Obama’s speech

I remember as a teenager seeing a neighbor listening to a speech by President
Dwight Eisenhower on his car radio. At that time, I didn’t quite understand
what the big deal was … after all, he could have read about it in the newspaper
the next morning.

Now I know.

There are occasions when only the president can speak for an entire nation.

That’s what George W. Bush did at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks. That’s
what Ronald Reagan did after the space shuttle explosion. That’s what Bill
Clinton did after the attack on the federal building in Oklahoma City. That’s
what Barack Obama did last night in Tucson, Ariz.

President Obama struck exactly the right notes. He called for national unity
and for a lowering of partisan voices. He spoke words of comfort to the
families of those who died last Saturday and recognized the heroism of those
who stopped the attacker from doing greater harm and of the doctors who treated
the injured.

It is time for people to step demonizing our citizens who are willing to work
to lead our nation. We certainly can disagree without being harsh and bitter
critics.

I come from a city — Fort Worth, Texas — that is very much like Tucson. We have
a Western streak of independence, but we believe in a better America and take
great pride in community. President Obama made the people of Tucson feel like
they are special and they are not in the slightest way to blame for what
happened in their city. Tucson needed that, and so did the country.

We can return to our partisan debates shortly, but maybe we will now realize we
can enter into them with grace and style. Our political foes are not our
enemies. They are simply people who have a different view of what’s best for our
country.

President Obama made me proud to be an American last night.