MEMORIAL SPEECH

| January 28, 2011 5:00 AM

Upon hearing President Obama's memorial speech for the Arizona shooting victims I felt shaken with tears. I was filled with a new hope in the U.S. people. And not just Americans who have similar philosophies to mine. No, the president made it very clear: as a citizen I'm obligated to respect the essential goodness of anyone who tries to help shape a better country! He cautioned all Americans to be more "civil," liberals and conservatives alike. It reminded me of the inclusive and non-violent spirit of Mahatma Gandhi that inspired Martin Luther King and Mandela. So certain everyone who heard the speech would be uplifted, because nothing about it was divisive! President Obama challenged us "to become the America our children expect." To think before we speak? Avoid violent language. Trust the best intentions of other Americans who come from varying perspectives. Less cynicism and judgment. That is what I believe President Obama was so eloquently urging us to do.

Jan Hougan

Moses Lake