Wake Up America - We Are Better Than This! | Elijah Cummings | TEDxMidAtlantic
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ต.ค. 2019
- In a powerful and wide ranging discussion, Congressman Elijah Cummings implores Americans to hold a mirror to ourselves and ask if we like what we have become. He argues that we should throw out the labels that divide us and focus on being Americans, and that it is our duty to leave our democracy in tact for future generations. The video is taken from excerpts from an interview with TEDxMidAtlantic curator, Dave Troy, recorded on March 30, 2019, in Washington, D.C. Congressman Cummings represented Maryland’s 7th district until his untimely passing on October 17, 2019. He also served as the Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform. As the main investigative committee in the House of Representatives, Oversight and Reform has jurisdiction to investigate any federal program and any matter with federal policy implications. As the Committee’s Chairman, Congressman Cummings fought to hold the Presidential Administration to a high standard of excellence and to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the actions of the government of the United States. He also seeks to identify appropriate reforms that prevent waste, fraud and abuse and that ensure government programs meet the needs of the American people.
Congressman Elijah E. Cummings was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where he still resides today. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Howard University, serving as Student Government President and graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and then graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law. Congressman Cummings has also received 13 honorary doctoral degrees from Universities throughout the nation.
Congressman Cummings has dedicated his life of service to uplifting and empowering the people he is sworn to represent. He began his career of public service in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he served for 14 years and became the first African American in Maryland history to be named Speaker Pro Tem. Since 1996, Congressman Cummings has proudly represented Maryland’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
I sat front row right in front of Elijah. It was powerful, unreal- an experience I will never forget. RIP Elijah.
when was this?
@@aidenw207 March 30, 2019. It's written up in the commentary below the video.
You really need to get out more perhaps watch sunrise then you can truly say you had a powerful experance j
@@williammartin6766 Mocking someone in mourning , , , what wisdom & manliness,
Bryan I was not mocking nor am I apologize ing so slow down an take a breath it's going to be ok you must be a 90s new aged feelings hurt if everyone don't think like me people
We're ALL in this Together, indeed Congressman Cummings, "We Are Better Than This!" Rest In Paradise
This demons district was infested with rats and citizens lived in complete poverty and filth.
@@crimsonthinker5161 America IS infested with RATs they are IN the White House !
susan speidel Sure, since 2008.Agree!
@@carmenyacub1692 since george washington.
RIP, Elijah Cummings. Very important to watch.
So we take our democracy for granted , shame on our Republic . Working with attorneys , our country needs to revere our ancestors , on our freedoms .He will be greatly , missed .❤️🌹
Sometimes the last thing you do is the best thing you do
This was his last interview, well done sir. America lost one of the good ones, he was a beacon of truth and integrity. He will be missed.
go visit his district, infested with rats and citizens live in utter filth.
@@crimsonthinker5161
More than the 2 legged rats infesting the White House?
I know a lady who lives in Maryland and where she lives is BEAUTIFUL ❤️ SO, HE MUST OF DONE SOMETHING RIGHT. IJS
@WE WUZ VIKANGS!!! n shiet. Poverty and rats are everywhere. The poor will always with you, what are you doing about it personally.
@WE WUZ VIKANGS!!! n shiet. It is you who suffer from poverty of spirit.
His Goodness Truth Justice and Love is his legacy.
I’d like to think so Elijah but millions are obviously not better than this. RIP.
I don't understand the hatred against this man. This talk was wonderful and was admirable. It's a bummer to see so many hateful comments here. Even if you are for Trump, you should be able to agree that we need to be a united nation
The hatred comes from racists. The conservatives who stand for regression. The people who have fought *against* literally every civil liberty we have all fought for over the last 120 years.
Oh my goodness. I don't even know what to say. A lost of words. America sorry for your loss this great man. What a wonderful human being. Rest in peace Sir.
Thank you sir.🙏
You are precious Elijah! You will be missed!
I am an old white southern woman and Elijah Cummings is my hero. When he says we are better than this it stabs my heart and I cry. I still miss him so much. I sincerely believe that he turned Michael Cohen’s life around when he talked to him.
Outstandingly great leader. Prayers and angels and light and love to his precious family..
And his America.
_"There comes a point when silence becomes a betrayal."_ -MLK. To everyone with the strength of compassion: you must vote.
To everyone who is too small minded to understand that: Literally all heroes became such because they *unselfishly did their best to help others, and to defend those who were less able to defend themselves.* Vote against compassion if you will, it is your choice to choose weakness.
Nice, wise, funny, good, experianced man! Just a good human. Makes me belive in human kind again!
Well apparently it don't take much for you to believe in humankind again simpleton is what the word I was looking 4
Only one race exists on this planet, The Human Race. No matter where we are, we all do the same things in slightly different ways. We all love to eat, have families, pets, dance, listen to music, we all care about the Planet that we live on and we are all one big family. Diversity makes us powerful! If you are ready for a change, then be it!
so sorry that only none human have replyed to you tex it has so far been the only that was human wow people, people please wake up love respect the world is in crises that can be solved so please brothers sisters listen. Try to be better is not a bad message it is the solution
Diversity means that we all find contentment with what we have. Diversity means that we stop wasting energy on trying to conquer the world and focus our energy on using our unique differences to bring and find value in each other.
Diversity means the genocide of ignorance. Not of people.
@@noyou5870 why not.... it happened with Africa
@@halloen33 wtf are to talking about
This man actually put his own life on the line to bring freedom to others, unlike Captain Bonespur.
did no justice for judge sullivans granddaughter.
Thank you for service.
Rest In Peace
YES we need to concentrate in being Americans! RIP Mr. Elijah Cummings
Amen...pain does bring passion.
What a beautiful soul. I wish I could have met him and shake his hand.
True Humanity.❤️
Evette Ybarra ALL I ever heard from this man,was how he hated AND wanted to DESTROY PRESIDENT TRUMP. And his supporters and PRES.Trump NEVER did one bad thing to him. I HOPE HE asked forgiveness before he passed.
@@hughhammell9714
Are you referring to when he called out Trump for putting children in cages and doing irreparable psychological damage? Why are you here on this site ? Do you STILL consider this man a threat? Do you also consider John McCain to be a threat because Trump could never match his military service? Did you come to this site with any purpose other than to fight for hate ?
@@hughhammell9714 You are so huge in ignorance and hate!
Thank you for being the voice of reason. I hope we don't disappoint you Elijah.
Awesome man ! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
RIP, dear gentleman of integrity. You will be greatly missed.
One thing he got wrong, though: Nope, not only in America. Get involved wherever you reside!
You don't always get what you wish for, you get what you work for.
@Las Vegan
What do you know about the struggles this man went through to reach the point where he was?
"Know a wise man when he listens twice he talks, know a great man when he does twice he listens"
Says the guy who took 1.6 billion of tax payers money to help Baltimore..... BUT NOTHING WAS DONE!
Exactly......
@Pete C I am seeing this video and since I am from Germany I do not know anything about this person. Could you please explain yourself in order for me to be able to comprehend?
@@user-ju2cd3du9i great answers can't wait to see his reply, Just a simple Dane ha ha ha but Goole is good, seems to be some confusion, wold but nice is somebody explains, instead of just throwing stones.
@@user-ju2cd3du9i Pete's nonsense is fabricated fake news. Trump accused Cummings of neglect, stating there were rats in Baltimore's inner city..Trumps technique in dealing with anyone who doesn't agree with him.. "Better to have too many rats than to be one !" Don't you think Pete ?..
whether you disagree or not with something he did, you just became less of a human with that comment while he rests in the ground, you spineless humanless creature!!!!
His talk is one thing, but his actions were not the same.
@J G : No doubt your talk and actions are the same though. Your talk is that of a lie. Your actions are those of a liar.
Aylbdr Madison play
ThankU for sharing and posting.
Wish someone would start making elijah saying tshirt and fingers an appropriate cause to donate profits to. Wake up America. We are better then this. Come on now.
14:40 "What are you praying for?". Yeah....I pray for Trump too.....my prayer hasn't been answered yet. But I'll keep asking....
Thank you for your service to this country mr. Cummings I will always remember you when you confronted that immigration person.....
To form a better union, democracy is fought together Unitely. Fight for our constitutional rights, Admendments,Bill of rights and freedoms What so many of our soldiers go to battle for, FREEDOMS.
Rest In Power.
Tell it Elijah. We ARE losing it. It’s almost gone. Wake up please
Honorable Cummings... please rest in peace...
Love this man’s passion for our country ! Hope everyone gets the bug.
A great man
The Lord blessed us with this man - I attended his funeral service in Baltimore and the love in that house of God was representative of what Rep. Cummings was all about. Rest in Peace and thank you for your service to our democracy.
@Truth Seeker777. I haven’t checked lately, but I believe there is a video on TH-cam of the service.
Brilliant story and legendary man
Charley Rakes where are your facts on this? Or is this a comment to stir up controversy?
Damn straight lose the labels. It’s not rep vs dem. It’s not trump vs left. It’s top 1% vs 99%. Top vs bottom. Who should honestly win this fight? Elijah I feel your pain because it’s my pain. I’m waiting for a heart attack, I know it’s coming, because I can’t afford insurance. I have the symptoms, it’s only a matter of time. If I’m lying I’m dying.
Another brave one lost, "We need to throw out these labels aside, very inspiring...RIP..🙏🌦
I got SO much from watching hearings he chaired in which AOC posed difficult, pointed questions at abusers of power, and Eli Cummings supported her, in order to bring out the truth . . . .
Thanks Congressman Cummings, for all your years of service, from the bottom of my heart . . . .
American... how Baltimore city that would have work... RIP SIR
Schiff's closing statement brought me here
Me too.
Wise man! Labels divide us, we must stand unified and in love.
Fake media divides us
Marc Z don’t let them
Yet all the left does is label and divide us by those labels while preaching unity.
Elijah always spoke like a lion.
His ideals and spirit of public service live on, and we need a lot more Members of Congress to follow in those footsteps.
he stole hugly from good people
♥️🙏🏼
Is there any way I could request an uncut version?
Democracy In America
😔 Rest in power, sir...
Elijah, my man. RIP.
He has the heart in the right place
His heart in the right place? Only if that place is the pockets of the American taxpayers, who sent massive sums to Baltimore only to see it disappear and nothing get done.
What a great man !!!
Died this year in October (2019), a powerful image, a strong icon, a global image.
A mountain of a man. Thanku Elija
RIP SIR!
@The Rockall Times you clearly don't understand what that means.
our problem is corrupt government politicians, judges and lawyers!
Rest In Peace !
America is one of the better place to live.
Beautiful ❤️❤️
Know your enemy more than his subordinate" me 😁 vlad has his weakness.
Just about the last of a generation, of a time. He fought for voting rights for all, at he head of the line. He fought for Civil Rights for everyone, including women.
@Las Vegan I did not say that anybody lost any rights in his times. What makes you think I did?
@Las Vegan they still not equal, don't get me started.
R.i.p
Really nice Talk.
Las Vegan guess i am just lonely.
i always inspired tedx hit like
I knew this comment section would be filled with a bunch of political B.S. key point here is, we as Americans need to work with each other, not against each other and maybe someday we will see the necessary progress in the right direction.
What's the right direction though? You're direction? What about what I want? Would you be mad if the right direction was in my direction? That's the problem, you think your direction is the right one and hate on the other side for having an opinion because it goes against what you want.
Billy I think you are probably right, but I’m still holding out hope.
👍
RIP Sir Elijah Cummings. You made the world a much better place.
He sure did, by going away.
Waaaaaaake up America
I'm Danny tanner
And I'm Rebecca Donaldson
Missed your 13 to 1 minute chance, Biden for Pence. Oh, that's something (definitely a Kentucky-ism), too: TED talks, on and on.
Respect sir u a good man
Facing climat change the whol world needs to be united we all sit in the same boat. Our Planet. As a european I think Trump showed us that we've been to long american dreaming: higher, bigger, better, faster without thinking of the consequences for the future.
What about his district?
Great
Not even going to watch this.
Straight to the comments !
Look at Baltimore. And he was rich. Smh.
Damien Hendon whats your point
He didn't care about the people he represented. So this is hot air. Get the point?...
Before I say this I'm not even a democrat, and the president isn't a republican! This is the only TH-cam comment I've ever made but I had to point out the hypocrisy here. Trump is robbing the middle class and increasing the wealth gap, all while creating a bubble!! And by removing social programs he's denying stability for people struggling to find work, especially in small town America, further working against the wealth gap. He is destroying the American dream instead of fulfilling his promise to revive a dying American dream. We have a billionaire as a president doing nothing to represent a country of "his people"
Derek Dacus j
RIP
There is so much hate in the comment section. It is very sad.
Ayee
What I can hear sounds good, up until at several points I am not fully sure what he is really trying to say. It sounds bipartisan, until I hear "allusions" ...
He was trying to get across that each one of us can make a difference in this world, whether it be good or bad. And bipartisanship had nothing and everything to do with what he said. It is good for all. I feel sorry for you getting hung up on the word "allusions".
@@johndifrancisco3642
I feel sorry for you that you lack critical thinking. You read into it what you wanted to hear. By the way, we have a Republic, not a Democracy...
At least his trophy wife can get his congressional seat. She's going to continue the legacy.
Are you though?
D A Meaning?
@@mrmusiclover4178 does he do better, honestly.
D A well not anymore
Amazing😘
R.I.P. Mr Elijah Cummings
@Charley Rakes once again. In English please.
@Charley Rakes : What exactly did he do that made things worse? Because by all factual accounts, he did a lot to make it better there, and better for the entire country.
Just like one of my favorite motivational speakers, Les Brown, this man was labeled special ed. Smh!
2:00 "American" is a label too, it limits the vision in a wrong way of who we are.
great, is it possible that humans, americans can meet this challange, what a loss especially at this time.
Oh, hi, everyone!
I didn't hit her!
"Sometimes we have to draw a Trump card to see how far we have fallen." Wish I could remember who said this?
A Mind With Heart you know that presidents don’t hold all the power in government right?
>Cummings again
Great
Are we though?
I could listen to this guy, or I could look at the absolute dump of a crime-ridden city he governed.
Charles Dickens comments about Cummings (sorry I had to write that 🤣)
@@MsZqr Just be glad my friend Balzac isn't here.
Your partisan hatred will burn a hole in your heart. Your health is already compromised, so learn to relax.
Charles Dickens (?) YOU are the sort of person tearing our nation apart, pal. Why don't you get back under your hateful rock AND STAY THERE.
Cant think of one person who would have been indicted by now... Come on... you can do it... I know you can.
@Charley Rakes they are just so disingenuous it blows my mind.
Absolute legend who will be missed, deserves a statue in the United States for all he's done for America and the progression of the African American community.
this guy took advantage of our democracy alright. thank you, next...
I knew this would bring out the white supremacists.
@@bartwilson2513 you mean the American's loyal to those who died for our and your ability to fight for freedom? yeah, keep yappin'
🤣
@@jensen9793
Do you believe only white boys fought and died ?