624 Obama's tears
I would like to think that Obama’s tears about the issue of gun control are a big deal. It’s been said the measures he intends to introduce by means of executive orders - as opposed to by legislation endorsed by the Congress - are too little, even timid, and rather ineffective (SMH) … that they won’t make much of a difference to the horrendous gun proliferation in America.
Methinks this argument is similar to the denigration of the outcomes in Paris: No immediate impact on climate change policies, no immediate amelioration of the effects of climate change per se … but that’s not the issue: The issue is that the agenda is set, the awareness of the public (and its politicians) is steered into a new direction. We can do this, even though it will take time and much effort.
Similarly Obama’s tears will have a great impact, though not reflected in immediate changes in the legislations. It seems they are not being taken for granted, but considered serious, reflecting the mood in the majority of Americans. Even Donald Trump deems his outburst of emotion sincere … though he does believe Americans will be safer not with less guns, but with more guns (in the hands of “good folks”).
But this is the point: Some seventy percent of Americans are on Obama’s side in principle ... even many Republicans, even many members of the NRA. Gun-nuts are in the minority … the problem is, they are a very vocal minority. Hopefully Obama’s tears will give the silent majority reason to show their emotions and translate their outrage into making their voices count at the next elections.
I believe Obama's willingness to show emotion is inspiring; and make no mistake, his tears are not acting ... as any actor knows, it is notoriously difficult to bring on tears when the script requires it. As it is difficult to hide emotion when it is genuine. Obama's tears show that great leaders don't just lead with a superior mind, but sometimes also with an open heart (Toku).
I like Barak Obama. He's a fresh wind blowing through the often murky air of politics.
Sam Harris sheds a light on the enigma of gun control in America. My sentiments are somewhat different; I have an essay GUNS in my book with no name, but three definitions for the term en.ligh.en.ment