Change as transmutation...

[WHAT]

trans·mute (trans myo̵̅o̅t′, tranz-)

transitive verb, intransitive verb -·mut′ed, -·mut′·ing

to change from one form, species, condition, nature, or substance into another; transform; convert

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Obama's approach regarding blighted urban areas as an example of transmutation:


Tackle Concentrated Poverty

Establish 20 Promise Neighborhoods: Obama will create 20 Promise Neighborhoods in cities across the nation that have high levels of poverty and crime and low levels of student academic achievement. The Promise Neighborhoods will be modeled after the Harlem Children's Zone, which provides a full network of services, including early childhood education, youth violence prevention efforts and after-school activities, to an entire neighborhood from birth to college.

Ensure Community-Based Investment Resources in Every Urban Community: Obama will work with community and business leaders to identify and address the unique economic development barriers of every major metropolitan area. Obama will provide additional resources to the federal Community Development Financial Institution Fund, the Small Business Administration and other federal agencies, especially to their local branch offices, to address community needs.

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When Obama says change he means transmutation...not changing something to look like something else, but, change that comes from the inside out, that respects the integral integrity of what's in place. I see it as building on strengths rather than exorcising weakness (we all know that doesn't really work)

This is what I like about Obama...a respectful and pragmatic approach. With the Promise neighborhoods, I see it as a generational thing where the strengths of the natural neighborhood leaders...where the iconic aunts, uncles, brother's, sisters shore-up the "family" and nurture and shelter the youth so there is security to allow "blossoming". That rootedness is necessary. That's what I want in my country for the youngsters up to replace me.

It is the approach itself that is the change.
my thoughts this morning...