Has it Really Only Been Six Months of Obama?

Here is my diversion post on Barack Obama. I was much reminded of him when I went up to Canada last week. For some reason, Canadians are absolutely in love with him. He seems to be a much more innovative man than Canada's Stephen Harper. What is even more remarkable is that there are very few head of states that can truly have similar stature that Obama possesses for himself. His diplomatic tactics in trying to reach a compromise between the Western World and Iran by being more passive rather than being the antagonistic warmonger that could make complex international crises even worse. Thank goodness President Obama is not like George W. Bush. Besides the point, Obama is trying tirelessly to fix the economy and has demonstrated that he genuinely cares about the world, other than his own country.

Anyways, I was first reminded of him in Toronto. Get this, there is a cafe in the Danforth area of Toronto called "Obama Cafe"! I could not believe my eyes when I was walking that Saturday night with Gwenna and her friend from high school. I had to stop for a few minutes to really immense my surprise in realizing that Obama has his 'own' cafe in Canada's biggest city. Danforth is a typically liberal neighbourhood, as is most of the city, and the fact that a cafe of this aura exists could be typical (and I might just be putting this on a dramatic presence). I hope to get a coffee there sometime.

Funny thing is that this does not even tell the full story as to how Obama has really touched the lives of Canadians.





It is in Canada's National Capital where the Obama love story reaches a pivotal climax. Let's just say that there were two profound aspects that really brought me to be thinking of Barack Obama, besides his regular appearance on the news headlines.

How many people remember the article I wrote for the December 2008 edition of the New Edinburgh News? (rhetorical question, indeed.) When I walked through the streets of New Edinburgh, I saw a box of December 2008 editions just lying in the curb and I stole a few of them since I was just amazed to see a printed copy of one of my articles. Though I am a regular columnist, I usually see the article online. Besides the point. That edition contained my first initial thoughts of Barack Obama. I know how corny this next thought will sound in your head, but my article perhaps reflect the feelings of before a first date. Okay. That was even more silly when I finally wrote that thought down. :)

I enjoy picking up old articles and then reflecting what I have become now. I changed much in six months, likewise how American politics has gone through a very slight progress from the Bush Administration.

I have no interest in seriously comparing Barack Obama and myself, but it is interesting to note that we both went through some serious changes in six months. That said, he has more legitimate concerns to deal with.

Another strong Ottawa connections, besides my writing in the New Edinburgh News is that President Obama made his first international trip to none other than Ottawa! The day was February 19, 2009 and he was so dearly welcomed to the Nation's Capital. He also really hit it off with Michaelle Jean, Canada's first black Governor General. Hurray for black power! :)

I was having some tea with a friend and I noticed that right across the street there is a store that sells "Obama cookies". It turns out he went to this bakery in the Byward Market and bought these cookies to give to his daughters. Not only is that so nice of him to be the family man as he is so dearly known, he also made the bakery ridiculously famed for a lifetime! I love a man who can solve diplomatic crises and make Ottawa a more legitimate city. Yes, I did manage to eat an Obama cookie and it was delicious. It's a sugar cookie cut out in a maple leaf shape with red frosting with the word "Canada" on it. Yes, that is what an Obama cookie is. Neat, eh?





Of course President Obama is dearly loved in Buffalo. Matter of fact, every Buffalo article I have written seems to mention his name at least once. I am amazed the powerful effect he has on me. No, I do not have a crush on President Obama. He is a dear man but I am not into him. Besides, he's not my type. Yet I can still have a respecting admiration for the man who became the first black president of America!

Well. My trip back in time was nice. Remembering the days of my longer hair (thank goodness that it's shorter) and how I was a much different boy last Christmas. Times are still running and I hope I can catch up with them soon.

Hope you enjoyed my presentation on Barack Obama. At the rate I go with these posts, I am sure he will be the topic of discussion on my blog yet again. :)

Cheers,
Will

PS Tomorrow's post could be interesting.