Thursday, February 26, 2009

Rallying the Troops

Click photo to enlarge. They don't get much publicity, but Michelle Obama has been making a series of visits to federal departments. The above photos are from the Interior Department visit (evidently she was given a Native American shawl at the event). Today she was at the Environmental Protection Agency. These visits are as important as anything the President does, because these are the people who need to be inspired to do their best for the country. Today she told them, "This is what it is all about: the future... And in many ways, it starts with all of you. You ensure that the water we drink is safe, that the air we breathe is clean, and that the polluted fields and abandoned factories in our neighborhoods all over this nation are cleaned up and restored."
"Your work will not only save our planet and clean up our environment; it's going to transform our economy and create millions of well-paying jobs. You know this better than anyone in the country," Obama said. "So there is a lot riding on your shoulders.... I know that you are up to the challenge. I can feel it in this room." There is no way to overestimate a visit by the First Lady (making them feel part of the glamor of the presidency, as well as her own) who can say these things with the credibility of her professional experience to back them up. These people need to be honored and inspired. Feeling part of this larger mission can motivate them and focus them on the work ahead, which is every bit as important as Michelle Obama said.

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