Olympics and Obama's Personal Speech on Race

Obama's speeches have been so inclusive, always from the people's perspective.
But this July of 2013 he spoke for himself about a personal topic and encouraged all of us to do so.

Here are a few of my many personal thoughts at random:

• Brought up by the most inclusive person I've ever known, my dad.
• Studied in a Liberal Arts College, Chestnut Hill, where many were advocates of the poor.
• Graduated, taught in California, worked and traveled freely around Europe and the Middle East.
• Taught and traveled for a few years in Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Taiwan.
• Was not allowed to enter some places in Asia where signs were posted, "No Whites Allowed".
• Heard from many Asians who had greater fears of blacks than any other country I'd been in.
• After several years in that part of the world went directly to work in Mexico City during the Olympic Games. Entered the Athlete's Olympic Village where everyone, for the most part, had manners.  Then was shocked at my own embarrassment as my friends pointed out the rudeness of Team USA's blacks inside the Athlete's Village. Tried to defend them by reminding my co-workers that there's a large range of types in every culture. Then after several times inside the village saw so much of it that I too had some personal negative thoughts. Perhaps having been around the 'ever so polite' Japanese where etiquette is a priority gave even more contrast.
• Obama as a young boy, for a couple of years in Asia...how difficult it must have been for him.

Then there was my year in Rio de Janeiro, where three million gathered a day ago for the Pope Francis.
Rio, where smiles and sidewalks, music and dancing, beaches and volleyball, white people and black people...blend.

Just as Obama said, talking about it will help many to understand. It can bring the inside out and clear the air. We often feel great after a good wringing out, aye?  And we all know that understanding and tolerating and sometimes celebrating differences can and will bring...
a more peaceful world,
a more peaceful country,
and a more peaceful home.