Words matter. The way we say things matter. For good and for bad. They matter. Our ideas can only catch fire when we find a way to phrase them in such a way that people not only understand what we're saying, but that we're inspired by them
I watched Obama talk this morning and I will admit that I got a little teary. He spoke of higher things and higher callings and I was moved. I'm 37, born in 1969 and all the great speakers were dead by that time. King, RFK... I've listened to Cuomo in 1984 and Jackson in 1988 and they were good speeches but... they still lacked a certain je ne sais quoi. They felt like well said critiques rather than calls to higher action.
I'm no naif. I was an actor for a long time doing the "classics" and have had my fair share of speaking beautiful words. They're powerful indeed. I also spent my fair time around pastors who worked with words as well.
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There is a power to this thing we call rhetoric. It's certainly not a force for good or bad - those are subjective terms that apply to specific speeches - but it is a force.
And I can't help but think that here and now, in a country full of division, rancor and bile - you have been paying attention, yes? - that it's time for someone to step up and hit a goddamn homerun with words.
I await (eagerly) the white papers and the specifics. I'll pay close attention. But I want more than that. I want to be inspired. I want that ineffable something that puts a fire in my gut. A fire that is motivated by something other than outrage.
The better angels of my nature are eager for it.
Those metaphorical angels are crying out for some goddamn inspiration along with concrete ideas. I'm tired of being cynical, snarky and pissed off. It's too easy anymore. I want something more.