Post #1, January 27, 2009: Obama: Impact on the East. FAR EAST

The inauguration speech of President Obama had a large impact for my hometown of Obama, Japan (yes, it does exist). The fact that our town would be sharing a name with America's next president, who would be the first black President of the United States, brought us much excitement, joy, and pride. Mostly everyone in Japan supported Obama and awaited his speech ever so patiently. Everyone had parties and gathered around just to watch the speech also. We even danced around foolishly, doing some dance called "hula."

We have great respect for President Obama, who went straight to the point about how he and the American people would get out of the economic crisis and the many difficulties that they face and lie ahead. Many of the quotes of Obama sum up the way I wish Japan was like America, and as allies, I hope we will help each other achieve the greatness that Obama has proclaimed.

With old friends and former foes, we'll work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet... For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace...

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/inaugural-address/

America needs our help to ushering this new era of peace. This is a message, not only to us, but to the whole world. President Obama clearly identified the steps we must take to become a greater world, and remembering his words will make a difference. After listening to the speech, many of my fellow members of society have been brushing up their English and public speaking skills because of Obama's inspiring public speaking skills. His message inspired us, giving us a view of the American's condition, telling us how America must take many steps in order to endure the difficulties they face today and in the future, how we are very much like them, and what we, the people of Japan, must do to help.

These "Obama books" feature many Obama speeches with Japanese translation. The speech has influenced English classes in the schools of Japan. Many students here are beginning to follow along as they listen to Obama's voice from a CD. This CD and book have helped students become more skilled at orating, and at the same time, help them learn about American politics and the American condition (OMG English and History COMBINED). I must admit that I have also picked up this book, attempting to recite this speech just as Obama did (I failed miserably). Surprisingly, schools have also started Obama mimicry lessons in order to become better speakers as well. I also believe that reciting and remembering this speech will help the world realize what we must do to make the world a better place.

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE50J4AQ20090120

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/19/world/asia/19japan.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28757230/