Superman Don't Need No Airplane

Today President Obama was in New York telling Israeli and Palestinian leaders to finally resolve their going on like 3,000 year feud. I guess it's only been 60 years now since the modern state of Israel was founded though.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090922/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama ... and I quote:

"Simply put, it is past time to talk about starting negotiations — it is time to move forward," Obama declared, displaying an unusual level of public frustration as he prepared to sit down with Netanyahu and Abbas for joint talks after meeting with each separately. "We cannot continue the same pattern of taking tentative steps forward and then stepping back."
Spanning over two hours all together, the talks found all leaders promising to work to resume peace negotiations but also often using language described as "blunt" and "direct." Both leaders kept stressing with Obama their own priorities and fears. Obama in return emphasized a need to take risks and give up some things for a bigger goal, said a senior administration official."

I suppose that I am pessimistic about the odds of success here. But who knows? Maybe Superman can come in and save the day.

The site of Obama lecturing these people reminds me of a Muhammed Ali anecdote - Ali gets on a plane. The flight attendant says he needs to put on his seatbelt. Ali replies "Superman don't need no seatbelt. The attendant replies "Superman don't need no airplane either".

At some point a man runs up against the limits of reality. I am not sure Obama's view and understanding of the world has fully achieved the balance between having hopes and dreams and being just plain realistic in what a man can reasonably hope to achieve through his efforts.

Here's to you Superman. May your dreams of peace in the middle east come to fruition. And may my dreams of winning the lottery, flying to Mars by flapping my arms, and eating Cheesecake factory cheesecakes without gaining weight all come true. A man can hope.