Web Letters: The History of Hope

By Peter Dreier

February 19, 2008

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  • Is Obama the American Mandela? Obama brings a message of hope and change to a country at the crossroads. It is choice between the past and the future. But is Obama the American Mandela who could inspire Americans to a better future at home? And a future where America takes it rightful place at the global table? Is he the one? The question of whether Obama is the American Mandela is discussed in my blog Angry African on the Loose.

    Henk Campher

    Natick, MA

    02/20/2008 @ 9:54pm


  • Peter Dreier, in describing the historic roots of hope, the movements and people who were at the forefront of the critical issues in their times (slavery, womens suffrage, civil rights, unionizing et al.), along with those Presidents who had the courage, the will and that rare sense that this was the time to use their bully pulpit, puts in historical perspective what is happening today, in the burgeoning support that is swelling around the campaign of Barack Obama for President. He is touching a nerve and the public's yearning for change, challenging them with an authentic rhetoric, that inspires and touches the core of people's souls. There is the clear sense that he is the one for this time, a time so disjointed and riven with rifts, that he, with that rare and uncanny ability to connect with people's yearnings, can reinstill their hopes and dreams.

    Dave Lefcourt

    Ellicott City, MD

    02/20/2008 @ 5:52pm


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