OBAMA FAREWELL

I, for one, feel the responsibility of the most important role of a healthy democracy - it's citizens.

"Who cares if you're apathetic?"

The writing is on the wall.

I was in Wellington, NZ when Obama was elected 8 years ago. I saw and felt the world celebrate.

I no longer felt embarrassed to admit my citizenship, for which I faced criticism and immediate political debates by virtually every one I met from every other country. Even though I engaged and educated myself thoroughly on issues and stood for causes I believed in, worked and voiced myself to defend the under-represented and exploited, I still received this judgment that "we," that "I," being an American, had not done more during the Bush administration, and saw me to blame.

Truly, I feel responsible. As we all should. Especially those who chuck it all up to be corrupt and do nothing but criticize. It is those who criticize and do nothing who are truly to blame - apathy is a disease and that is the true source of the corruption in democracy. We don't appreciate it enough, or perhaps are lacking in education on the the most valuable and foundational pieces of literature in our lives - our Constitution and Bill of Rights - which gives us our rights and freedoms, which we as a society have perhaps come to take it for granted.

Now, I mourn with the world, in Obama's departure from office. His eloquence, integrity, and backbone are unmatched by any president I have ever seen in my lifetime or known of through history. He has done so much to uphold what the foundation of Democracy is. I am inspired, moved and grateful for him, and so sad to see his departure. His closing speech has re-awoke something in me from my days in college and passionate youth.

We all have a part to play, and maybe some of us, perhaps myself, have been "sleeping" the past 8 years, perhaps longer. Perhaps wrapped up in our own little world of self-concerns and dramas, and not taking part in the broader picture (as entertainment, consumerism, and the big wigs behind media sources would have us do). Perhaps having no mental space to engage in our democracy with all their other concerns. Perhaps surviving in the growing disparity of income and cost of living, with nothing left to put into greater causes than getting by. Or, striving to pursue dreams of being artists, musicians, writers, athletes - for which we must dedicate all our attention and focus while also just getting by financially and struggling to achieve our endeavors and dreams. Maybe some are drowning in disparity, sorrow, depression, struggles exasperated by various causes in personal and political - bringing to question, is the personal political? Or, perhaps, some are fighting for causes greater than just themselves, with little or no reward, getting by on minimal finances, sacrificing youthfulness selflessly rather than career building, seeking financial security or building a family, in a world one cannot imagine bringing children into.

It is time for us to rise up.

Do SOMETHING. Have debates, real conversations, about the real issues. Don't be afraid, or avoid it. Break the walls and reach each other. Express yourself. Stand for what you believe in, speak your truth. Don't let anger or fear overcome you, and learn how to recognize it. Argue your points, but don't turn it into an argument. It does not have to be divisive, or break friendships, or make family awkward.

A healthier democracy is what I hope to see come of this, which means conversations and debates of a diplomatic fashion, not like those we saw in the election debates. I'm shy to say this and express my real perspectives, for fear of backlash, for fear of judgment, fear of being criticized or not accepted by some. But I'm doing it, and at least that is something. We all need to break our comfort zones of like-mindedness and talk with each other from opposing sides. It may be uncomfortable, it may be frustrating, but if your perspectives and opinions are truly strong, they can stand up to alternative perspectives and opinions, and perhaps there is a greater perspective that may be achieved through recognizing some of the truth of another's, one which brings us closer to a broader truth through which we may find wisdom - something we so desperately need, for a more stable, sane, reasonable political system and relationships with all.