Second Inauguration of United States President Barack Obama, Louise Annarino,1-20-2013
I routinely ran out of gas in 1972,the year I finished graduate school and became a prison social worker 35 miles from my home. Back then,cars did not have warning lights when fuel was low, nor meters expressly keyed to gas tanks to tell one how far she had driven since the last fill-up;at least,not on any car I could afford.
Driving was always an ordeal to make it to my destination before the tank was empty. I rode on fumes the last few days before pay-day. One Christmas, friends gave be a bank made out of a gas can with a $20 bill inside.They told me to keep it in the trunk, and not to use the cash, until the next time I ran of gas.This was to be my new alternative to calling them for help as I sat on the berm.It worked the first time.After that, I had no money to put in the can. I was back to square one.
I learned a lot sitting by the highway watching cars speed by. Enough to understand the larger world’s frustrations, fears and even animosity toward the global power of the United States. Even those who are our friends often look on in amazement and incredulity at our narrow,short-term focus. Even fellow Americans find it difficult to understand.
I wondered about the driver of a car with a full tank as he drove by my disabled car -hood up and flashers flashing- without a glance my way. Does he not see me? Does he have no time to stop? Is where he is going so important he cannot stop to help? Does he expect other help will arrive? Does he fear me? Even more disconcerting were those drivers who glanced my way and smiled as they sped by. Did they think their smiles showed empathy? Did they think it was a joke to run out of gas? I hoped for a thumbs up, help is on the way gesture. Instead, I too often got the finger, the one that conveys disdain,dislike and blame.
I was to blame. It was my decision to not refill the tank when it got below 1/4 tank. But, that decision was made by the fact I had no cash. The little I made as a state social worker paid for rent,utilities,car payment,car insurance,and school loans. I packed my lunch,never ate out,nor ever saw a movie. I did all I could with what little I had. Some countries are like that. Not every country has a GDP equal to that of the United States;nor every citizen a job paying enough to always drive with a full tank. People and countries do the best they can with what they have to work with. Yet, we speed by them when they are forced to sit on the berm.we ignore them,smile at them,give them advice,even give them $20 once in a while. And some of us give them the finger. None of these efforts solve the underlying problems.
So, as I sat there on the berm I could feel my resentment build over time. No amount of prayer,smiling,or waving my arms stopped a car. Only the good-heartedness, fearlessness, and generosity of a particular driver did that. For which I was inordinately grateful. As I matured, improved my personal economy, and could afford a car with warning lights I stopped running out of gas. Countries are like that,too. Too many have little chance of doing what I was able to do here in the United States.
WW II created many new countries,dividing tribes and cultural groups with artificial lines. The imperialism of the West,so ingrained and institutionalized abroad, continues today. Multi-national corporations harvest and sell the young countries’ natural resources, influence the non-development of new enterprises which would compete for their profits,and drive toward these countries toward their futures with blinders on. They do not see those standing by the side of the road. Or, if they do, too few stop to help. And helping one-by-one without solving the underlying problems does not create a lasting solution.
Thus,resentments build, even within the hearts of those who appreciate the corporations which bring jobs, have made friends across national boundaries, seek a common goal,and are people of peace. When the few who do not seek peace,who share no common goal come among them with a can of desperately needed gas, they cannot easily turn them down. Who knows when the world’s drivers will take notice of them waiting on the berm? Who knows when the world will begin to work on solutions which last? This was the hope which President Obama brought to the world. This is why those waiting on the berm rejoice at his election and re-election. President Obama knows the world’s byways,sees far and wide as he drives the ship of state, plans for a lasting solutions,with a long view over time. Those of us on the berm understand and appreciate him for this.
I think of Libya,Chad and Algeria. These are not surprises to anyone who has traveled the world’s byways with eyes wide-open,scanning the berms on each side for other travelers in need. Unfortunately, those who think stopping to help those on the berm delays their own progress oppose our president. Those who prefer to drive among winners and not the losers standing on the berm,oppose our president. And, there are too many of us who fear those waiting on the berm; too afraid to chance stopping to help a fellow traveler. They actually fear our president, or try to make us afraid. If we want a lasting peace with the world, and an end to terrorism and war, we need to be better drivers and better friends to our fellow travelers on this globe. That is President Obama.That is the President the world knows and loves.That is my president! I hope you enjoy the second inauguration of President Barack Obama. I know I shall.
annarino writes 