Who Makes the Rules? Who Chooses the Rulers? Obama Confirms Power of American Democracy!

Who makes the rules? Who chooses the rulers? Can citizens peacefully replace corrupt leaders?

In the United States of America, voters enjoy their opportunity to hire and fire the President. On Tuesday, American citizens voted, selected a new leader, and millions of people around the nation smiled, laughed, and felt hopeful again. Senator Obama, as so often, captured the power and beauty of the peaceful transfer of power in his eloquent victory speech.

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. "
Barack Hussein Obama (1961- ), President-elect of the United States

I, like so many Americans, feel very proud. We are coming back – to our ideals, our citizens, and our best traditions! The United States, the first nation explicitly created on enlightenment ideals, will become an inspiring 21st century nation.

This surprising election seems like a very teachable moment. Immigrants and international students can rest assured that they made the right decision to come to the United States. English language learners around the world should feel the enlarged possibilities that come with our strange tongue. European sceptics and Arab critics should candidly reassess their prejudices about Americans and the American government. After all, Obama – the son of an international African student and an adventurous Midwestern scholar – has just won the Presidency of the United States. Where else could that happen?

Let's talk about the power of elections and democratic values in our English classes. Let's discuss the possibilities for peaceful reform, voting, and the rights of citizens to choose their own leaders. ESL/Civics classes always discuss these questions, but English teachers should also celebrate this Anglo-American tradition in English language classes around the world. Let's start defending Western values in our classes- and even promoting western democratic principles. Human rights matter. Democracy matters. Freedom counts. The good society can face its problems, openly debate vital public policy issues, and peacefully elect new leaders.

Click here for a free advanced ESL conversation lesson on Voting from Compelling Conversations.

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Obama Shows How to Give a Great Speech!

Obama shows how to discuss race in a calm, rational manner

Do you use current events in your ESL class? Do you teach American history, citizenship, speech, or political science? Have you found a way to candidly discuss the pervasive and destructive role of race in American history in a calm, rational manner?

Hopefully, you have already had a chance to hear Senator Obama’s eloquent, reflective speech on race and American culture. Faced with a political crisis of his own making, Obama tried to both distance himself from his fiery pastor’s sermons, condemn their ignorant accusations, and explain the source of his pastor’s anger and bitterness. It’s a masterpiece of modern oratory.

Can Americans unite to solve serious national problems such as collapsing schools, collapsing bridges, and the collapsing dollar? Will Americans find a way to develop to honestly discuss the role of racial categories in our history, acknowledge the pain caused by racism and violence, and avoid name-calling to affirm a common destiny? Can Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Asian, and Native Americans move beyond skin pigment and group complaints to renew our nation? Is there a way to calmly, rationally discuss deep emotional gaps and economic divisions that still plague the nation’s diverse racial groups?

Senator Obama’s speech yesterday deserves to be seen, heard, and read and reflected upon. Tracing the tragic role that race has played in the United States from the sanctioning of slavery in the Constitution to economic anxieties today, Obama provided personal and collective examples with maturity, understanding, and respect. He also listed the sources of “white resentment” such as affirmative action programs, busing, and violent crime in urban areas.

Obama’s “A More Perfect Union” speech,seems destined to become a classic. I consider it a 21^st century version of Dr. King’s 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech. It deserves to be added to curriculum on many levels:

1. Classic rhetoric built around a solid structure.
2. Exceptionally vivid examples and memorable phrases
3. A clear, compelling review of the nation’s history – and noble ambitions
4. A poised delivery style, with exceptional eye contact, and clear pronunciation.
5. An outstanding vocabulary supporting a focused message for multiple audiences
6. A mature review of the enduring legacy of racism for multiple audience
7. An affirmation of our common destiny and founding ideals as Americans in a changing world.

English language learners, immigrants, and international students will also gain vocabulary, history, and insights from hearing, watching, and reading the speech.

Click on the link below to read or hear the speech.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/18/america/18obamaspeech.php