With such heightened political turmoil today, the question of whether the nation can hold strong is beginning to feel urgent. Rising political and religious divisions, assassination attempts, military escalations, and leaders openly testing the limits of democratic norms have made the sense of chaos overwhelming. However, former President Barack Obama has hope for us yet, as he sees sparks of courage in young people that he feels we should emulate, even when it’s difficult.
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Here’s what Obama had to say about the steps we need to take to help democracy triumph despite an uncertain path — a “leap of faith” he insists is worth making.
“Democracy is not Self-Executing”
Democracy doesn’t run on autopilot, Obama warns in his viral discussion — it requires effort, attention, and the courage to act. Justice only moves forward when people pull it in the right direction, and without that work, progress can stall or even reverse. For Obama, change comes from those willing to stand up, take risks, and fight for what’s right, even when it’s hard.
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. Except, it doesn’t bend on its own. It bends because we pull it in the direction of justice. And when we don’t, it doesn’t happen automatically, just like democracy is not self-executing. It requires effort. It requires will,” Obama urged to listeners in the audience.
Stand Up for you Convictions
Obama sees hope in those willing to stand up for what they believe. Cities all over the country braced themselves to stand in solidarity when ICE swooped in to viscously deport undocumented immigrants at Trump’s command. It seems this is the kind of courage and determination the 44th president spoke about — the kind that can pull our freedoms and justice forward.
“What I’m feeling hopeful about… is I’m meeting a lot of young people, people who are young at heart, who are standing up for their convictions, even when it’s hard. And I think us lifting them up and supporting them and embracing them and emulating them, that I think is what gives me hope.”
The “Human Spirit” Will Triumph
Even in difficult times, Obama believes people’s courage and determination can overcome obstacles. He sees this resilience as the force that will carry society into the future.
“That’s the part of the human spirit that I believe will triumph in the end. And it may be bumpy and it may take time, but yes, that’s one of my convictions that I act on, I try to act on every single day. And that’s what I believe. It’s a leap of faith that I think is worth making,” Obama concluded.
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