Harry Hopkins (FDR adviser and an architect of the New Deal) interrupted FDR while he was dictating the Four Freedoms speech and told FDR that he should not say "everywhere in the world because Americans are not going to give a damn about people in Java".

FDR replied, "Well Harry. They are going to have to give a damn about people in Java from now on."

Vietnam is not Java, but Obama clearly 'gives a damn'.

The speech delivered by President Roosevelt incorporated the following text, known as the "Four Freedoms":

"In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms.

The first is freedom of speech and expression—everywhere in the world.

The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way—everywhere in the world.

The third is freedom from want—which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants—everywhere in the world.

The fourth is freedom from fear—which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor—anywhere in the world.

That is no vision of a distant millennium. It is a definite basis for a kind of world attainable in our own time and generation. That kind of world is the very antithesis of the so-called new order of tyranny which the dictators seek to create with the crash of a bomb."—Franklin D. Roosevelt, excerpted from the State of the Union Address to the Congress, January 6, 1941

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Freedoms

proven accomplishments, in order to mark a point about a proposed trade agreement.

My brother - another Republican - called to criticize Obama, while praising Trump, recently. I simply turned the Fox Phone call off, by saying my cell-phone battery was running low. Before I terminated the call, I told him that Obama was the past; and he served outr nation with honor and dignity.

Obama knows more about it than you I can assure you. I trust his judgement over yours. NGFY.

As well as allowing any union they form to affiliate internationally and elect their own officers (currently union officers are appointed by the government and unions require government approval which can be denied for any reason).

Everything Obama is, Trump is not.

But yeah, Obama has his shit together for the 21st Century waaay better than any previous or prospective President I can think of.

We could probably have lots better Presidents here if we could open up the political process to intelligent people all the time.

I have disagreed with him on policy, but I cannot fault him for being a genuinely nice man with a good
heart.

He is "fucking cool". Absolutely.

I may not always like what he does, but President Obama (and his family) are true gems.

I hope I live to see it again.

in a way that makes me proud.

And he represents family values to all Americans in a way that even those who don't like his politics can respect.

I've been thankful every day for his leadership in many roles.

And his interactions with children show me the true depth of his character.

They both have honor. And it shows.

Republicans had worked with him, our nation would be so changed. The Republicans blocked everything Obama wanted to do to improve America. Our roads, bridges, rail systems crumbling and the GOP is fine with that. They will take us back to horse and buggy days, so good roads or bridges don't matter. Where is the world do the Republicans want to turn back America 100 years. It is insane.

To imagine that both of them stood at a crossroads in life, immersed in an illegal drug culture where a single bad choice or a bad break with law enforcement and they most likely would never have been who they are today.

Millions of our fellow Americans lead ordinary lives. Bad choices and bad breaks changed their paths.

I asked a really rich guy once, "What is the secret to your success?"

One word answer - "Luck."

So - a modification.

Two extraordinary and lucky individuals!

Wonderful Op, bsis.

Saw Obama's meal on U.S. news and they showed the crowd outside the restaurant while Obama was still inside, just standing there waiting. The report made it seem like there was little enthusiasm for Obama's visit, that young Vietnamese didn't know who he was or care. A few seconds of Obama shaking hands. As usual, news about Obama is always short and rarely positive.

Then I saw the story on an English language news program, I think from Taiwan. Much more footage showing the crowd really excited and Obama looked like he was enjoying shaking hands with them (although the secret service guys were having panic attacks -- one of them standing behind Obama put out his arms and seemed ready to grab the president and throw him in the car). Then more footage of Obama with Bourdain and camera crew, shaking their hands and thanking them. Not surprised to hear that he was the first guest on the show to ask if the crew got to eat.

by media outside of the US. We have BBC, Al Jazerra English, RT, Euronews (which is the same no matter the language) and even some Asian companies I had never heard of until we moved to Europe.
The American Media is the WORST. It's hysterical how awful it is.

But he's definitely been a solid president and a ray of light after the darkness that was the Bush years. I hope he continues to be involved in politics, I just wish he would get away from the free trade posse.

He didn't behave all 'exceptional' and 'ugly American'. How dare he not behave like Trump.

Just remember the best of all food from all over is cooked by Trump's folks in the Trump Towers.

with respect and heart for others - he opens the door for connection with all people.

however, he cannot tolerate small mindedness and arrogance - such as persons in leadership positions who are mean hearted, hateful, cruel and greedy.

and I consider myself a Sanders supporter.

I dont get it.

everyone who viewed this? Wow. Who cares? We're all entitled to like what we like, or not.

I saw this man coming from before he was a US Senator from Illinois. I phone banked and walked door to door for Obama. Got smirked at by Clinton supporters. Got sworn at a lot by Republicons. Got dogs set on me once (if you say, Hi, sweet puppy, it confuses them).

MEH to you!

all those years ago it took me all of a few days to realize what we as a country were doing there was Wrong as wrong can be.

I applaud my/our President for having the courage to be himself in representing me and my/our country. the world is a better/safer place for having us vote him in as our leader/President.

Thank you President Obama for being Human

He speaks from his heart, and that means so much because you usually can't do any wrong by doing that. IF you have a good heart.

We're blessed and have been for 7 plus years now.



Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

the best of Memorial Day weekend to you, and thank you for your service.

was such a clue to what a mess he would make.
we need someone worldly. someone who doesnt think this country is the be all end all.

gonna miss O when he's no longer prez, altho something tells me he'll have a huge presence and influence when he's out of office...

nation and the world. I have my disagreements with him but I'm not going to list them right now as this is a positive thread.

He's comfortable in his own skin and is like a sponge, just absorbing it all with grace. What's not to like?

Especially since he isn't even my senator or even close to my state. But, he is proven rockstar. I love this article!!! Anthony Boirdain nails it. And the last 8 years, he astounds me in his poise under such a tsunami of denegration for a potus. Never seen anything like it. But, it makes me even more proud that I chose the right candidate. He has made me so proud to have such a president at the helm too. And it was so needed after the bullshit that was Dubya. I am pretty sure I had permanent orbital tics the last 4 years of dubya's reign of terror.

Reading this article, just makes me well up with love. What a cool guy, indeed! Thank you president Obama for relieving my orbital tics left by your predecessor. 😃😆😄

Didn't Papa Bush lose his lunch on a visit to Asia?

Or something like that.