President Obama is not trapped in the common North American tendency always to seek immediate stimulation: the culture of now.
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President Obama has great patience. He has the ability to see the entire horizon, far into the future.
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His strategy of adult, non-violent, reasoned, civic behaviour is both correct and powerful.
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He is leading by example.
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The example he sets is that of government based on reasoned discussion by people of goodwill in the marketplace of ideas - the core principle upon which America was founded.
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The followers he attracts will be quality people of intellect and character.
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In Huck Finn, the story of the King and the Duke ends when the doctor, who has silently and patiently waited for the townsfolk to come to their senses, is seen to have shown forbearance and wisdom, and ultimately prevails - but not until a lot of the townsfolk are sadder but wiser themselves, too.
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President Obama has great patience, and great wisdom.
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He is doing the right thing.