Posted by
Zentrist on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 7:22:25 PM
1) Today Barack, who chooses his words carefully, like the wordster he is, referred not to "foreign oil" but to "oil." Very significant. Our so-called "energy independence" will not, should not rely on OIL, PERIOD. He could easily, in the context of our new Interior Secretary, have used the now conventional and much-repeated "foreign oil." He did not. He thinks before he writes and speaks, and thinks with strong critical acumen. Nor is this a show; it is a lifelong habit reinforced by excellent training combined with his natural gifts. And lots and lots of practice. We are blessed; the world will be blessed.
2) Mr. Salazar chose to wear his Western hat indoors--another sign. We're going to be natural, not just conventional. Even the cliches of dress will be scrutinized. Obama was at his poetic best in describing the job of Secretary of Interior. That old song by the Dixie Chicks came to my mind: "Wide Open Spaces." Barack connected the majesty of our landscape with energy, with security, with jobs and with sensitivity to the needs of the people--including our tribal nations. Commerce was not discounted, but nor was it given priority. Government of the people, by the people and for the people was appropriately given its true importance.
3) Keeping it simple. Mr. Obama is accepting three questions lately, and the reporters' names are known in advance. This is called "boundaries." Barack has a profound sense of Boundaries, and this sense will deepen, if possible, as his presidency goes on. More, much more, about boundaries, in posts to come, both here and in "Freedom and Obedience."