Watching over East Leyden
#ThanksObama

#ThanksObama

Thank you (noun) – A polite expression used when acknowledging a gift, service, compliment, acceptance, or refusing an offer.

Two words, two syllables, two meanings – Thank You. Easily uttered, yet barely meant.
During this season of Thanksgiving, it is time we think of what it really means to say, “thank you.” I often say thank you to my family for always being there to guide me, my friends who are always there to put up with me, and to all four of my cats for being there to cheer me up with a subtle, “meow.” When we say thank you, we usually say it to be polite; however, in my case, saying thank you has only become a habit- a meaningless and insignificant habit.
If there is anything that I’ve realized during this election season, it’s that old cliche saying that goes something like, “you never really know what you have until you lose it.” After all the controversy surrounding the presidential election, I thought about how many times I’ve been appreciative of our President Barack Obama, who in my opinion, is one of the best presidents to have ever served our country.
Before Barack Obama became “POTUS,” I was only that little clueless eight-year-old, who, despite not knowing much as a 4th grader, knew enough to know that gay marriage was illegal and that the likelihood of a president being black was not very high. Surely after eight years, a lot has changed. Though we didn’t elect the first woman president this year, we made history in electing the first black president eight years ago.
Now that Obama’s term is coming to an end, it is time we say, “Thanks, Obama.” As I think of all the things Obama has done in the past eight years, I can definitely say a different kind of “thank you,”- one with genuine gratitude and significance. While others are quick to deem Obama as an unsuccessful president full of failures, I think that over the course of Obama’s term, America has achieved many things, and arguably, America has also reached historic milestones that have changed our culture as a nation, like the historic legalization of Gay marriage. To those who think we have a terrible President, I don’t know what kind of a President you’re thinking about, but in my opinion, we owe Obama a big “thank you” for all the things he’s done for our country.
But just like how there’s always two sides to a story, there’s always two types of “Thank you’s.” For most people, saying “thanks, Obama” comes with much gratitude; for others, saying “thanks, Obama,” comes with sarcasm and disappointment with his term.
For senior, Vanessa Gallegos, expressing her “thank you” to the President goes toward his policies that “created an environment that is accepting of anyone regardless of race, income, or sexual orientation.” In Gallegos’ mind, overall, “Obama did a good job these last eight years,” and while she doesn’t agree with every single decision he has made, she “appreciates the changes in health care, enhanced relationship with Cuba, and the legalization of same-sex marriage.” While some people believe that Obama “hasn’t done anything” and has “failed to commit to his promises,” Gallegos believes that with everything Obama has done, including the historic legalization of Gay marriage, Obama, being the first black president of the United States, has clearly done something to change our nation.
Yet some readers may challenge my view by insisting that Obama has completely failed, my point is not to insist my opinions into people’s mind (like Trump), but rather to reiterate that no matter what you categorize yourself as, whether you’re a republican or a democrat, I encourage you to reflect on how our country’s political, economic, and social environment has changed in the past eight years before stating your criticisms.
During this season of Thanksgiving, I encourage you to be thankful for everything that you have. Be thankful for your friends that are always there for you, teachers that are always there to guide you, family for being there to love you, and for everyone that’s there for you. Always appreciate what you have before you lose it. Personally, I’m #ThankfulForObama because of his genuine love for our country. How about you?

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