Thoughts on Michelle Obama's Speech

So, here I am in Scottsdale, AZ in a hotel, getting ready to turn in for the night, but I thought first I'd share some thoughts on the Michelle Obama speech at the Democratic National Convention.

As I watched tonight, first the video about Michelle, then her brother's introduction, then her speech, I must say that I was just very moved. Mamask8z and I texted each other at various points tonight, in enthusiasm for the message and the narrative that was presented.

I looked to see if maybe the video of the speech was online, and it wasn't yet, but maybe I can post it later if I can find it.

Basically, the narrative of Michelle and Barack Obama underscores how uniquely American their unlikely journey truly is, especially when contrasted with the stories of John and Cindy McCain.

Michelle and Barack were both raised in struggling, working class families. They both got ivy league law degrees, and made something of themselves through hard work and determination. They have sacrificed personal gain for public service, and given of themselves to raise their daughters just as their parents sacrificed for them.

How is that not the epitome of the American Dream? To achieve more than one's parents could have dreamed? To give back to one's country, and to do well by doing good?

What inspires me the most about Michelle and Obama is their relationships with their girls. To be able to balance a career, as well as public service, and still be so devoted to raising their daughters to grow up to be fine women who will never for a minute doubt their parents' love and pride in them.

I think it speaks to the larger message of the Obama movement, which is deeply rooted in hard work and personal responsibility. It is a movement that recognizes that good government can provide some solutions, but that when we work for what we want, both individually, and as a society, we can achieve.

And as inspired as I am, I am reminded of my own shortcomings as a father. Though I have no doubt my sons know that I love them dearly, I have to be honest with myself and ask whether they know how proud I am of them, even though they sometimes disappoint me. I have to wonder whether they know how much I value them, even though I can't always spend as much time with them as they would like, or be there for their first day back to school from summer break.

Thank you, Obamas for reminding me, not so much through elegant oratory, but by the example of the way you have lived your lives, the true family value of valuing your family. I am inspired to do better.

Have a listen to one of Michelle's previous videos: