(ThyBlackMan.com)August 4th is President Barack Hussein Obama’s birthday. What gifts do you bear for him? Do you respect the man? And if not, do you at least respect the office he holds? Respect for the U.S. President was one of the very first things you were taught in Civics. I joyfully submit to you that Barack Obama is the real life version of Rocky Balboa. No, seriously.
Barry, meet Rocky. Rocky, meet Barry.
Everyone knows the iconic movie character portrayed for decades by actor Sylvester Stallone. Rocky grew up in the mean streets of Philadelphia. He came from nothing to someday be the heavyweight champion of the world. When he got hit, he was compelled to hit back harder. Whenever he got knocked down, he quickly got up, refocused himself, and re-engaged the battle. Rocky is the embodiment of the American dream. He never, ever gave up. Even when he lost, he actually won because he lost with honor and dignity.
Mr. Obama grew up politically in the mean streets of Chicago. He came from nowhere (no disrespect, Hawaii) to someday be the American President – the leader of the free world. When the Republicans try to play perimeter defense, Mr. Obama is compelled to drive the lane and dunk the
ball with authority. Whenever faced with global conflicts, the President quickly assesses the situation, weighs the best course of action, and acts decisively. POTUS isn’t the Kenyan Minion his political enemies make him out to be. He’s the man with the plan. Mr. Obama reminds me of the Italian Stallion.
Rocky faced Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Ivan Drago. He vanquished them all. Obama faced John McCain, Mitt Romney, and John Boehner. He defeated them all.
Still find it hard to conceptualize Obama as Rocky? Read on.
A few days ago, the President announced another round of debilitating sanctions on Russia’s banking sectors. These sanctions are economic missiles against President Vladimir Putin for his belligerent behavior as of late: [1] for invading and illegally annexing Ukraine, [2] for being either directly or indirectly responsible for the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH-17, [3] for the refusal to either secure the crash site or to allow the proper investigation of the circumstances behind the deaths of all 298 people onboard, and [4] giving asylum to Edward Snowden. Mr. Putin has been hostile towards the United States and Europe in general, and the Baltic States in particular. Mr. Putin hit Mr. Obama – and now, Mr. Obama is chin-checking him back. These sanctions are body shots. Rocky would definitely approve.
Remember when Rocky threw punches to his opponents’ mid-sections so crushing, their feet would leave the mat? That’s what Mr. Obama is doing. He’s figuratively playing the piano on Mr. Putin’s rib cage. Mr. Obama leading from the front has caused Europe to finally – finally – implement their own sanctions against Mr. Putin. The White House has even started hinting at the possibility of snatching the 2018 World Cup from Russia. That would be the most crushing, most humiliating blow of all to Mr. Putin. It would make him a global laughingstock. The very prospect may be enough to force him to cease all aggressive action against Ukraine. Cue up the Rocky theme.
Why would Mr. Obama run for re-election in 2012? He had accomplished many things in his first term – the crown jewel being the Affordable Care Act. He could easily have left the Oval Office behind. Many millions of dollars awaited him on the lecture circuit. He could have seamlessly returned to teaching or practicing law. He could have set himself up as a kingmaker in the Democratic Party. What did he do? He ran again – keenly aware of the many waves of attacks, insults, and falsehoods which would come his way. He answered the bell. He fought. And he won. Rocky would smile.
Rocky’s boxing style wasn’t pretty, but it got the job done. Rocky didn’t have much in the way of academic achievement, but he possessed streets smarts and common sense. Rocky had physical strength to spare. He had the heart of a warrior and the eye of the tiger. In comparison, POTUS usually gets the job done – sometimes in spite of Congress’s best efforts to stop him. Barry is an Ivy League-educated brainiac with street smarts and common sense. He has heart to spare. He has the mind of a warrior, the spirit of a poet, and the soul of a pastor. What a combination.
For a logic bomb, the question is the answer. Here’s today’s logic bomb: if everyone loves Rocky, and Rocky is so similar to Obama, why doesn’t everyone love Obama? Ka-boom.
I’ll close with this proclamation. Happy birthday, Barack Balboa. Feliz cumpleaños, Rocky Obama. To me, you remain the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Staff Writer; Arthur L. Jones, III
This talented brother is a local Minister, weekly featured Democratic Op-Ed columnist, non-profit advisor, and sees the Braves winning it all this fall. Rev. Jones welcomes your comments! Please email him directly at: tcdppress@gmail.com.