Reflecting On Obama's Presidency As A Disabled Person
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Politics and Activism

Reflecting On Obama's Presidency As A Disabled Person

Obama's farewell speech made me feel equal to my fellow citizens.

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Reflecting On Obama's Presidency As A Disabled Person
Wikimedia Commons

President Obama was a remarkable President. For eight years, he led with grace, compassion, and empathy. Barack Obama cared for us all, treating each citizen with respect, and I will certainly miss him when he passes the torch.

Obama gave his farewell speech on Tuesday, January 10th. When I watched this speech, I got emotional; teary even. You see, I have a disability. I am legally blind, which means that I cannot see as well as people with full sight; I cannot see things that are far away and it is hard for me to recognize facial expressions.

When I watched the speech last night, something stuck out to me. Obama stated how we are all equal, and that there is one thing that makes us have something in common: we are all citizens of the United States of America. He stated, "It’s the conviction that we are all created equal, endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This country has been so divided because of the 2016 election, among other factors. Obama, though, was uniting our country instead of dividing it.

Having a disability sometimes makes me feel as if I am inferior; as if I am not as great as people who do not have disabilities. I have been discriminated against, whether it be intentional or unintentional. Obama's speech made me feel equal. I loved his poise and grace.

Obama will be missed leading this country. He compiled himself with dignity, kindness, compassion, and he cared about the issues at hand. I loved how Obama mentioned that he will not disappear; he will be with us as an everyday normal citizen. His speech was comforting to me.

To anyone who is fearful for the next four years, whether you have a disability or not, let's do what Obama suggests: don't let fear stop us from doing what is right. Help people, be kind to people and lend anyone a helping hand. We should spread compassion and love to others. Instead of dividing this country, let's follow Obama's wonderful advice to bond together and make sure that the U.S does not lose the moral values that the people who wrote the Constitution intended. Obama, I will miss you. Thank you for helping us in every way to help us push forward. You are a role model and an inspiration to me. Thank you.

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