I screwed up my earlier post, and it didn't include the second most important immigrant in Us history (IMOHO).
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."
I'm not African, and I'm not black, but can I 'have' her?
Are you calling him Jesus or just using His name in vain????
I'm using the His name in vain. I'll settle up with him later. For all you know, BTS is Hispanic.
I was more impressed with the Silver Star recipient sitting beside him.
I screwed up my earlier post, and it didn't include the second most important immigrant in Us history (IMOHO).
twigs............... you have made an excellent extension.
Please be well!
LOL......... rotator cuff...... apparently you have no idea where that is, do you??? Well it's out there on the outside of the shoulder.
And apparently you missed what I was trying to say. No problem.
Anyhow.................... if you missed the REAL essence (not to be redundant) of my post................ it was that I LOVE LAURA BUSH. I don't care that she applauds like a trained seal ......... actually I find it very endearing!
One more time........ I love Laura. She is a sweet and lovely LADY!!!! UNDERSTAND, verity?
;-)
But................ who cares?
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"When it’s time for me to get whacked, just tell me which street corner to be on." -- Liddy (what a guy!)
Wait................. is there a height qualifier for the Presidency?
Now how would you know the precise reason why GW decided to introduce Motombo? I thought that it was just as much because he is an immigrant that has become a US citizen. Moreover, he has not forgotten those in need from his native country and was willing to spend millions of his own dollars (not our tax dollars) to help them.
I've got tears in my eyes at this. This and the man who saved the kid who fell on the subway tracks in NYC. They are both humble greatful people. Makes me proud to call them fellow Americans.
That's a bit extreme, don't you think? Oprah understands that her capital is increased (and thus her ability to give generously for the benefit of others) by publicity. I dare say there are many many acts she does that are not meant for publicity and are not reported to the public, but they are meant to help others just the same.
Ditto on the tears of joy ... the guy who jumped down into the tracks to save a fellow human being is a giant of goodness who acted on love, not race or creed or color or greed, and that's the same for Mutombo ... God's Spirit seems to have that effect upon folks don'tchaknow.
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"Wipe your feet before you come into this room!"
SEE! I knew the day would come when we would agree! And they say miracles don't happen! ;)
If there is, little Tommy Daschle is soooo screwed!!!
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