THERE IS HOPE

THERE IS HOPE
by Andy Weddington
Friday, 20 January 2017

A leader is a dealer in hope. Napoleon Bonaparte

This morning a small group of people aspiring to improve as painters heard from me, "With a painter who weeps, who dies of rage in front of their canvas, there is hope." 

Those the words, spoken more than a century ago, of Georges Clemenceau.

Hope.

It is that which compels people to hang on - despite what seems to be dire circumstances and a bleak future. 

During lunch I watched Donald J. Trump take the oath of office to become our 45th President of the United States of America.

For many an American Mr. Trump was their last hope. 

Like many of those Americans, coast to coast and near and far, I listened to President Trump speak.

When he finished it was time to return to teaching duties.

This evening after dinner I read the text of his speech.

With a President who opens with ...

"We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people," there is hope. 

President Trump used the word "I" but three times ...

"The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans."

"I will fight for you with every breath in my body - and I will never, ever let you down."

We, us, our, you, everyone, the people, and together - terms referring to a nation - he spoke with conviction and genuine sentiment.

Refreshing.

Tomorrow morning a small group of painters again gather - to weep, for different reasons, over their canvases; some to vent rage; but all to carry on with hope. 

And so will many people tomorrow morning awaken - to weep, for different reasons, over our new President; some to vent rage and maybe even die; but all who should carry on with hope. For to not have hope in a fresh start is the default of the hopeless; that is, losers.

Americans do not like losers.

Winners cling, no matter what, to hope. 

There is hope.