Hope Ends with an “E”

A Flicker of Hope

By Julie A. Ryan

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about writing to inform those of you who aren’t aware that “dumb” ends with a “B”. By the time I had a chance to write about Donald J. Trump’s recent discovery of the third-grade spelling-list word a few weeks ago, it already seemed like old news. But Trump has kept his mind-blowing discovery about the word “dumb” alive by continuing to tell reporters that many people don’t realize it ends with a “B”. The snarky comments I could easily make about Trump’s discovery make me feel like I might be making fun of a vulnerable adult, so I’m trying to avoid going there.

Instead, I’m going to focus on something that doesn’t make me feel embarrassed to be an American. Listening to the speeches today of Barack and Michelle Obama at the grand opening of The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, and all the thoughtful comments praising their contributions to American society, reminded me that I was once an optimistic citizen. Upbeat words and music were a much-needed balm to my politically charred ears.

The Obamas possess so many impressive qualities, yet they are humble to the core. Even though their names are on the Center, the Obamas created it for America. It’s not just about the Obamas; it’s about we, the people, who form this American nation. It was actually surprising to me when I remembered that not all presidents are narcissists. And the Obamas possess the empathy required to motivate a nation to be the best it can be. Of course, not every citizen will choose to follow their lead, but it was refreshing to be reminded that compassionate American leaders have existed. I believe that leaders who are excellent models of human decency can exist again, and we can make it happen.

I am now dwelling on how “hope” ends with an “E”—an “E” for “everyone”. Everyone in America has the power to make the country a better place. We don’t have to wait for our leader to make it happen. I felt the weight of despair being lifted as the Obamas encouraged me today to keep hoping in the way I have in the past. They reminded me that I am not powerless to change the state of our Union. We can all continue fighting for freedom from tyranny (and algae in our Reflecting Pool) and continue promoting the democratic principles this country was founded on in our own ways: such as door-knocking, protesting, protecting one’s neighbor, and voting for a leader of the free world who is good at third-grade level spelling words.

I’m no elitist, but I do expect the next person who runs my country to know how to spell the word “dumb” instead of being the personification of it. It’s my hope that everyone has that minimal requirement when they vote during the next presidential election.

© 2026 by Julie A. Ryan. All rights reserved.
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