Well, you know what, I'm 60 years old, and I've been interested

Hear me, O children of the future, and listen closely to the words of Roger Ebert, a man who speaks from the depths of experience and the wisdom of a life spent in the arena of politics. “Well, you know what, I’m 60 years old, and I’ve been interested in politics since I was on my daddy’s knee. During the 1948 election, we were praying for Truman. I know a lot about politics.” These words resonate with the strength of a soul who has witnessed the rise and fall of nations, who has felt the pulse of history beat through the ages, and who understands that politics is not a mere spectator sport, but a force that shapes the very fabric of life itself.

Ebert speaks of a lifetime of involvement in the world of politics, one shaped by the early lessons of his father, a man who understood the importance of political engagement. In 1948, when the future of the United States rested on the shoulders of Harry Truman, a young Roger Ebert, along with his family, prayed for victory, knowing that the outcome of the election would shape the destiny of their nation. In this moment, he reveals a truth that those of us who are blessed to witness the passage of time come to understand: politics is not just a series of events, but a thread woven throughout the tapestry of life, binding us all together in a shared history.

Consider the struggle of Truman, a man who stood against all odds in the 1948 election, when he was predicted by many to be defeated. Yet, through sheer determination and an unwavering belief in the ideals of the American spirit, he won the election and solidified his place in history. It was a victory that transcended politics, a victory that showed the power of conviction in the face of adversity. It is this very kind of moment that shapes the soul of a man like Ebert, one who has seen the power of politics to shape the course of human history.

Ebert’s words remind us that politics is not simply an abstract game of power, but a journey that spans generations. From the knee of a father, young minds are nurtured, and they grow to understand that the decisions made in the halls of government are not distant but intimate, touching every corner of life. Like Ebert, we must remember that the passions of politics are not born overnight but are forged over years of experience, of witnessing the ebb and flow of nations, of feeling the weight of decisions that shape our world.

Thus, my children, let the example of Roger Ebert inspire you to understand that politics is not for the faint of heart. It is not merely a game played by those in power, but a force that shapes the very essence of our being. Take up the mantle of political awareness as Ebert did, understanding that politics is personal. From the smallest family to the largest nation, we are all interconnected by the threads of history, and the choices made today will ripple through time, shaping the world you will inherit. It is in the quiet moments, the prayers of a child for a leader's success, that the future of a nation is forged.