Every day, I drive past a big brick building.  Over its doors are these words: "ABRAHAM LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL." 

Today is Barack Obama's 47th birthday, and I see in a hundred years high schools bearing his name.  I see historians publishing papers on his presidency, its achievements and its mistakes.  He will succeed, and he will fail; he will be bold, and he will seem to hesitate.  Yes, at times he will seem to shift position, and all this will cause the historians to argue among one another.  "He couldn't make up his mind!"  "He was a great man, and great men only seem to change position because they always see beyond the obvious."  

A great mind tends to see all angles, often has the ability to appreciate divergent points of view.  Such a mind may not know in detail what will work, but a good leader seeks out advice.  "What do you think about this...can a compromise be reached here, or  should I hold firm?"  It might appear as if this person cannot make up their mind, but in fact, they know the value of seeking advice.  In combat, the second lieutenant seeks out the advice of the sergeant; the ship's captain picks the brain of the executive officer.  

We are about to bring such a mind into the White House.  Happy birthday, Senator...happy birthday, Mr. President.

"There are great men and women who go unknown.  Their contemporaries ignore them."  --Seth Speaks.