Chicago.- Former President Barack Obama appealed this Thursday at the inauguration of his presidential library in Chicago for a United States “without kings” (No kings), in reference to the country’s independence movement, which now marks its 250th anniversary, and which is also the name of the protest movement against President Donald Trump.
“On this continent, a different story came to life: the declaration that we have all been created equal (…) and that in the newly independent United States there would be no kings or lords, no serfs or subjects, but only citizens,” he asserted, bringing the audience to their feet to applaud.
«Given that we are a few weeks away from the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is worth remembering how radical the idea of self-government really was in 1776», Obama pointed out.
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Defense of democracy
Reflecting on the struggle of the revolutionary founders and the values of democracy, the former president highlighted that, “as had never been done before, the success of this experiment was not guaranteed.”
He also expressed his hope that the «shared values that make democracy possible» will permeate the presidential center.
One of those values, Obama pointed out, is “the conviction in the peaceful transfer of power following the expression of the popular will in free and fair elections, recognizing that, in a broad and complex society like ours, no group or faction manages to prevail 100% of the time,” in a veiled reference to the ongoing doubts sown by Trump.
Obama expressed his wish that “this center serves to reaffirm how special and valuable American democracy truly is” (…) and to remind us of what we can achieve when we assume our shared responsibilities as citizens,” he said.
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A message for Chicago
The former president, who appeared on stage holding hands with his wife Michelle Obama and accompanied by their two daughters, Malia and Sasha, had emotional moments during the event, even being moved to tears.
He confessed that in Chicago he found his purpose by strengthening his faith and finding his community. “I found lifelong friendships and a girl from the South Side who has been my greatest blessing,” he added.
He recounted how his wedding reception was held within walking distance, his daughters were born nearby, and he launched his first campaign for the Illinois State Senate in the city, highlighting the bond that connects him to Chicago.
For that reason, he stated that the Presidential Center that was inaugurated is not just a center but a “space of gratitude”.
Furthermore, he began his speech by thanking the former presidents present at the event, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden, especially the latter, whom he thanked for his “firm collaboration over eight years.”
“Joe, we started as running mates and ended as family, and we wouldn’t be here without you. And we are grateful.”
Who accompanied Barack Obama’s event?
Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former United States Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were other political figures who accompanied the Obamas on this inaugural day.
Also in attendance were some prominent faces of the Democratic Party such as the governor of California, Gavin Newsom, or the former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.
Other personalities from the world of culture also wanted to support the Obamas, such as actor Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson; Mark Hamill, the star of ‘Star Wars’, a Democratic sympathizer who has supported the former president on numerous occasions; film directors George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, and journalist Oprah Winfrey.
A study from the University of Chicago estimates that the center can generate 220 million dollars in economic activity per year for the city.
In 2021 the first stone was laid, although the project began to be conceived a decade ago and represents the consolidation of Obama’s union with the city that boosted his political career.
