Obama’s Farewell Speech: Salient Answers to Global Issues.

Obama’s Farewell Speech: Salient Answers to Global Issues.

“Democracy does not require uniformity”.

“Politics is a battle of ideas “– Barack H. Obama 10^th January, 2017

Watching President Obama’s farewell speech on the 10^th of January in his adopted home town of Chicago, Illinois was really emotional; I felt some chills in my spin when I saw the standing ovation he received when he stepped on the podium. The densely crowded McCormick Place was filled with overzealous spectators who could not stop clapping and cheering as the out-going President stepped on stage. I have a lot of love and respect for Barack Obama, he inspires me positively and I still remember vividly the first time that I watched him speak on Television which was at his inauguration on the 20^th of January, 2009.

I was preparing for my evening tutorial (I was in my second year in school then) when my dad persuaded me to stay back and watch the event with him because he did not want to be alone in the house. “Wole wo bi osen so gbo gbo e ni ori, awon ti wa ni bi i a ma wo ewe ni” which could be interpreted as “Wole look at the way he his saying those words effortlessly, our own leaders would have been reading from a prepared speech” – My dad noted with absolute respect. Those were the words of my dad and he was speaking the truth. I have never seen the President read from a prepared speech. For the records, President Obama’s inauguration is one of the most widely viewed and massively attended in the history of the United States. This article would highlight some issues he discussed in that speech and discuss how they will continue to affect every one of us whether we are American residents or non-residents, citizens or non-citizens.

    Democracy- the Outgoing President centred his speech on the state of Democracy. He noted that; “That's what I want to focus on tonight - the state of our democracy. Understand, democracy does not require uniformity. Our founders quarrelled and compromised, and expected us to do the same. But they knew that democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity - the idea that for all our outward differences, we are all in this together; that we rise or fall as one. There have been moments throughout our history that threatened to rupture that solidarity. The beginning of this century has been one of those times. A shrinking world, growing inequality; demographic change and the spectre of terrorism - these forces haven't just tested our security and prosperity, but our democracy as well. And how we meet these challenges to our democracy will determine our ability to educate our kids, and create good jobs, and protect our homeland.”

    Islamic Radicalization & Global Terrorism- “That order is now being challenged - first by violent fanatics who claim to speak for Islam; more recently by autocrats in foreign capitals who see free markets, open democracies, and civil society itself as a threat to their power. The peril each poses to our democracy is more far-reaching than a car bomb or a missile. It represents the fear of change; the fear of people who look or speak or pray differently; a contempt for the rule of law that holds leaders accountable; an intolerance of dissent and free thought; a belief that the sword or the gun or the bomb or propaganda machine is the ultimate arbiter of what's true and what's right. Because of the extraordinary courage of our men and women in uniform, and the intelligence officers, law enforcement, and diplomats who support them, no foreign terrorist organization has successfully planned and executed an attack on our homeland these past eight years; and although Boston and Orlando remind us of how dangerous radicalization can be, our law enforcement agencies are more effective and vigilant than ever. We've taken out tens of thousands of terrorists - including Osama bin Laden. The global coalition we're leading against ISIL has taken out their leaders, and taken away about half their territory. ISIL will be destroyed, and no one who threatens America will ever be safe”.

    Climate Change- He also acknowledged the challenge of Climate Change, global warming and their threats to our collective existence. He stressed that; “Take the challenge of climate change. In just eight years, we've halved our dependence on foreign oil, doubled our renewable energy, and led the world to an agreement that has the promise to save this planet. But without bolder action, our children won't have time to debate the existence of climate change; they'll be busy dealing with its effects: environmental disasters, economic disruptions, and waves of climate refugees seeking sanctuary. Now, we can and should argue about the best approach to the problem. But to simply deny the problem not only betrays future generations; it betrays the essential spirit of innovation and practical problem-solving that guided our Founders. It's that spirit, born of the Enlightenment that made us an economic powerhouse - the spirit that took flight at Kitty Hawk and Cape Canaveral; the spirit that that cures disease and put a computer in every pocket”.

    Gay Marriages & Civil Unions- One of the greatest achievement of the Obama’s administration was the nation-wide legalisation of gay rights and civil unions. In the introductory part of the Farewell speech, he reminded the world of his achievements; “If I had told you eight years ago that America would reverse a great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history. If I had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the Cuban people, shut down Iran's nuclear weapons program without firing a shot, and take out the mastermind of 9/11. If I had told you that we would win marriage equality, and secure the right to health insurance for another 20 million of our fellow citizens - you might have said our sights were set a little too high”.

Conclusion

I will implore my esteemed readers to watch a video of the speech on Youtube (if you have not done that already). I also appreciate the fact that he acknowledged and thanked everyone that has contributed to the success of his administration. The hallmark of a great leader is evident in the understanding everyone has a significant role to play in their journey to success.

I will miss Him A lot.

Olusanya, Oluwole Sheriff