Martian Notes

Review of A Promised Land

Mr. Obama feels more relatable to me than ever.

Although serving in one of the most powerful positions, he undeniably epitomizes a deep-rooted faith in liberalism, or the white leftism, as most critics would call.

Without a storytelling of the brutality of political battles in and out of the White House, he vividly depicts the highlights of seasonal sceneries at the veranda of the rotunda that add scenic colors to the historical place. The poetical rendering sometimes resembles a tourist brochure but is surprisingly produced by the nature-loving resident that relishes the profoundness of his residence.

Rather than fixating on the hidden truths of international relations, he sincerely details his loyalty and affections for Michelle, Maria, Sacha, his distant family in Hawaii, and Bo. Some of those revealing remarks could easily touch one’s heart and bring up a tear to the eye. Beyond all the pomp and noise, we are all human flesh that are subject to fundamental emotions of love, cherish, despair and loss.

At least, in this polarized world demarcated by ideological wars and identity disputes, we still have someone who embodies the liberalism that we are fearful of diminishing, someone who boldly advocates for underlying truths that we are concerned with extincting e.g., world peace, environmental conservation, and equality, while which have been sabotaged by blinded attackers. It is refreshing and reassuring to read those truths being crystalized. It is more than ever needed to hear again those voices to clear the clouds over liberalists’ mind and cast a light of illumination.

The torch has been lit. Who will be the next bearer?