Posted on 01/24/2007 10:18:10 AM PST by presidio9
Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo, seated next to first lady Laura Bush and proudly flashing his familiar broad smile, was honored by President George Bush Tuesday at the State of the Union Address in Washington.
Mutombo, working almost daily, raised $29 million (donating $15 million himself) for the construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mutombo plans to open the hospital — Kinshasa's first new one in 40 years — this summer. It is named for his mother, who died nine years ago when civil unrest and a curfew prevented her from getting to a hospital.
Mutombo was honored during Bush's speech as an example of "heroic kindness, courage and self-sacrifice."
"When America serves others," Bush said, "we show the strength and generosity of our country.
"The greatest strength we have is the heroic kindness, courage and self-sacrifice of the American people. You see this spirit often if you know where to look — and tonight we need only look above to the gallery.
"Dikembe Mutombo grew up in Africa, amid great poverty and disease. He came to Georgetown University on a scholarship to study medicine, but coach John Thompson took a look at Dikembe and had a different idea. Dikembe became a star in the NBA and a citizen of the United States. But he never forgot the land of his birth — or the duty to share his blessings with others. He built a brand-new hospital in his old hometown.
"A friend has said of this good-hearted man: 'Mutombo believes that God has given him this opportunity to do great things.' And we're proud to call this son of the Congo a citizen of the United States of America."
Said Mutombo in a phone interview afterward: "My heart was full of joy. I didn't know the president was going to say such great remarks. He raised me so high. I'm so happy. I'm so proud to be a citzen of the United States of America and to be recognized for my work. God is good to have put this work in my heart."
The one thing I do remember about Mutombo (in addition to the many languages) is that he is apparently a better soccer player than he is a basketball player.
He didn't look all that tall when he was sitting beside lovely Laura.
I guess he has some really long legs.
;-)
****
Nevertheless, I've met Dikembe in my life, and may I say that when I was near him physically, I felt a real (physical) warrmth that I could not explain, but for his REAL beauty, calm, love, and goodness!
I see you're drinkig a little early today. I've been told about you.
Thank you John Lennon.
In fairness, though, I know it was not your intention, but the way you said it was a bit awkward.
Jesus, were you sporting wood when you typed this?
You and Oprah really need to get a room.
But, don't let her make you pay. She's got the loot.
LOL.......... one more Quaalude for you and we'll be calling your physician.
By the way, I here that spelling ("drinkig") is the first thing to go with that Quaalude overuse.
ROFL
Does that mean what it sounds like?
;-)
If so, I only "sport wood" for my wife...... and a great bacon/ cheeseburger.
Just messing with you. You have to admit, that it does begin to sound like borderline man-crush material...
OOOHHH...very original...calling me a drug addict after I call you an alcoholic. Yes, you are just too quick for me, I confess.
What prejudice? You were the one who took a thread on Mutombo and turned it into some bizarre racial statement. Have you ever posted on a thread about some good guy who happens to be white and posted "Oh look, there are some truly wonderful white people out there?" I think not.
I think the point is that some people make a huge difference in this world without expecting anything in return.
Oprah is not such a person.
This might be difficult to understand if you are an 'It's all about me' Guiliani supporter.
And if people of your ilk don't see how statements like your post drives black people away from the GOP, we never will get the black vote.
I criticize Oprah because she has nuts like Al Gore on her show, spouting nonsense about Global Warming without any kind of allowance for rebuttal.
I'm more the 'Matt Damon' kind of guy.
'Goodwill Hunting'.......... excellent......... remember the scene near the end of the movie when the "boys" wanted him to join up ......... and he went on one of the greatest few minutes of speech in movie history?
Sweet!
DO NOT change the law, you will be inviting left-wing loons like Jennifer Granholm (Governor of Michigan) to run for President.
There are two other college players with similar backgrounds who really impressed the heck out of me also. Unfortunately I can't remember their names........
Mutombo is better known for his tenaceous defense than his offense. He led the NBA in block shots for several seasons and is known to shake his finger everytime he rejects someone's shot . That trademark finger-wagging is known as "NOT IN MUTOMBO's HOUSE, YOU DON'T".
He's nearing the age of 40 and still active, but playing backup to Yao Ming for Houston.
Hey mouthy woman, you continually BEGIN with this alcohol crap toward me. You bring that up for your own bizarre and small reason. Fine. That's your bag.
You are the one who cannot spell a word. You are the one who appears to have a problem with a drug intake. You get what you deserve, dirtwoman. You must have been raised by wolves.
I have never told you about the dozen or so people here who have suggested that you have a pharmaceutical problem, have I? Well, I guess I have now.
LOL
Get a life ...... and learn how to spell ........ and quit picking fights with someone who will smack you down each time that you deserve to be smacked down.
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