Having two posts in a row about politics is a first for me. But I would be remiss if I didn't talk about the historical event that took place in the Southside of Chicago. Former President Barack Obama's Presidential Library had their official opening ceremony this past Thursday, June 18th at 10:30 AM CST and had their first full open day in time for Juneteenth.
The timing of the official opening couldn't have been more perfect. A lot of folks are choosing it as the real 250th Anniversary celebration. Speaking of which, it was quite the contrast to see the number of celebrities and political figures that came out in support of the Obama Presidential Center from all the celebrities that were running away from any association with Orange's event.
All the former living presidents and their spouses were there - The Bush's, The Clinton's, and the Biden's. They were behind a glass shield because sadly there are evil people that might try something. But I imagine the security for the event was pretty tight.
The center itself has been in the works for several years. I got to see it constructed over the years as I commuted back and forth to Chicago for work. It seemed it would never open but in the last year the powers that be confirmed they were targeting this past Juneteenth for the center to be open.
Museum tickets are already sold out through November. Dom is definitely excited about checking it out so we're hoping to do so sometime next summer. I'll just have to be on the lookout for tickets when they become available.
The official opening ceremony itself was quite spectacular. I happen to be working from home that day so I got to watch a little bit of it as it aired. It was a reminder of what America took for granted when Obama was in office. I knew it was going to be hilarious when I saw Martin Nesbitt, the Obama Foundation Board Chair, coming out in a tan suit as he gave the opening remarks. "How ya'll like my tan suit?" (LOL too funny) There were several other celebrities who chose to put on tan suits as well. Hard to believe that some of Obama's opposition was attacking his wardrobe. But then again they couldn't find anything else to attack him on.
But the highlight of the ceremony had to be when Michelle Obama spoke in dedication to her husband. It was sweet seeing how emotional Barack was getting as she listed all of his accomplishments. She reminded us of how under the microscope Obama was as the first black president. She also got quite a few digs on Orange and his administration without saying the Orange name. Obama rightfully earned his Nobel Peace Prize. It was a delight to hear and she is indeed a powerful speaker. I do wish she would consider running for President but I completely don't blame her for not doing so.
Of course Barack Obama spoke as well. He also got in a few digs at Orange without mentioning his name. I didn't get to watch it in entirety but I plan to.
What a contrast having an intelligent president that can speak complete sentences. America definitely took him for granted. Sally did remind me that she faced her toughest years during the Obama presidency. 2007 was when she lost her IT job and it was a long seven year struggle. But she also found her way out of it during the latter part of the Obama presidency. It does go to show that we all have our individual crosses to bear regardless of who the president is. But having someone that has intelligence, charisma, and common sense goes a long way.
I don't know if we can recover from Orange's tyranny. It's going to take many years I imagine. But for one day at least it was nice to see common sense win for a moment again.
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