intelligent president. Maybe even a year or two. I am planning my trip to Paris now...