Roger Varley has been in the news business almost 40 years with The Canadian Press/Broadcast News, Uxbnridge Times-Journal, Richmond Hill Liberal and Uxbridge Cosmos. Co-winner with two others of CCNA national feature writing award. In Scout movement over 30 years, almost 25 as a leader. Took Uxbridge youths to World Jamboree in Holland. Involved in community theatre for 20 years as actor, director, playwright, stage manager etc. Born in England, came to Canada at 16, lived most of life north and east of Toronto with a five-year period in B.C.
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Last word (for a while) on Obama
I wanted to write a column last week about Barak Obama's inauguration as president of the United States, but my editor couldn't find room for me. So I'm doing it this week and, in retrospect, I'm happy for the delay. That's because in just over one week, the man has shown he is serious about keeping his promises, serious about addressing the massive problems that confront his nation and serious about re-establishing America's role as a world leader. He has ordered that blight known as the Gitmo detention camp closed. He has ordered a seasoned senior diplomat to the Middle East to attempt to relieve some of the tension in that chaotic part of the world. He has made it clear that he is serious about human rights. And he has given clear signals that he is serious about America doing its part in reducing carbon emissions and reducing the threat of global warming. In the days leading up to and following Barak Obama's inauguration, there was no shortage of people, from so-called experts to ordinary folks, wondering whether the new president could actually handle all that was on his plate. But I didn't
hear one mention the incredible change he had already wrought before he was sworn in. On Inauguration Day, when I spent hours watching all manner of newscasts on television, there were interviews with people from many different places around the globe, but it was comments from young people that caught my attention. Included were children at a school in Richmond Hill. Like their counterparts in the U.S., Africa and elsewhere, they were inspired to aim high. More than one youngster announced they were now aspiring to be prime minister or president or whatever. Mr. Obama has inspired young people around the world to set higher goals and, as a result, to work harder in school and their communities. The much-lauded Nelson Mandela is respected around the world for his ultimate victory over the oppressive apartheid policies of his homeland, and rightly so. But he didn't inspire children around the world to follow his example. The same goes for Gandhi. In fact, I'm at a loss to think of anyone who has inspired as many people as Mr. Obama. (Some might put forward the name Jesus, but I claim that's religion and that's another matter.) And finally, it appears we have that rarest of creatures on the planet: a politician who tells the truth. Mr. Obama has kept the American people abreast of the economic crisis in his country without fluffing it over. He has, in fact, been treating Americans as intelligent adults and not, as is the case with most politicians, as irritants and buffooons who are necessary only at election time. It seems to me that such an approach - with the rest of the world as well as his own people - can only build good will and a spirit of cooperation.
Tell me, am I wrong?
