"What the framework of our Constitution can do is organize the way by which we argue about our future" (p 92). Barack knew the constitution wasn't just a set of rules; it was created to be ever changing and to allow adaptation to modernization. The old-guard were wise and had much respect for the constitution and the forefathers that created it, but the newer, inexperienced youth of the senate were quite different.
Barack was upset with the younger members of the Senate for disregarding the constitution and focusing on what they believed to be the solution to our nation's problems. They always wanted action to be taken without thinking things through, but the experienced members knew better and shut them down. Obama thought the Senate should fix the country's problems through healthy debate, not rash decisions. In regards to the constitution, he believed, "The answer I settle on--which is by no means original to me--requires a shift in metaphors, one that see our democracy not as a house to be built, but as a conversation to be had" (p 92). Barack tried all he could to learn from the older members, but he soon learned from experience. He understood the frustration of the younger members for being restrained, but knew it was wiser to view all possible solutions. Barack learned to be a very understanding person.
2 comments:
This book tells such an incredible story. Barack Obama is such an inspirational figure. All through out his life, he has remained a pillar of honesty. I like the description of the new and older senators. I agree with that the older senators are more conservative and the new are more liberal.
I honor his integrity with people of different ages and taking this integrity to work and understanding everyone's side to things. I also liked the fact that instead of focusing on what people his age were saying he deiced to listen to the experienced people. It shows that he has humility and is able to learn things from everyone.
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