We Are the Government

If a President is valued, not only for what he accomplishes, but also for what he says, there is no doubt that Barack Obama writes his own history. I say this, mostly because of the message he delivered this past May 2 to 8,500 graduates from the University of Michigan.

It is worth rereading Obama in the Colombian pre-electoral context. Ultimately, in our country we also dream of a democracy, a better government and more reliable information.

In his speech, the U.S. President urges youth, during these times of technological innovation, to resort to other sources of information and to express themselves in different ways. He himself confessed to reading every day at least 10 letters sent by his fellow citizens, in this manner acknowledging those who ought to be remembered. Because, at times, according to him, politicians made so much noise that they drowned out the voices of the people who elected them.

Obama points out that in newspapers and television, politicians call each other names and yell the worst things, because the media tends to publicize the most controversial issues — those that make each news story eye-catching and incendiary. Thus, anyone interested in getting his opinion heard knows that he needs to make his argument more outrageous.

The president points out that, whereas his fellow citizens have gotten used to getting their news from the three traditional television networks over dinner, or from a group of influential newspapers on Sunday morning, now they have the option to catch the news from any number of blogs, websites and different cable news programs.

“We need a vibrant and thriving news business that is separate from opinion makers and talking heads,” said Obama. He quoted Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, when he said, “Everybody is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” Facts are unique and cannot be duplicated. “If you’re someone who only reads the editorial page of the New York Times, try glancing at the Wall Street Journal once in awhile. If you’re a fan of Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh, try also reading a few columns on the Huffington Post website. It may make your blood boil; your mind may not be changed. But the practice of listening to opposing views is essential for effective citizenship.”

Barack Obama warns that in our lives, we will have to engage with more people that do not look like us or with those who come from where we originated. But the health of a democracy, he states, depends on the level of civility maintained in our public debate. “We can’t expect to solve our problems if all we do is tear each other down. You can disagree with a certain policy without demonizing the person who espouses it. You can question somebody’s views and their judgment without questioning their motives or their patriotism. Throwing around phrases like ‘socialists’ and ‘Soviet-style takeover,’ ‘fascists’ and ‘right-wing nut’ — that may grab headlines … but the problem with it is not hurting feelings or the bruised egos of the public officials who are criticized. The problem is that this kind of vilification and over-the-top rhetoric closes the door to the possibility of compromise. It undermines democratic deliberation.

“If you grew up in a big city,” he advises, “spend some time with somebody who grew up in a rural town. If you find yourself only hanging around with people of your own race or ethnicity or religion, include people in your circle who have different backgrounds and life experiences. You’ll learn what it’s like to walk in somebody else’s shoes, and in the process, you will help to make this democracy work.”

For a democracy to work, Obama recommends that young people participate in it. “When we don’t pay close attention to the decisions made by our leaders, when we fail to educate ourselves about the daily issues of the day, when we choose not to make our voices and opinions heard, that’s when democracy breaks down. That’s when power is abused. That’s when the most extreme voices in our society fill the void that we leave.”

Draw your own conclusions and vote accordingly on May 30.