A chance encounter with Barack Obama

In 2004, I met Barack Obama while he walked in a parade in front of my Beecher, Illinois home. He was seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate. Who knew in those days that Obama would become the 44th President of the United States?

Like so many others, I was inspired by Obama's candidacy. He ran on a positive platform built on hope and change in the way our government operates. After the chaos created by eight years of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, I was anxious to give Obama every chance possible to right some of the wrongs that had been done.

I remain committed to the same ideals that drove me to vote for Obama. While I admit being somewhat disappointed, I am not willing to give up. Obama is in the final year of his first term. I'm certain it has been a time of education and reflection for him. Though not much has changed in the nation's capitol and there is little hope that anything will change in the near future, I cannot and will not lay the blame entirely on Obama, when I see the reluctance of the Republicans diggin in their heels to oppose every initiative, even if those needed and wanted by the American people. Despite Obama's approval ratings at an all-time low, I believe the current economic conditions in the country have little to do with Obama or his policies. The downward slide the country has taken began a long time ago but was exacerbated by Bush/Cheney actions.

That is not to say I am not disappointed in some of Obama's decisions. Most notably, I disagreed with his refusal to end tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans--tax cuts imposed by his predecessor. Living on a pension, my husband and I are feeling the economic downturn as much as anyone. We were doing pretty well until the cost of food, gas, and all other life essentials began to skyrocket.

The other major issue that defies logic in my mind is the continuance of military action in the Middle East, now involving several different countries. Obama pledged to bring the troops home. That was a major tenet of my support of his candidacy. War is barbaric. One of my greatest hopes is that as human beings we would finally evolve beyond settling our differences with bloodshed.

I recognize that neither I, nor any other progressively-minded citizen of this country will ever get everything we want. The world is not visible to me through only a black and white lens. There are so many gray areas. Therefore, I can be patient. Unlike some of Obama's formerly ardent supporters that have abandoned him, I am not inclined to push for a primary battle in the Democratic party. I see no one on the national stage, of either party, that would be able to do a better job. Obama is not weak; he has decorum and is respectful. I believe Obama is truly amazed at the kind of people he finds himself dealing with. There is so little understanding among the men in congress who are driven by their own egos and greed, especially when it is at the expense of the majority of the country that makes up the middle class.

I believe Obama is up to the task. The change that needs to take place in Washington is to replace congressional members that refuse to see past their own noses or worse yet, past the pocketbook of their campaign donors. Obama needs a congress he can work with.

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I've been writing for 20 years

Most of my published work has been in newspapers.

It has included newswriting, feature stories, photographs, and all other related copy. The focus of my writing, one which has long inspired me, is how people interact with one another, as well as how they relate to their surroundings.

I have maintained several blogs, as well as this website for more than five years.

I love politics, which can and should contribute to the overall good of others. I detest its misuse in the name of green and self-aggrandizement.

Writing makes me a perpetual student, giving me the opportunity to meet people, including the President of the United States.

Writing has caused me to learn about issues I care about. More importantly, writing has exposed me to things I might never have otherwise encountered.

Writing is a sharing with others, using words and photographs to tell stories about people, places, and things.

Moving to the Ozarks was a life-changing experience for me, but it was one which opened my mind to new possibilities and new inspiration. It has given me the kid of peace and fulfillment we all seek.

Carol Henrichs

an Ozarks Writer

I'm a writer with an attitude, an Ozark Attitude

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