Barack Obama exited from the White House with remarkable eloquence after being President of the most powerful democracy of the world for 8 years. He called his term an exercise in the hard work of democracy. There was something authentic about his parting words and the response of an unqualified endorsement of the political achievements of his tenure was genuine. Those who were moved by his words did not show partisanship and exaggerated patriotism. He saw democratic nationhood as a vindication of the cherished human values of decency and dignity. His speech went beyond the specific occasion and context. He appealed to the rationality enshrined in any modern democracy of the civilized world. That is most appropriate at a time when democracy is at crossroads.
As a matter of fact, the world order is facing a crisis when words like democracy, liberty, equality and rights seem to exist only in the vocabulary of politics. Obama reminded the American people that the words did not carry abstract concepts but stood for real convictions. His vision is both humanly and politically possible. The first African-American President of the richest democracy of the world made it clear that the American nation in history comprised not only patriots, pioneers, soldiers and workers but at one time included slaves, immigrants, refugees and other underprivileged communities. Over a century and a half, an inclusive nation has emerged. But it cannot be taken for granted. The aggression on such ideas should be dourly combated. Thanks to Obama to for reminding the world of the great American heritage.
