President Obama’s First Address
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After hours in the cold watching Barack Obama be sworn in and give his first address as president of the United States, I finally made it indoors and to a computer.
As a ONE member, I know I wasn’t the only one thankful and inspired by President Obama’s words on our issues:
“To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.”
And while writing this, I’m discovering this statement on the new White House website under foreign policy:
“Fight Global Poverty: Obama and Biden will embrace the Millennium Development Goal of cutting extreme poverty and hunger around the world in half by 2015, and they will double our foreign assistance to achieve that goal. This will help the world’s weakest states build healthy and educated communities, reduce poverty, develop markets, and generate wealth.”
Over the last 2 months, more than 101,000 people signed ONE’s petition calling on Mr. Obama to make clear in his speech the importance of fighting poverty and preventable disease worldwide. And he now has on the most prominent of global stages.
I look forward to working with ONE’s millions of members over the next days, months, and years, to keep up the pressure and make sure these powerful words turn into powerful action.
-Virginia Simmons
(photo credit Josh Peck)
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The ONE Blog is a daily log of the anti-poverty movement. The site is operated by ONE staff, with frequent contributions from volunteers, members and partner organizations.
The ONE Blog updates readers daily with the latest in global development news and analysis and what ONE members and our partners are doing around the world to influence world leaders in the fight against global poverty.
The content of each post and each comment represents the views of that author and does not necessarily reflect the views of ONE or ONE Action. ONE does not support or oppose any candidate for elected office, and any post expressing support or opposition for a candidate is not endorsed by ONE.
January 20, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Woooo hooooo! Go ONE! We are not there yet…but we are headed in the right direction. So proud to be a ONE member today with so many Republicans and Democrats that are uniting to save lives in the poorest nations on Earth. So so, so proud to be an American! So proud to be ONE!
January 20, 2009 at 4:45 pm
So happy. I’m not a crying gal but I am all misty-eyed!
I told my friend to wear a “Where’s Waldo” outfit and I’ve been searching these photos for her to no avail of course.
January 20, 2009 at 4:52 pm
People are listening….
January 20, 2009 at 5:46 pm
President Obama’s support of the Millennium Development Goals is encouraging. God bless America and our new President.
Patrick
New York City
January 20, 2009 at 7:25 pm
President Obama has always supported the goals of our campaign so to see him reference these goals in his address this morning did not surprise me at all although I was very glad to hear him re-affirm his commitment to the fulfillment of the MDG’s.
What is important for us to concentrate our efforts on is making sure that the funding levels for the programs that we support are secured in the fiscal budget for 2010. In this downturn economy, it will be hard for any group to secure full funding for the programs that it supports.
That is why it is essential that we, as ONE members, do all that we can to keep the coalition of Democrats & Republicans together which has been so important in getting the funding levels which PEPFAR and other programs enjoy today.
Let’s continue to work together on behalf of the world’s poorest people!
ALWAYS FOREVER, ONE – debbie
http://www.mpwn-uganda.org
January 20, 2009 at 7:37 pm
For the first time Black President of the most powerful nation, I hope for a more united America..God bless Obama..God bless the people..
January 20, 2009 at 7:46 pm
For the first time Black President of the most powerful nation, I hope for a more united America..Hope it’ll be a much more deliberate people and country..
January 20, 2009 at 9:50 pm
It will take each and every ONE of us to make this happen! Glad to have this man give a powerful voice to the world’s BEAUTIFUL SOULS! Aloha
~Renae Hapka, Las Vegas, Nevada/ Honolulu, Hawaii
January 20, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I have to admit this was the first inaugeration I allowed myself to get caught up in. This president is the right person at the right time–a time in which we need dramatic change and healing as a nation and as a world.
January 20, 2009 at 10:04 pm
It gives us all new found hope to see an extremely intelligent person that cares deeply about this country and its’ people, take the oath of office today. One day we will proudly chant, Yes, we did!
January 20, 2009 at 10:14 pm
ONE continues to make a difference and it is imperative that we do not let up the pressure now. Keep raising our voices across this country and through one.org/campus! Sign up for your college even if you are no longer a student, alumni, parents, faculty and staff can join to support their college and inspire our students.
January 20, 2009 at 10:14 pm
We watched the inauguration in one of my classes today, and I was proud to be able to say I was one of those people to sign the petition. As a member of a small community and an even smaller college, people were amazed at the impact a simple petition had. It generated insight to the idea of change on a global scale.
January 20, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I am proud to be a member of ONE, and proud to be lead by such a brilliant, powerful and kind president. He walks with quiet confidence, and speaks with much passion. He cares about his country and the countries abroad. Let us continue to help him by serving our country and all of mankind near and far. God Bless us all!!
January 20, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Our hopes of witnessing reduction in global poverty, illiteracy and disease are strengthened with the strong commitment to this worthy cause expressed by President Barack Obama in his Inaugural Address.
I am sure that the President will take this task as the priorty item in his over program of bringing about CHANGE.
January 20, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Please check out my daughters website http://www.pleasestopwar , they were 11 & 13 when we worked on this. it will make you cry and say “NEVER AGAIN”. I have HOPE today President OBAMA.
Bush took all of that , I felt GOD for the first time in years Mr Obama. I was waiting for you to rise up and float around, thats how powerful you feel to me! With Love, Hope & Humility
I am yours to call on for any help needed
Martin Morley
May GOD bless you and all of us.
January 20, 2009 at 10:28 pm
GO PRESIDENT OBAMA!
January 20, 2009 at 10:33 pm
made a mistake its
http://www.pleasestopwar.com
January 20, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Today we rose as a Nation eager to fight poverty with the commitment of our new President! We are in the right track. We are to be the proudest crowd there is for we as ONE struggled to make this happen. Congratulations to all ONE members. This is why we are the best!
January 20, 2009 at 11:09 pm
this was not a black vote nor a white vote this was an american vote that show that needed some change .There was not specific race or religion that got this man in office.lets hope for the best of its people and the president to help us get out of this mess, that all the greedy people that got us here in the first place.god bless all people lets stand together and unite as one again.
January 20, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Thank u all member ONE !!!we are the chosen ONE to be proud fo fighting poor and hunger people around the world.- I believe our ALMIGHTY ONE has chosen President Obama to lead the world for slogan
” NO ONE LEFT BEHIND ” God bless AMERICA.
January 21, 2009 at 12:42 am
I am proud to be a ONE member as well. This is most impressive!
January 21, 2009 at 1:00 am
Have America really been given a second chance by electing a Barack H. Obama to be its commander in chief? I think so. His powerful and sombre words must have struck a chord in different ways to people not only at home, but the world over. I have no doubt that he was sincere, as he will be in his committment to help end poverty. I am hoping that our organisation ONE will play a role in ensuring that funds will reach the poor for whom they are meant and not greedy corrupt politicians, who seem to be over- represented in poor countries.
January 21, 2009 at 1:41 am
Baracks Father comes from Kenya/Africa this brings U.S.A and Africa very close as anation. We are nolonger far and devided, we are (ONE). For this reasone we must face our broblems as a family.We hope the developing Countries will work closely with developing Nations as (ONE).
Concerning our work to the Disables in developing World,we are ONE and want to work with as many Organizations as posible.
Disabled Support Project kenya(DISK) is working hard to eradicate poverty among the disabled Community.We wish all members of ONE and the whole world to join us in this difficult work we are doing.God bless you.
January 21, 2009 at 2:21 am
I can’t tell you how happy I was to hear him begin “To the people of poor nations, we pledge…” I am so hopeful for the days to come. We will bring change.
January 21, 2009 at 2:34 am
The well thought provoking speech, inspired us to do the best to lift all human values in USA and on whole blue planet. As he said nations are made by building & improoving the infra structure but not by destroying it. We have to build all our system such that even if fails it will be put back faster. we need to revamp our health system such that our baby boomer can live healthy and our younger generation can produce more efficientely. We all need to imrove our daily habits of saving certain percentage of every thing we consume and use as much green energy we can in home n in offices n in factories. Since we are the leading country in the world if we do our best then we can have all 3 rd world conuntry do there best. May Godbless 1 ST. family and the president and the free people of the usa
January 21, 2009 at 4:14 am
Whoa! Did you feel that? A seismic shift took place at the moment of Obama’s swearing in as president. A shift that I swear was felt around the world. Obama’s words were so powerful and hopeful. He spoke of respect, responsibility, honesty, inclusion. He spoke to us as ONE.
I was moved to tears yesterday, tears of joy, and of gratitude, and of love. There have been other moments in my life when I’ve felt such a feeling and they have been moments of love. That was what was present yesterday. Love was present. That is the shift!
As Obama inspires us to “pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America”, we will, of course, need to include the world in the remaking of a better future. But I truly believe that the context in which we do our work will be one of love for one another. Love is the shift, it is the answer.
Love,
Sharon King
January 21, 2009 at 5:36 am
Heap not yet piles of undeserved praise. Only time will tell whether Mr. Obama will get done the things that he’s said he would without regard to specifics. I hope that you all get the change that you think your going to get.
Look up “Cognitive Dissonance”. It’s what many of the posters in this thread are going to have to come face to face with.
January 21, 2009 at 5:40 am
As President Obama stated in his address, we will have some tough times ahead of us due to the financial crises, his speech did give hope and optimism which we have all ben hungering for these past few years. A new sun is rising today and a new day over our country. We have to keep the excitement of yesterday going and actively support President Obama and his Cabinet in the remaking of America.
January 21, 2009 at 6:52 am
A president is just a figure head — but a president who can rally the people, and give them the confidence they need to believe in themselves to change their situation, is a leader. You stand to be the most powerful president since our modest beginnings, and the first real LEADER in a very long time. Your ideas and words invoke hope and promise and have instilled (or in some cases re-instilled) a love of this country in the youth of America, something that in and of itself is a phenomenal accomplishment. We expect great things from you Obama — and in a very overdue sort of way, we expect great things from OURSELVES.
Thanks,
Tanner Campbell
January 21, 2009 at 7:18 am
Thank you, Tanner, for being a voice of reason amid all the hoopla of the last few days. Although I am thrilled with president Obama in office, I am also aware that he can not change everything that needs to be changed by himself nor can those things be changed in a year or two.
This type of structural change to the U.S. economy & political structure takes TIME & EFFORT BY ALL OF US and I’m afraid that a lot of people who are so euphoric right now in the last two threads in this Blog will end up disappointed & frustrated a year from now when reality hits them.
I would rather that people not be delusional so that they do not become bitter when Pres. Obama can not live up to all of their expectations.
I loved these words of yours, Tanner, because it sums up what I have been trying to say for the last two days:
” in a very overdue sort of way, we expect great things from OURSELVES.”
I completely agree.
The question to ask each of ourselves is when will be the next time that we will take the message of ONE to our communities and organize on behalf of the world’s poorest people?
That is the task before us.
Living Positively, debbie
http://www.mpwn-uganda.org
January 21, 2009 at 8:19 am
I am proud of what we have accomplished thus far. We must answer President Obamas’ call to service and do all we can to improve our communities as well as stay involved in the political process to move the agenda forward. Our President is a leader but he needs us to accomplish what we ourselves started. I am hopeful about the future and the country we will leave to our children. Thank you Mr. President!
Jeannette Winchell
January 21, 2009 at 9:04 am
WOW….. God Bless! I’m speechless and hopeful.
January 21, 2009 at 9:26 am
Your speech was motivating and honest. Although difficult I know you are up for this task. Talk to us on a regular basis. Do not disappear into the political dungeons. You have our support, you have our attention, you have our prayers, you have our admiration, you hold our hope for a better world, for a better environment. Call on us to walk beside you, to help lift America in the eyes of the world. do not forget about those less fortunate. Give us a way to help, give us a way to know that our efforts reach those that need it. To much greed has kept many like myself from sending aid as we do not know that it ever reaches those that need it, we cannot trust so many organizations. Thank you Mr. President for restoring hope, for restoring motivation, for getting me excited again, for bringing me to tears.
January 21, 2009 at 9:32 am
THE WORLD IS LISTENING, AND THAT’S VERY GOOD TO KNOW…….THANK YOU MR.PRESIDENT, GOSH HOW THAT FEELS SO GOOD TO SAY! THANK YOU FOR THE KNOWLEDGE YOU PREACH AND THE WISDOM YOU TEACH, AND THE HOPE YOU HAVE GIVEN MANY OF US IN AMERICA, AND THOSE IN OUTTER COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR GIVING MY PARENTS HOPE IN THIS COUNTRY CALLED AMERICA AND THANK YOU FOR GIVING MY SON THE HOPE AND FAITH TO KNOW HE CAN BE ANYTHING HE WANT TO BE, THANK FOR ALLOWING ME TO BECOME A PART OF HISTORY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE DONE AND WITH ALL MY PRAYERS I CONTINUE TO ASK GOD FOR PROTECTION ON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, AND PRAY FOR YOU WITH ALL THE OBSTICLE COURSES YOU WILL HAVE TO FACE, I KNOW THE PROGRESS IS NOT OVER-NIGHT AND ALL SHOULD COME TO UNDER STAND THAT , BUT WITH THE STEPS IN THE PROCESS THERE WILL BE PROGRESS, AND I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT…AGAIN MR.PRESIDENT I THANK YOU.
January 21, 2009 at 9:38 am
Dear President Obama,
It only took one man and that is you to make a difference in our country by being elected the new President of our country. As American’s we need to stop poverty not only in other countries but we need to begin in our own United States. Our economy as you know has hurt many people – there are families who have nothing due to the state that our country is in. I know you will make a difference for our country and others to stop poverty and I will do anything that I can to help in anyway to do anything to see this happen. I think you are a great man and I do believe you will do great things for our country and others. I am truly proud to be an “American” – I have not had this spirit in a long tome and I am glad it is back because of you.
Sincerely,
Chris Lacherza
January 21, 2009 at 10:29 am
HEY, YOUR’E A GOOD MAN WITH A WISDOM AND A STRENGTH OF COMMITMENT TO MUCH NEEDED CHANGE. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A VERY LONG TIIME I FELT INSPIRED AND HOPEFUL LISTENING TO A PRESIDENT SPEAK. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A VERY LONG TIME I HEARD MY PRESIDENT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM OF POVERTY AND MAKE A REAL COMMITMENT TO WORK TOWARD ENDING POVERTY. I AM OFTEN WATCHING DIFFERENT NEWS NETWORKS AND DO NOT HERE THE WORD POVERTY MENTIONED, ESPECIALLY TO EVEN AKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM OF THE PLIGHT OF THE POOR IN AMERICA. I SUPPORT YOU COMPLETELY AND GUESS WHAT? I AM ONE OF THOSE POOR PERSONS AND I FEEL CONFIDENT THAT WE ALL CAN MAKE A PROFOUND DIFFERENCE. BLESS YOU MR. PRESIDENT.
January 21, 2009 at 10:46 am
Yesterday, I was again proud to be a citizen of united states. everyone came together. it was a good day. there is hope. there is light at the end of the tunnel. thank you President Obama and Vice President Biden for the commitment.
Now only if we could bring the jobs back to US?
God bless you and god bless our country.
January 21, 2009 at 10:57 am
We need to thank God for bringing us the right man for the job of president, Thank You God!
God Bless the president and his advisers.
January 21, 2009 at 11:05 am
“Beautiful Souls” -I love that!
January 21, 2009 at 11:08 am
It is not up to Obama to end the world’s troubles. He is there to inspire US, you and me, to all work together.
His campaign was not about him, it was about citizens pulling together to do the right thing. His presidency will likewise succeed only if we can all help, each doing whatever small deeds we can do each day. There is so much we can all do, from reducing our use of fossil fuels and reducing waste by recycling, to donating time materials and/or money to good charities.
Obama, we are with you. We can do this!!
January 21, 2009 at 11:54 am
Follow your heart…….
January 21, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Interesting story apropose for the theme of our message!
Thank’s, Mr. President, for your ongoing commitment to the world’s poorest people.
Please read the refulgent and concise description of: You’re a Worthwhile Person in More Ways Than a Million by Simeon Johnson; in conjunction with the events of the day, at such a time as this! Valuable Services, Valuable Lives: Everyday People Making an Extraordinary Impact…
January 21, 2009 at 12:16 pm
What a historical day. Let us hope Obama’s words and actions turn this into a historical year and possibly 4-8 more. Thank you President Obama for stepping up to the plate. I look forward to CHANGE and more importantly POSITIVE CHANGE. I think we can see the light.
January 21, 2009 at 12:56 pm
It’s refreshing to hear a man of his stature commit to such a cause. He alone though cannot fight such a mighty fight. It takes organizations like this one and others to band together and really give some of what we have to those who have nothing.
January 21, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Hi all
Im writting from Angola in Africa.Just want to say god bless america.It was about time to change.
Over here ,half of the country yesterday just stop to watch this wonderful celebration.Im not an american,iam angolanan but i have the american spirit.
Cheers to all
January 21, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I love president Barack obama’s eloquent speech and I plead him not only fight against poverty and disease in Africa but help and put some measures to tackle the insanity African leadership.
Our african poor leadership leads us to poverty and if there’s political stability God’s fearing citizens will climb to powerand africans will be confortable.
January 21, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I love president Barack obama’s eloquent speech and I plead him not only fight against poverty and disease in Africa but help and put some measures to tackle the insanity African leadership.
Our african poor leadership leads us to poverty and if there’s political stability God’s fearing citizens will climb to power and africans will be confortable.
January 21, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I am inspired by Obama. He has inspired millions around the world giving them a spark of hope. He hasn’t promised to be our messiah, he has called us out to make the change. I am inspired when I reflect that Obama, himself is only one generation away from being one of the African citizens we all hope to give a better life. He represents that dream of what anyone can become if they have the basic needs, freedoms, education and opportunities afforded to us as American citizens. He is one of millions of African people who have the potential to change this world we live in if they are only given the chance. I am myself called out to do what I can.
January 21, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Hello Everybody,
I am from Hungary. I never liked USA too much but yesterday I started to like it. I am sure we can fight more efficient against injustices from now.
“I think of myself what a wonderful world”
January 21, 2009 at 2:13 pm
The Obama is the best men for American people .He knows more action to save this world. u can understand the bad way. If u go ever where in the world u will noted its a good men for human .So we need to support what we can help him thanks. African People must to know more about them . because ever person can do what he can do. if u try to take action u will go Thanks OBAMA IS THE PREISDENT IN THE WORLD
January 21, 2009 at 2:34 pm
HOLA
SOY DE REPUBLICA DOMINICANA Y ME SIENTO MUY ORGULLOSA DEL PRESIDENTE BARACK OBAMA Y SU FAMILIA, PORQUE EL INICIA EL SUEÑO DE MARTIN LUTHER KING.
LES DESEO LO MEJOR A USTEDES COMO PAIS Y AL NUEVO PRESIDENTE OBAMA EN ESTA NUEVA LUCHA CONTRA LAS INJUSTICIAS Y LA POBREZA.
ESPERO ME DISCULPEN NO SE MUCHO INGLES, PERO MI DESEO ERA PODER TRANSMITIR ESTE MENSAJE.
FELICIDADES
January 21, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Big EMOTION yesterday!
Thanks to Mr President Barack and Michelle Obama,
thanks for their BIG dignity and energy, thanks for their smile, thanks for their love.
ALL THE BEST from Italy, and now … Let’s go!
January 21, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Hope gives people the strenght to change thank you for giving the people hope again on a better world.
January 21, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Two words:
Simply extraordinary…
January 21, 2009 at 6:16 pm
I am writing from Australia and watched much of yesterdays celebration … and it is a truely an event worth celebrating.
Let’s all work together with this great President, and as he did by stepping out of his armor platted car and walking amongst his people, let’s all be willing to let go of our fears and rather than fight injustices like poverty and terrorism let’s all create prosperity, wealth and freedom.
Remember that the Universe always gives us what we focus on. If we focus on poverty, then we will continue to have poverty. When we focus on putting a man on the moon and bringing him back safely that’s exactly what we did. Now is the time to focus on abundance for every human being on earth.
January 21, 2009 at 6:33 pm
We have to first decide on what we want before working towards that.
If we truely want Peace and Growth for the Whole World President OBAMA is the Leader to fofllow.
With his vision and determination we can go very farin human development!
Let us all hope with the 44th Presidnet of the USA for a better future of the World.
It may take time and challenging effort, but we can and will do it!
January 21, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I think it is fantastic that my prayers and the prayers of millions around the world will be answered and that hungry and starving people will have food and clean water and a chance at life too now. I believe and trust that President Obama will keep his promise to put an end to extreme poverty. I also believe and trust in God to answer my prayers to end extreme poverty too. I believe we all have a role to play to donate to charities that help those suffering poverty and to make our voices heard that we are not going to tolerate extreme poverty any longer. We have a real chance here to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in Africa and other poverty stricken continents. Thank you President Obama and thank you God. from Gordon Young, Australia
January 21, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Just seeing the number of people that attended the inauguration was overwhelming already. Hearing President Obama’s speech gave everyone hope. It gave spark to everyone’s eyes, fire in our hearts.
Obama is someone to look up to.
I strongly believe he will bring change.
I am glad to be part of One. =)
God bless us all.
January 21, 2009 at 8:23 pm
I liked the comment from Hungary-I’m from New Zealand and I just started liking America heaps more too. I think Barack Obama will be not only the best thing for his country, but the best thing to happen to the world. Congratulations America, and ONE. Proud to be a member.
January 21, 2009 at 8:48 pm
We must give thanks to ONE for getting us all to realize that we can make a difference! Through ONE we have become a voice…. now we have someone in the White House that has the same heart and soul as the rest of us…. I look forward to the changes WE will make together as a country. I am soooo excited!
January 21, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Finally a light in a very morally dark political time. There is a feeling of hope around the world like I have never felt in my lifetime. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. One, Bono should be proud of what this organisation has achieved, I am
Amanda
Australia
January 21, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Mr. President,
Thank You! Thank You for recognizing your own spark of HUMANITY and having the courage to share that with the rest of us. You have a an authentic VISION – a sense of selfless grace. Please continue to work hard at hearing your inner voice – it is beginning to change the stagnant, myopic, political landscape in the ghost of what was once the greatest democratic society on earth.
With your LEADERSHIP Yeas WE Can Keep Hope Alive.
Thank You, sir for transcending the old useless dogmas that have schakled our culture for far to long.
January 21, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Thank you Mr. Obama, president. Love, friendschip and respect was dying. You gave the world the cure; HOPE. I keep your picture in a frame in my living room to remember. Love you, Frans
January 22, 2009 at 2:20 am
MAY THE LORD THE ALMIGHTY GOD, GUIDE, PROTECT, ENRICH YOUR WISDOM,VISSION AND MISSION TO ATTAIN ALL THE DESIRED OBJECTIVES FOR THE AMERICA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD,AMEN.
“YOUR TEAM WORK SHALL MAKE IT HAPPENS”
REMEMBER, “THE BIRDS OF THE SAME FATHER FLOCK TOGETHER”
BE BLESSED AND BEST OF LUCK.
REGARDS
MEL RUTA.
January 22, 2009 at 2:26 am
MAY THE LORD THE ALMIGHTY GOD, “GUIDE, PROTECT, ENRICH YOUR WISDOM,VISSION AND MISSION TO ATTAIN ALL THE DESIRED OBJECTIVES FOR THE AMERICA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD,AMEN.”
“YOUR TEAM WORK SHALL MAKE IT HAPPENS”
REMEMBER, “THE BIRDS OF THE SAME FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER”
BE BLESSED AND BEST OF LUCK.
REGARDS
MEL RUTA.
January 22, 2009 at 5:42 am
yea guys. i’m really proud to be one member. even if i’m an indonesian and don’t even live in america.. but it’s so relieving to know that i can help to make a difference.
you rock, obama!! keep fighting with us!
one members, thx for this beautiful “team-work”. x) let’s keep fighting together..!
for the better world..
January 22, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I didn’t watch the inaugeration, but I too am very glad to hear what Obama had to say about global poverty. He is not my President but he is the President and I will work with him and ONE on issues that we agree on. We do need to be more concerned with those who are suffering at home and abroad and how our actions impact them.
So with that I can say, THANK YOU!!
Go ONE!!!
January 22, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I am more hopeful that I have ever been and I was there with John and Robert Kennedy – and Martin Luther King. You had me at the 2004 Democratic Party speech. Since you have been clear and active through out this campaign, I do not see you deviating from your course – it’s just not you. We are blessed. You amazie me like Bill Clinton – you do not fein intellegence or evade issues – you answer directly and clearly. I hope you continue to have an open White House. Closed becomes closed to the People and cannot see you abandoning us as so many others have for whatever their reasons are. I LOVED that you labeled greed and dishonesty for what it is. You confrotned head on what was bad in the past. YOU ROCK!!
January 22, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Time to let Freedom Reign!
January 22, 2009 at 3:54 pm
las personas de por sí pueden tomar consciencia y “hacer” cambios
este es el momento
January 22, 2009 at 4:05 pm
TO LIANNE REEDY FROM NEW ZEALAND,FLORA FROM HUNGARY, JACIRA AND ECHERURO FROM AFRICA, THANK YOU FOR CONGRATULATING OUR NEW PRESIDENT. YOUR COMMENTS WILL START THE HEALING FOR YOU AND YOUR FELLOW COUNTRYMEN. ALL THE WORLD WATCHED AS THE UNITED STATES SWOR IN THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN PRESIDENT. NOT ONLY IS HE OUR PRESIDENT WE WILL BE THE WORLD’S PRESIDENT. HE HAS PROMISED TO AMEND OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ALL OUR ALLIES. HE HAS TAKEN ON THE RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE EVERY CROOKED THING RIGHT. PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS PETITIONED US TO REACH OUT TO ONE ANOTHER AND THE ‘ONE’ ORGANIZATION IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. I HAVE HOPE AND KNOW A CHANGE WILL COME UNDER HIS DIRECTION. MY FAITH IN THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN RENEWED. IT SEEMED THE GOVERNMENT HAD BECOME A DOG- EAT -DOG WORLD WITH NO CONCERN FOR THE WORKING CLASS BUT PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS GIVEN ME AND OTHERS HOPE. Dr. King, Rosa Parks, JFK,ABRAHAM LINCOLN YOUR WORK WAS NOT INVAIN. THE DREAM/ VISION HAS COME TO PASS. READING YOUR BLOGS HAS WARMED MY HEART, OVERWHELMED MY SPIRIT AND BRINGS TEARS OF JOY TO MY EYES. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN. GOD BLESS PRESIDENT OBAMA AND THE WORLD.
January 23, 2009 at 2:56 am
By electing Obama the first African American to be US president, US you have once more taken lead to guide humanity towards realizing true respect and values of human race.
Bulinya Martins
Nairobi, Kenya
January 23, 2009 at 3:02 am
thank’s Mr. Obama for helping ONE achieving it’s goals. hope Obama and ONE and all ONE member around the world can work together. so the world can have a better future…..
To Mr. Obama
This world is really needs angels…I know you are not angel and I’m not angel too,so do the people all around the world…. but I believe together we can do anything like an angel…..
Obama is not only an American Hope…but also The World Hope….
Keep up the great things….
January 23, 2009 at 5:57 am
Thank you Mr. Obama, president. Love, friendschip and respect was dying. You gave the world the cure; HOPE. I keep your picture in a frame in my living room to remember. Love you, PONSAK LUKA
January 24, 2009 at 2:16 am
All it would take, is for those of us fortunate enough to have the necessities of food and water, to walk in the shoes of the hungry in Africa for ONE day. Then, we might open our eyes and our hearts to the suffering and hardship these people endure every day.
January 24, 2009 at 3:54 am
C’mon now Carole, you know better than that.
January 24, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I guess what I am trying to say Steve, is that the fortunate should help the less fortunate, and if we were to spend a day in their shoes, we might have more empathy, and aid might get to them sooner.
January 24, 2009 at 3:31 pm
PRESIDENT OBAMA
THAKS YOU GOD, GO PRESIDET
RECIBA UN SALUDO DESDE MÈXICO……..
MI GRAN ADMIRACIÒN HACIA USTED ATENTAMENTE CRISTY MUÑOZ
January 25, 2009 at 11:17 am
When I look at President Obama, I don’t see a black man, or a white man. I see an American. A true American. His is the sort of story that inspires me. He comes from a diverse family background; he has worked to reach where he is; he is young; he is a father; he loves his wife and from what I see, appears to be an honest man. I don’t think he has had opportunities handed to him. For once, I think we have a president who knows what it is to be a common person. How wonderful is that? I am relieved to have someone in our White House that truly respects the position and will do his level best to make things better. For America as well as for the other inhabitants of this planet. Perhaps all honor and courage have not been lost.
Now the rest of us who believe in doing what is right can feel that we do, indeed, have friends in high places. What a wonderful time to be alive. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
January 25, 2009 at 11:44 am
“Three weeks of barbaric Israeli bombardment has laid waste to Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have had their lives reduced to rubble. They have lost everything – their loved ones, their homes, their hospitals, their schools, their fields, their university, and any semblance of normal family life.
Now is the time to deliver the help they so desperately need – medical supplies, food, clothing, toiletries, building materials, tools, clean water, furniture, computers, toys, schoolbooks – in fact anything and everything that we take for granted, the people of Gaza are crying out for to rebuild their lives.
That is why I have gathered people together from cities, towns and organisations across the UK to form a convoy of material aid – a lifeline for Gaza, headed by a fire-engine, packed full with donated firefighting equipment. You can fundraise and collect in your locality, fill a truck – fill ten trucks – and join us en route
We will all assemble in London on Saturday 14 February, on Valentine’s Day, to set off to Palestine, journeying through Paris, Madrid and Casablanca, then across north Africa to Rafah. We will travel with speed, with hope and with love.
You can help to send a Valentine to Palestine in so many ways. You can donate a truck. You can collect supplies. You can offer your services as a driver, a mechanic, a translator, or volunteer in our London office. You send us money. You can talk to friends, families and colleagues, to publicise this appeal and garner even more support.
The people of Gaza cannot wait while governments wrangle and apportion blame. They need action, not platitudes – they need a lifeline now. Support the convoy. Viva Palestina!”
Can Obama help us??
January 25, 2009 at 11:54 am
Once, in what was perhaps an unguarded moment, you stated that: “Nobody’s suffering more than the Palestinian people”. After days of relentless Israeli bombing in the Gaza strip that has already killed over seven hundred people, most of them civilians or policemen, and injured over three thousand, many of whom may yet die for lack of medical supplies and facilities, your words have never rung more true. And yet, so far, your signal response to this latest assault on the Palestinians, that the UN Secretary General diplomatically calls “disproportionate”, has been to defend Israel’s right to respond to rocket attacks that, while rightly condemned, are mere pinpricks in comparison to the horrific consequences of Israeli bombardment and of the ongoing blockade on Gaza.
Does this mean that on the long way to the White House you have trimmed your sails and, for the sake of securing the power you will soon assume, fear now to speak truth to power? Does this mean that, unlike Dr. King, your sense of justice is adjustable for the sake of political expedience? Those who supported you from the early days of your primary campaign did so not on account of your response to economic crisis, but because they believed in your sense of justice and your commitment to put an end to business-as-usual in Washington, and because they believed in your genuine desire to shape a new and different world order.
In 1981, while you were an undergraduate at Occidental College, you were among the first of a courageous group of students and faculty who, while the cause was still unpopular or unheard of, spoke out for divestment from the apartheid regime in South Africa. You knew then that it was imperative to place pressure on a racist regime which shamefully oppressed a black and coloured population that was discriminated against, subject to pass laws and control of its every movement, parceled into Bantustans, and subject to detention, torture and extra-judicial execution. When the black population protested, like the school children of Soweto, they could be summarily shot down by police or army. The ANC, under Nelson Mandela, was proscribed as a terrorist movement, its leaders were imprisoned, tortured or killed, its guerillas faced the overwhelming power of the South African army, equipped and trained in part by the United States and its European allies. A regime that was so unafraid to use violence in the defense of its discriminatory and racist regime, and so unashamed to do so in the face of international condemnation, could only understand the language of force. The divestment movement in which you so actively participated understood that the euphemistically and cynically named policy of “constructive engagement” was a moral and practical failure and that only the non-violent force of a financial boycott on the South African regime had any hope of bringing an end to apartheid without an horrific bloodbath.
Public figures as diverse as Bishop Desmond Tutu and President Jimmy Carter have recognized that Israel too maintains an apartheid regime, in practice if not in name. South Africa, now a functioning multi-racial democracy, was a white state for a white people. Israel is a Jewish state for a Jewish people. Its non-Jewish, mostly Palestinian Arab citizens are discriminated against in numerous ways, economically and civilly. The dispossessed and ethnically cleansed Palestinian populations, dispersed in the diaspora and in the refugee camps of Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, are denied the internationally recognized right of return. They have had their lands and homes taken from them by armed and “legal” force, are subject to collective punishment, prolonged states of siege, the absolute and deliberately destructive control of their daily movements. Where South Africa instituted the pass laws, the checkpoints that have proliferated all over the West Bank and at the exits from Gaza prevent students from reaching their schools and hospitals, workers from reaching their places or work, keep farmers from their fields, the sick from the few hospitals that survive to serve them. The illegal settlements, that in contravention of all international laws regarding occupation have proliferated across the West Bank, are designed to be permanent “facts on the ground” and have divided recognized Palestinian territory into segmented islets, into besieged Bantustans, with the intent of preventing a contiguous Palestinian state. A so-called security wall, illegally built, as even the Israeli Supreme Court recognized, on Palestinian territory, has cut farmers from their lands and turned formerly prosperous villages into isolated prisons. Regular Israeli military incursions into Palestinian cities and refugee camps, and bombings from the air, have killed innumerable civilians, many of them children. Since the election of Hamas, in fair and open elections, Israel has subjected the civilian population of Gaza to a prolonged state of siege, designed to suffocate them into submission, depriving them at will of water and power, medical supplies and food, and of access to the outside world. The most recent, all-out assault on Gaza, the disproportionate and bloody use of excessive force, is no act of self-defense, but the dramatic extension of an insidious policy of extermination of a people that refuses to disappear.
Every one of these acts is a crime against humanity. In their ensemble, they constitute one of the most massive, ethnocidal atrocities of modern times. Almost alone among nations, Israel acts in flagrant violation of international law and UN resolutions and does so with impunity. That it can do so is in large part the consequence of the uncritical support offered to Israel by a succession of American administrations. Without the military and economic aid of the United States, which amounts to more than a third of all US foreign aid, Israel could not have mounted its violent offensives against the Palestinians or Lebanon, could not maintain its security apparatus, could not afford the illegal settlements that seek to expand Israel into what remains of Palestinian territory. The United States has supplied the F-16s that are bombarding the Palestinians, their schools, police stations and mosques, and the cluster bombs that continue to kill and maim children and farmers in southern Lebanon. America continues to support Israel to the tune of billions every year at the expense of US taxpayers and at the expense of its moral standing in the world.
You will continue to do so, according to your own web page, because “our first and incontrovertible commitment in the Middle East must be to the security of Israel, America’s strongest ally in the region.” You and your Vice-President, Joe Biden, not only “defend and support the annual foreign aid package that involves both military and economic assistance to Israel”, but moreover “have advocated increased foreign aid budgets to ensure that these funding priorities are met.” In doing so, you lend your support, in the name of the United States, to a regime no less criminal in its acts and in its policies towards its own minority population and its dispossessed Palestinian neighbors than South Africa was in the 1980s. Then, it was argued, South Africa was our strongest ally in the region, a bulwark in the war against communism, a crucial supplier of uranium and other minerals, a prosperous Western-style democracy, if not the only democracy on the continent. To bring down the South African apartheid regime, it was argued, would be to create chaos in southern Africa, unleash a bloodbath in which whites and blacks alike would suffer, and pave the way for a communist or dictatorial postcolonial regime. The divestment movement, a non-violent coalition of students and academics, union members and churches, came together in the spirit of the Civil Rights movement to challenge those self-serving assumptions. It changed the direction of US foreign policy, disgracing its support of a racist regime, and placed effective pressure on the apartheid regime to begin serious negotiations with the ANC. Through a combination of diplomacy and divestment, we did end apartheid, making way for a functioning multi-racial democracy that confronts its challenges, indeed, but has not dissolved into chaos or tyranny.
It is time for the United States to place a similar pressure on Israel. That Israel has been America’s beneficiary, unchallenged in its war crimes and in its acts of terror, uncontested for its racist civil constitution and illegal occupations, has not been to the United States’ advantage. On the contrary, such unquestioning support of Israel has fuelled the legitimate anger of the Islamic world, supplied the justification for terrorism, and continually tarnished the United States’ reputation among the democracies of the world. That the United States has stood so often alone in defending Israel before the court of world opinion in the United Nations is not a sign of its virtue, but of the obstinacy and arrogance of its stance. But it is not for the sake of the reputation or advantage of the United States that you should take a new path in relation to Israel. It is in the name of justice. It is not just to support the territorial ambitions, realized settlement by settlement, of a Zionist minority in the region. It is not just to continue to supply Israel with the most advanced weapons and the most deadly arms in order that it may murder civilians, children and policemen. It is not just that we should support Israel with all our diplomatic force and financial aid, while leaving Israel’s victims to die slowly for lack of food, medicine, water and power. It is not just that we should sacrifice a dispossessed people for the security of a state that discriminates and expropriates, continually and violently ignores UN resolutions and international appeals, collectively punishes those whose right to resist occupation is recognized in international law.
There is no road to peace through such injustice. It may be that the compromise in the end will be the establishment and security of two separate states. Almost certainly, the only hope of a lasting solution is a single state in Israel/Palestine, committed to the civil and human rights of all peoples within its boundaries, irrespective of religion or ethnicity. That is, after all, the standard to which we hold all other states in the world, Israel alone excepted. But no solution at all will be possible until we hold Israel accountable for its criminal violence and its illegal acts, until we cease to supply it with the means to pursue a course of domination and expansion, with arms and warplanes, with finance and diplomatic support. In wake of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, your recent expression of “deep concern” is not enough. It is time for constructive disengagement from Israel, financial, diplomatic, military. What worked in the case of South Africa, divestment and pressure, may finally work in the Middle East.
Without such justice, there will be no peace.
University of Southern California Los Angeles
January 30, 2009 at 11:36 am
The Phyllis Norris and Thomas Norris Poverty Eradication Foundation has been established recently. The objective, is to do just that! Eradicate Poverty…We have a plan, and a way to do this. We do need help, and this project will help the poor, all over the world…
President Obama is due the highest respect and appreciation for his loyalty to America and his sacrifice, to serve us, with excellence! He is an awesome leader! He selected an awesome Administration!
I ‘m so proud and honored, to be alive to see such a “Change” at this time…
God bless and protect hime always!
February 2, 2009 at 9:26 am
President Barack Obama:
I pray that Almighty God be your source of strength.
I pray that Almighty God be the power that you will always plugged into at all times
May you embrace God as your Almighty good shepherd.
We are sure God will empower you to authorized help for the poor nations
May Jehovah God help you and give you the insight to close
The gap of calculated hardship and bondages imposed upon the poor.
May Almighty God cause you to be the voice for the voiceless
Hope for the hopeless
Visionary for battered eyes
May the time to arise and fulfill our destiny and dreams
Be now! Starting Today!
To God be the Glory
February 4, 2009 at 11:14 am
I’ve read some of your comments and they are very nice and inspiring. But let us all not believe that Obama is some kind of God that’s gonna come and change the world or at least the US with a magic stick. I believe the majority of the people would be happy if he could achieve at least half of the things he has promised to the American people. He made alot of commintments to the people that he will not have the time or support to achieve them. So I just hope he never forgets the reason why he was chosen as the president of the United States and that he fights fo the good of the nation until the end of the presidency, and that he never forgets about the neighbors from the south. I believe in you, I believe for you….We all have a vision!!!!
February 4, 2009 at 7:30 pm
i appreciate President Obama’s help. Although i am only 13, i believe i can make a difference in the world. But the world is much too big for one, i would like to start with my community. Any suggestions??
Jenna
February 4, 2009 at 8:22 pm
America has broken new ground, President Obama is in office. He did not get my vote but as President he has my support and my prayers. (This is democracy in action) I applaud Our Presidents struggle and his well deserved success. It will be harder and less acceptable for any of us minorities to complain why something is impossible. There are no impossible dreams anymore. Ask our First Lady, our President and all those who voted for him.
I pray he and his team deliver 1/2 of what was promised when he ran. I suspect the 1 trillion dollars wll soon be followed by billions more…no fault of his, ofcourse. I applaude his desire to harness the best policy makers and administrators. I join the millions of people around the world, and particlarly in our country who are hoping and praying he will make a difference. He needs our support if we are serious about wanting him to booster the economy, change the tide of job cutbacks, give relief to our homeless, feed our out of work, provide health care to those in need, help those in debt, change our war tactics, do something about fuel depletion and we have n’t even touched upon his promise to help the poor and sick in other countries.
If we serious, we should do someting too. President Obama asked us to volunteer and help where possilble. Well let us do our part and focus on what we too can do for our country. As another famous President said at his inaugeration; Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. Each of us needs to see where we can use our expertise and donate our time, talent. and inclination. Say Yes when asked to help by your church, or an outreach group. Put your passion into action. Be the change you want to see in the world. Be the hero you want to see. The world is big enough and hungers for role models. If you are hurting or have fallen on hard tmes, join a support group. Share your energy and help others who are doing grass root services.
Say “Yes” and give what you can of yourself , if you cannot give anything else. There is always enough for everyones needs but not enough for anyones greed. Do not hoard your talent or your finite time here. Do something , help someone and you will change the consciousness of your community, our country and our world. We are One Humanity. Hold a vision of abundance, peace and agape love. We are One.
February 5, 2009 at 3:36 am
President Obama,
I am so proud of what we, as a people, have done to help you be the 44th President of the United States. At least once a day, I turn to my husband and say,” We have an African American President!!”
I still can’t believe it!! Although I am not an African American, I know the hands of oppresion reach anyone who is a minority. I am 3 minorites: I’m a woman,. I’m Jewish and I am disabled. From your first speech, I felt included in a way no other President has made me feel. You bring such hope, such joy and are like a fresh breath of air. You come at the perfect time, after Bush has caused so much devisiveness, fear and negativity to our country. I grew up in Chicago in the 50’s. The neighborhood was like a village. Every mother mothered all the children. Neighbors cared about each other and helped each other. When we moved to California, due to my disability, I wanted so much to give my 2 daughters the kind of childhood and neighborhood that my husband and I had had, He grew up across the street from me. Unfortunately, we found that what we had had did not exist here. I have a neighbor across the street for 33 years who doesn’t even reply to “Good Morning.”
I want to get more involved in my community, even though I’m not sure what I’ll do. But I WILL DO SOMETHING to be part of the solution. I am following you and embracing your plans, your desires and your promises. Be well, Mr. President, and be safe.
Our family loves you and thanks you for your good heart. We don’t expect miracles and we will be ready to work for you and with you.
We proudly have a picture of you and Dr. Martin Luther King on our wall. No one I know has seen anything like this since FDR!!!! And it’s because you have offered HOPE where there was none.
Judy Kane
February 5, 2009 at 4:11 pm
THANKS PRESIDENT OBAMA.
YOU ARE THE GREATEST PRESIDENT THE WHOLE WORLD HAS EVER HAD, AND YET THE MOST HUMBLE.
WE ARE IN TOTAL SUPPORT OF ALL YOUR PLANS TOWARDS MAKING THE WORLD A PLACE WHERE ALL WILL BE TREATED EQUALLY WITH MUTUAL RESPECT AND HUMAN DIGNIITY. A WORLD WHERE ALL HUMANS AS CREATED BY GOD ARE EQUAL, WITH EQUAL OPPROTUNITY TO PURSUE THE AMERICAN DREAM IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD. I JOIN TO SAY THAT WITH GOD ON OUR SIDE..YES WE CAN, AND WE WILL.
YOU MUST BE ALLOWED TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR PLANS IN THE WORLD ORDER.
YOU MUST BE SAFE, AND LIVE LONG TO CHANGE THE WORLD.
YOU MUST BE ALLOWED TO CARE, FEED AND NUTURE THE POOR AND LESS PRIVILEDGED.
YOU MUST BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO UNITE THE WORLD WHICH IS SO UNSAFE.
ONE IS NOT SURE OF SAFETY TILL THE PLANE LANDS AND YOU ARE OUT.
ONE IS SCARED OF ANY ABANDONED LUGGAGE
THE WORLD IS SO UNSAFE
YOU ARE THE ONLY HOPE AND YOU MUST SUCCEED
THE ENEMIES OF PROGRESS MUST NEVER REAR THEIR UGLY HEADS
YOU MUST BE SAFE AND LIVE LONG TO ACHEIVE ALL THESE
SO HELP US GOD…………..YES WE CAN…………………AMEN!!!
February 6, 2009 at 9:13 am
Thank you Obama! I made a video for you where people in the community thank you by handing you a Token of Appreciation on the day of the Inauguration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDm1AvEa3Y4&feature=channel_page
THANK YOU FOR
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
IN MY DAY
February 7, 2009 at 4:28 am
THANKS PRESIDENT OBAMA…
SOLUTIONS ARE ONLY LIMITED BY ONE’S IMAGINATION….. TOGETHER WE CAN BEGIN TO REIMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES . ONE THOUGHT ACTED UPON GLOBALLY CAN OPEN NEW DOORS, UNITING US ALLL…
TOGHETER WE CAN CHAMGE THE WORLD !!!
MY WARMEST REGARDS …….
MARIA ALEXIA LIMA HOFFMAN ……………FROM BRASIL……..
..