"Young girls dyed their hair red, white and blue . . ." Can we truly be a beacon again?

[Faygo Kid]

I don't know what to think. When I backpacked through Europe in my college days in 1973, I was advised to put a Canadian flag on my backpack. I did not, and would not. It wasn't jingoism; it was honesty. I'm an American. Grandparents immigrated through Ellis Island, but last time I looked, that counts.

And now I see young kids dye their hair red, white and blue, and American flags waved everywhere, and I know how so very much of it is that "yearning to breathe free" that Emma Lazarus penned. There is indeed a yearning out there.

"Young girls dyed their hair red, white and blue . . ." Extraordinary. With all our faults, and despite the incredible spew of hatred directed at Barack Obama by the Right and some others, there remains a yearning into which he has tapped. It's not just hope for some vague and undefined future.

That's what Barack spoke to today. And of. And surprise: Bless the world, and those of us who are poised to take our country back, we are still respected - even loved - despite George W. Bush.

"Because I wouldn't give you two cents for all your fancy rules if, behind them, they didn't have a little bit of plain, ordinary, everyday kindness and a - a little lookin' out for the other fella, too...That's pretty important, all that. It's just the blood and bone and sinew of this democracy that some great men handed down to the human race, that's all."

You lose, George. You too, John. The world - and my country - wins.

[MikeNearMcChord]

1. I saw the pictures at the Der Speigel site.

This just has to eat at the Republicans and Conservatives. They saw their world view rejected and spat out. They can spew out some bullshit about Old Europe, but they are now the ones outside looking in, enjoy your exile Repuke!

[Ilsa]

9. Here's the link to the Der Spiegel photo gallery:

http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-33614.html#backToArticle=567932

[Faygo Kid]

10. Thanks. Wow! I hope you post this independently.

This is spectacular. I love the diversity and enthusiasm of this one:

http://www.spiegel.de/img/0,1020,1251950,00.jpg

[Barack_America]

2. Not only that, but this...

And that comparison is about the greatest compliment I can give.

[Faygo Kid]

4. I have that one in my "must post," as well. Here's one of another Berlin speaker.

Thank you, my fellow Detroit fan (Oh gawd. There goes Tiger Stadium. Here comes the Lions - again.)

[KoKo]

3. "Young Girls" are known to "hero worship." .....and have done many things....

just saying...

[Barack_America]

6. But for politicians?

When have you seen this level of excitement for a politician amongst the youth? And think of what that could mean to politics and people choosing a career in public service.

[Faygo Kid]

7. ???? Not sure of your point here. I thought today was extraordinary.

I sense you do not support the presumptive nominee.

Seen it plenty here at DU, and far be it from me to say anything further, because it's a sure way to see, "deleted message."

At any rate, I tried to say more than just about the girls. Their actions were vehicles for a larger point.

Sorry you didn't care for what I hoped would be perceived as a positive post. I'll live.

[BlooInBloo]

5. Yes we can!

As some smart guy likes to say.

[AtomicKitten]

8. We are on the precipice.

[DeepModem Mom]

11. A wonderful post! K&R!

[Faygo Kid]

12. Much appreciated, coming from a long time, deeply respected DUer.

Not that there's anything wrong with the rookies.

But thanks, and all the best.

http://www.spiegel.de/img/0,1020,1251866,00.jpg