I'm not sure if you saw the Tonight Show last night, but President Obama was on the show, talking about a budget-congress-whatcha-whatever-thingy. Anyway, in the midst of his remarks about his ability to bowl, he said something to the effect of how his bowling was more like the Special Olympics.
Open mouth. Insert foot.
I'm sure the President is smart enough that right after he said that comment he must have thought "oh man, how am I going to cover that one".
A lot of news agencies are covering this story this morning. Talking about how his appearance on the Tonight Show degrades the office of the Presidency, that He can't speak without his teleprompter, and his attempts to make his comments right with the people of the Special Olympics. Its the news of the day.
Here's some insight for the rest of the world- Barrack Obama is a human being. Can't you identify with him today? Haven't you ever said something in passing that you wish that you could take back? We all have.. haven't we? Those times when we wish that as soon as the words left our mouth, that we could reel them back in.
Of course He shouldn't have said it, but I like the fact that it shows the humanity of the President. He's a person who makes mistakes and says the wrong thing once in a while.
As a person who does this constantly, I appreciate that I'm not alone in my quest to reel in my tongue.
The Bible talks a lot about the power of the tongue. There is a strong verse in the book of James- it says "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check". What does that mean to me? That we all have a ways to go before we get to perfection, because most people at some point in their life will be at fault in what we say.
Give some grace today to someone who says the wrong thing. Bridle your tongue and think twice before you speak. You can't take it back.
Be blessed today.
matt
I thought it was hilarious and I volunteered with the special olympics for years. People are too sensitive. His humor shows how much the common American can relate to him.
ReplyDeleteRight On! I've sure been there before. And now-a-days it seems the thought police are everywhere. The only problem I had with his comment is it was factually inaccurate. I've been to several special olympic bowling competitions and let me tell you, those guys would kick his A*@# - mine too. They were really good!
ReplyDeleteYeah, you know that the second that rolled off his tongue he thought, "Oh CRAP. Why did I say such a stupid thing?"
ReplyDeleteSo true how we can all relate to that though. Trying to be funny and something rolls off the tongue that you think will be funny, but the MOMENT you hear yourself say it you realize how awful it was that you just said that.
After apologizing today, I heard that he's made a contact with the Special Olympics to have some of their athletes come to the White House to beat him at bowling and basketball.
I don't care what he says. It's his socialist actions I am very, very worried about.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a bowler from The Special Olympics has thrown down the gauntlet: http://www.tmz.com/2009/03/20/special-olympics-champ-to-barack-bring-it-on/
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed President Obama on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He brings a reality to the office of the President that we haven't seen in a too long. He offers us a hope we haven't had in 8 years. It's not going to be easy but we will get there.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the Special Olympic bowling comment, I mean, really? Do you really think he was making a hurtful commment. I mean, come on...really?
Sure, I can forgive a comment made with little thought behind it. But when is enough enough? Is someone who lies often really to be forgiven for every single occurrence?
ReplyDeletePersonally, I've worked hard to earn the money and benefits I have to extend to my family (and my retirement.) "To each according to need; From each according to ability"... that's what we've got going on here, but those words are not taken from Obama, they're a quote from Karl Marx.
I have know I have made remarks that have hurt people & wish that I could have taken it back before I said it. It is nice to know that the President is human too! I think the best advice is to think before we speak, especially in moments of anger. The tongue is a mighty weapon that can heal or destroy. That is my advice for the day.... Dani
ReplyDeleteA similar passage is found in the book of Acts: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need."
ReplyDeleteWhy is helping out those in need a bad thing?