So this is how close I was to President Barack Obama yesterday.
Actually I was a little bit closer because he shook my hand and talked to me. And I think I talked back to him. Or maybe I drooled because I was a bit overcome. But I think I at least said “Hi, nice to meet you!” Like I would to the lunch lady or something. But that was more appropriate than “OMG Barack, tell Michelle I love her bangs!” Which I totally wanted to say, but I bet he gets that all the time so I decided on sometime more original like “Hi.”
Anyway, I sat in a small, hot room in the presence of our President, my senators, my congresspeople, many other elected officials, many of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ finest men and women in uniform, and people who believe we can make a difference.
I sat next to women who lost their children to gun violence. Mothers, who even eight years after losing their six year old daughter, still shed fresh tears because the loss is still that raw. No one should lose a child.
Gun control is a complicated issue. Everyone knows that and tempers are hot and words are cruel as we as a nation try to come up with something that makes sense.
And there are no perfect answers right now. Maybe there never will be. But as President Obama said to us yesterday “It may not be the perfect solution. We may not save every life. But we can make a difference.” And doing nothing is not an option.
He reiterated that the Second Amendment will remain. Our right to own guns and be responsible gun owners will not change. My husband owns guns, most men in my family are hunters and own guns.
But why shouldn’t it be harder to get a gun than a driver’s license? Why shouldn’t there be better background checks? Why shouldn’t there be laws banning gun ownership from those with criminal records and mental health issues. And why do we need weapons of war on our streets.
“Weapons of war have no place on our streets, in our schools, or threatening our law enforcement officers.” – President Barack Obama 2/4/2013
And I know, laws don’t stop criminals, they will still find ways to commit their crimes. A law will never be an end all. We know that. So maybe we need to listen to some of the leaders in Minneapolis who have reduced violent crimes by spending time and money in the communities – getting mentors for boys and young men to get them out of gangs and into school and work and providing a positive role model. Maybe we just need to spend more time getting to know our neighbors and spending more time on our sidewalks than in our living rooms staring at a screen. Maybe we need a bit of civility as a country and somehow figure out how to get reconnected to each other and start watching out for one another again instead of worrying about all of the bad guys around.
Maybe I have a naive faith in people still – that I think everyone is still a ‘nice guy’ and the thought of arming myself against my neighbors makes me sick to my stomach. That more guns are not the solution or the country that I want to live in. That is not my America that I believe in – an America that just assumes people must be bad so let’s make sure we are protected. That is not working together. And that’s not what this country was built on.
I want to live where people and neighbors watch out for all the kids and I know everyone’s name again. And I want to live in a Nation that cares enough about their youth that these kids get the education and hope they need to want a good life. And I want parents to make their kids be responsible and independent thinkers again.
I think we are losing the forest for the trees with all of the verbal lashings back and forth about gun violence and gun control.
And until you’ve held the hand and wiped the tears of a mom who lost her baby girl to gun violence….
Well, I suggest opening your ears and heart a bit and really listen a little harder.
“If there’s even one thing we can do, if there’s just one life we can save—we’ve got an obligation to try.” – President Barack Obama 2/4/2013
******
I want to make it clear that I didn’t get invited to meet President Obama because of my blog or any political affiliations that I have. I got a seat through a friend as I really wanted to be there in person to hear what he said. And when I met him he did not say “OMG I love your blog” – but seriously, wouldn’t that have been super cool!
Also, Astrid was mad that I talked to him at all..because he’s a boy and all and Astrid doesn’t like boys. She actually asked me “Mommy, did you talk to Bawack Obama?” and when I said “Yes, of course.” She then said “Well, I don’t like boys and I don’t think you should talk to him.” So I said “Don’t worry honey because our president in 2016 will be a woman and then even you can talk to her.”
Wow.
And I don’t want to live in that kind of country you mentioned either. I wish, SO wish things weren’t spiraling out of control like they seem to be some days.
I’m glad you were there to hear what he had to say and to meet him. That is truly awesome.
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wow!! You actually met him…how cool is that! Yes, I totally would have wanted to mention her bangs!!
I’m hoping something concrete comes out of his efforts…because unfortunately, the entire decision is not in his hands! But, I’m hopeful!
yay for a Ms. President in 2016!!!
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I’m so happy for you that you met your President!!
Everything you said. Because it is tempered with logic, and sense. My sister, a teacher, believes that education is the answer. Better education means less poverty, less poverty means less crime.
And what you said about people – being there for each other, holding each other up as a community, not holding guns at each other. Wise words.
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What an honor to be in his presence. I so agree with everything you said. Not only do we need to take care of one another – we also need to make parents responsible for their children’s actions at a young age. I pray for peace and a safe life for us all.
That is so cool! And I agree with everything you said.
Your girl’s “Bawack Obama” reminds me of my now 9 year old when she was 4 and we were into Obama’s first election. She loved him (she was the 4 year old with a Change poster on her bedroom wall), and she always said his name, “Morocco Bama.”
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Awesome! So awesome. So jealous! And very well said. I couldn’t agree more. Sorry for the lame, pointless comment here, I was just moved by your post!
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Well written and well stated! Guns should be made for recreation only. It would be nice if there were no more wars,local violence, and killing! People need to respect each other. They should be taught, as they grow up, responsiblity and accountability, and the love of human life!!
Love You!!
So well written and stated, Tracy! I love that you got to meet Barack, what a neat opportunity!
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How wonderful that you met your president and got to hear him speak on an issue that is so very important. And I love Astrid’s concern that you spoke to a boy.
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Personally, I love you just a little bit – okay, a LOT – more for your response to Astrid. We need to get that woman in the White House!
Tracy, this was a well-written piece about an amazing experience most if us will never enjoy. While I’m commenting for the express purpose if disagreeing with you, I want you to know that I share (deeply) your feelings about the bitter tones and angry bickering our nation has spiraled into on nearly every issue. Despite my different position on this issue, Tracy, I still like and respect you, I still want to read your blog and wish we could meet IRL one day. And I still love Michelle’s bangs, so at least we agree on the most important things
. I come from a midwestern community where everyone owns guns and everyone knows each others names. My position on the second amendment has more to do with the original purpose, which is that the populace should always have the right to arm itself against their own government. I also feel there are reasonable, helpful steps that could be taken to reduce gun violence, but most of those things are not what politicians are talking about. Building stronger community would be near the very top of my list. And heavens knows I don’t want to live somewhere like England, where guns are illegal and so is homeschooling unless you have the permission of the local school’s headmaster. It’s a slippery slope, and as violent as this government is (the last administration as well) I find it unconscionable the way they are approaching this issue (BOTH PARTIES). Here is hoping you still want to kiss me on the mouth after a kid slumber party…and I really did enjoy reading this. I’m okay with disagreeing.
I actually think we completely agree. xoxo
I am so glad that you had the opportunity to meet our President and shake his hand.
There are days, during this gun debate, when my personal Facebook feed makes me ill with all of the hate and disrespect being hurled around. I try to read some opposing views in order to gain a different perspective. But, alas, I always end up back on the side of reasonable gun control, right there beside you.
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I’m so jealous of this amazing opportunity! I live in Texas so of course we own guns. My 9 year olds have both shot guns. At least once. BUT, I am such a huge proponent of gun controls that I am becoming one of the crazy gun control people. I just cannot grasp the logic of the far right on this one (truth be told, I can’t grasp their logic on most anything). The slippery slope argument posited by the NRA is just smoke and mirrors. As is most of the propaganda at this point. Sensible minds will meet on this issue. At least I hope so for all our sakes.
And yes, HILL in 2016!!
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I am extremely jealous that you had this opportunity. I am also extremely proud that you got to do this…and of your response to Astrid
But mostly, I agree with you SO MUCH.
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Amen, from your incredibly jealous sister.
Color me jealous …
Being a Brit growing up in South Africa – where guns are as popular as here, I have to mention that I have yet to meet a person who has used their gun to protect themselves or their family. I do however know people who have lost family to accidental gun death, domestic disputes, children who lost their lives when they came upon guns that in England would not have been in their homes, and suicide by gunshot – so absolute and final …
I just don’t like them.
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Beautifully written as always Tracy! Your insight is always an inspiration.
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I love ALL of this, but Tracy I gotta say the last bit about Astrid and having a female president? THAT got to me. I’m so glad you had the chance to go with your friend to this and hear what Obama had to say about gun violence. This is awesome. And even better—a WOMAN PRESIDENT. WOOT! xoxoxoxo
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Bravo, Tracy! Well said. That is not the country I want to live in either.
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Tracy, this is everything I feel and more. I agree that we’re losing the forest for the trees in our often angry back-and-forth about gun control. Better gun legislation is ONE answer (I believe) but it’s certainly not the ONLY answer, and you’ve articulated very well the reasons why. Well done, my friend.
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Tracy, that is just incredible! I would love to hear our President speak and to meet him. Okay, I would just LOVE to meet Michelle too. I am really glad that he is taking steps with our countries leaders to make it harder to get guns and I agree with the President that if we can make a difference or save a life with these measures, then it is the right thing to do. I’m very careful these days to not let my personal feelings about guns make my voice one that screams instead of discussing and finding ways to make change.
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First of all… totally jealous that you got to meet the President! I’d love to see him speak some day.
Second… this was so very well written. Of course that is par for the course.
We own guns. My dad always has owned them & hunted. But I don’t know what to do to help the issues that we’re plagued with when it comes to gun control. Part of me says we need better gun control but part of me says that isn’t the answer.
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I would have been so excited to meet him I’m sure I would have cried.
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Awesome post lady! It must have been hard to talk with families of victims. But I’m glad you got to be a comfort and to meet the President. I agree with your views. Thanks for sharing
This is one of the best pieces I’ve read on the topic Tracy! It was logical, unbiased, and spot on.
Also? I love that you met the President and the one thing you wanted him to know was about Michelle’s bangs
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Tracy,
This was a wonderful commentary on the most important issue facing our nation today. I appreciate your thoughts, and can’t imagine the horror of the parents who have lost their innocent children to such violence.
Wish “Bawack” had said he loved your blog. No matter, the rest of us do.
Estelle
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What an amazing opportunity. I want to live in your version of America too.
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Wonderfully stated. I agree!
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I would have peed my pants if Barack Obama shook my hand and said “Hi” to me.
Then again, I pee my pants a few times a week.
(And I’ll be you can guess what I’ll do when Hillary is sworn in…Thanks, weak pelvic wall!)
Loved this post, Tracy.
You always hit JUST the right note.
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What an incredible experience. I heard GW Bush speak once. I didn’t actually pay attention to anything he was saying, but it was pretty spectacular to just be in the room with the president.
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Awesome!!!!! What a day—and experience you’ll never forget!
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You’re right; doing nothing is not an option. We have to keep the dialogue open, have to continue communicating. No one person has all the answers; no one side can fix it all (hell, can fixing it all even be a goal?) but as long as we respectfully and openly continue to acknowledge that changes need to happen, we’ll get there.
I live all of 22 minutes away from the White House. I’ve never met the president. I’ve been at the same restaurant as FLOTUS at the same time (as secret service became confused about whether I was smuggling in a basketball (I was pregnant with the boy.) My oldest daughter, however, has met him three times. Somewhere, there exists a photo of her with his hand on her head AND I’M STILL WAITING TO GET IT, PETE SOUZA!
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You = Awesome
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LOVED this post!!! How incredibly honored to experience this first hand.
And your closing line…perfection.
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This is one of the most logical, sane pieces I’ve read about this issue, and I am sharing, sharing, sharing. Thank you for so eloquently expressing exactly what I’m feeling. I, too, have lost a child (albeit not to gun violence), and every time I read about another parent who is experiencing this pain, the wound is re-opened and I have to revisit it. I agree with the president – if there is anything we can do to help keep just one family from living with this pain, we as a society have an obligation to try. I feel that we owe at least that much consideration toward others. I hope, hope, hope that we can overcome the fear and distrust that so many are voicing over this issue and can enact some common-sense measures that will lead us toward a safer, more friendly environment. Thanks for writing and sharing.
I am, in fact, very jealous you got to be there. ;P I too would have loved to hear his words live. Wow. Amazing that you got to go.
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Soo Lucky!!
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Amen! And wow! I got to hear FLOTUS speak this fall on the campaign trail (pre-bangs) and it energized me for weeks. I love how you used this opportunity to speak calmly, but forcefully for what you believe is right.
Astrid for President in 2036!
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I don’t have words to tell you how much I relate to this and how much I agree with your opinion (and that of the President). We can’t fix it, not all at once, but we have to do SOMETHING, and this is a start.
And don’t get me started on civilians owning military-grade weapons (yes, I’m looking at you Dad).
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Wow! That is so cool! My son would love to meet him.
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I totally get your stage fright/awe in meeting a president and shaking his hand. I once went to a conference and met Bill Clinton when he was President and all I said was “hi” too. But yes, your post on this was great and I’m glad we have a President who wants to take responsible action about this very important issue. And your daughter cracks me up — too cute. Your last line to her — priceless and hope you’re right!
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I can’t believe you got to meet him and shake his hand!! WOW! So incredibly cool! This is how close I got to him: http://houseofestrogen.typepad.com/house_of_estrogen/2008/10/obama-mama.html
I agree with you completely on the gun control issue… so frustrating.
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I do love me some Hilary…
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You make me smile.
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That is wicked cool. And I loved your last sentence. Amen.
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Amazing post my friend. This is so well articulated Tracy. Doing nothing is not an option and I so wish in my heart that we can move away from the bitter bickering. No one can fix it all and not one proposal will fix it all but we need to keep talking and work together in order to have a chance to fixing something. PS Barack would totally love your blog. And the last bit about Astrid and our next president? LOVE.
Very well said Tracy! I wish I could have the chance to hear the president speak in person too–maybe someday. That would be awesome.
PS: I love Michelle’s bangs too! LOL
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That is amazing that you got to meet him!
Also, your post gave me goosebumps. I almost took a picture to prove that I wasn’t just saying that. You’re absolutely right on all accounts.
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I’m not even American but I’m jealous that you got to do this.
I always admire your calm and reasoned approach, Tracy. I wish there were more out there like you.
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