There is an outside chance that some of us bloggers are going to be on a bus Sunday trekking through Ohio, eventually heading to DC. If this happens I will be really excited to talk to people in a ‘man on the street’ kind of way and get some oral history about the inauguration of Barack Obama.
So how cool to be able to get that kind of information as I commuted on the bus home tonight.
It started with one lady talking to a just arrived seatmate, asking her what she thought about ‘next Tuesday’s inauguration.’ I couldn’t hear the lady’s response but the questioner became very animated about her excitement. ‘I can’t wait to see him sworn in, it just feels like life is better than I ever thought it could be.‘
Then a guy on the other side of the aisle started chiming in about how he thinks businesses will begin hiring again even if the economy doesn’t change all that much nationwide. He said ‘Clevelanders are a hardy and hopeful bunch. It is going to help, Obama is, you just watch.‘
I doubt these comments came from the elite or from any economists or sociologists. You never know, but they seemed like regular folk like the rest of us; on the bus in the cold, getting up every day, doing what we need to do to get by.
It was fascinating to hear the optimism. I’m going to start chatting up people when I’m in the store and on the street — may as well do this even if we aren’t able to go to Washington on Sunday.
I’ll keep you posted either way. What kind of discussions have you heard about the change in leadership? Peace Out – 3C
4 responses so far ↓
1 Robert Stockham // Jan 15, 2009 at 11:36 am
It is amazing how much of the direction of the economy is built on attitude. Motorola announced a huge lay off for later this year. That is because they expect the economy to continue to soften, meaning less cell phones , meaning a need to cut expenses, meaning more unemployed, meaning a softer economy. In the interim, they are encouraging all their employees to stop contributing to the economy by scaring them that they may be laid off. It is all a self fulfilling prophecy. I am encouraged that as soon as President Obama is sworn in, he plans to hit the ground running. Anything positive that he does will be good for the economy, as it will bolster consumer confidence. Let’s all get excited, and keep contributing to the economy.
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2 Carole Cohen // Jan 15, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I think your point about announcing the layoffs early hits home. I so agree with you.
The other issue to me is that it doesn’t mean we have to be unrealistic. There are things that have happened and will happen that we wish didn’t'/won’t. But I’m a believer of the theory that every negative needs to have a positive. As odd as that may sound, it’s the theory that you touch on, that future actions are shaped by thoughts. There is always something good to focus on and we really do need to be vigilante in trying to come up with solutions. In order to affect positive change this has to start with a change in thinking and behavior. I really believe that. Personally I think the chicken little approach cuts off creative thinking. Let’s not deny what happens but let’s just figure out what to learn from each not so good event and move forward. That’s all we can do that is constructive.
Thanks Robert, very thoughtful comment.
3 Christine // Jan 19, 2009 at 10:09 am
I have also heard an absolute crap-ton of comments on the bus in this same vein. It’s very encouraging! Although I have my reservations about whether Obama is actually going to change anything, sometimes just the perception of change inspires people and gets people moving in the right direction.
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4 Carole Cohen // Jan 19, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Christine your comments are thoughtful as usual! Perception can become reality. I’m of the belief however, that things happen because citizens are doing what we can to effect useful change. I’m hoping there is enough good will surrounding Obama so that when his administration calls us to action, broad scale fresh ideas and community work become the norm.
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