newbuzz...Not long ago, I heard someone comment that President Obama is "...a good speaker, but that's about all he's good at". Interesting. The comment was made by a right wing Republican in the spirit of cooperation after listening to Obama's State of the Union Address just after the brazen shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. A week earlier this same person was bashing President Obama. Now, suddenly she was admitting that he is a good speaker. So, was she swayed by his speech or moved by an urge to be kind in the face of a tragedy? Assuming she was actually moved by the President's address, why does she think he is a great speaker? At a time in world history when we are bombarded with violence at every turn, he remains a calm, thoughtful force of inclusion and concern for all Americans. He sticks with the issue at hand, gives his opinion and reasoning, and refrains from using emotional rhetoric to make his point. He reminds us that elected officials are in office to serve all of the population, not just those who voted for them and those who agree with them. President Obama offers kindness and mindfulness in a political arena rife with anger, intolerance, and impulsive behavior. President Obama is not just a great speaker, he is also a great thinker. From great thinking, comes great action.