"YES, WE CAN"
You know, I never would have expected me to be capable of this much optimism at this point. I have become very jaded and cynical about American politics and the “machine” that runs our country. I had reached a point where I was sure there was no possibility that anyone who was entrenched in the political process to the degree that they could seriously run for President could have enough integrity or compassion for the real people – the little people – the yous and mees of the country, to make a difference and really turn things around. But just when my light of hope was nearly extinguished . . . along came Barack Obama.
I liked the guy right out of the gate – although I hadn’t really educated myself on him yet, so I was reserving my full support. I liked him, but I liked Edwards too (I liked Edwards 4 years ago and wondered if the ticket had been Edwards/Kerry instead of Kerry/Edwards if the Dems would have stood a better chance.) But then Edwards dropped out and it was Barack and Hilary left standing. (Okay, right here I should say – I am an Independent – I am WAY to much of a control freak to sign on to a “party” to decide for me – so I am an independent who hangs out on the left end of the spectrum. Although I have to say, if Kerry had not been running against Bush (the Axis of Evil) it might have been hard for me to vote for him!) Back to Obama . . . so that left Hillary and Barack. You know I really liked Bill Clinton (I couldn't care less where he was getting his blow jobs) and I don’t have anything against Hillary (exactly) but in comparison, Hillary does not inspire me. I feel like Hillary wants to be (the first woman) President and if she fixes things along the way, she’d be happy about that too. Where as, I feel like Barack really wants to make our country (and the world) a better place, and he has determined that by being President he could make a difference (and sure, as a bonus, be the first African-American President).
Okay, so yeah – I am on board for all the catch phrases – “Change we can believe in” . . . “Yes We Can” . . . “I’m fired up” . . . “Hope” . . . “Change” . . . Tell me what’s wrong with any one of those? What’s to argue with?! This is the first politician at this level that I can point to and say “he’s walkin’ the walk.” I am so "fired up" about this guy that it is the first campaign I have ever joined and financially supported. At this point the Primary is coming to an end, the Democratic Party is uniting; Hillary is being provided a respectful exit path; and Obama is already setting his sites on McCain. And I would think he is breathing a sigh of relief! (I certainly am!) McCain will be a walk in the proverbial park compared to Edwards and Hillary!
If I had to sum up in one sentence why I like Obama, (if you know me, you know it’s really hard for me to say anything in ONE sentence!) I think this is it: “Barack Obama is not afraid to speak truth to power” When it comes to any issue, no matter how unpopular his point might seem, he’s not afraid to look them in the eye and say it. He went to the “Detroit Three” and told them that they were going to have to make cars that burn only a certain amount of fuel. Do you think he said this to win their vote? NO, of course not -but it's reality -- even the US is going to have to make some change to adjust to the reality.
I have LOTS more to say about Obama, but let me close with this one vision I have: The reality is, poor black kids have very little expectation that anything good is going to come for them. Their self esteem is so low that in many schools they are ridiculed and called “whitey” by their peers for trying to achieve good grades. What a difference it would make for them, and for our culture, if an African-American were President of the United States. I expect that this would set a precedent so that every kid . . . Black, Asian, Hispanic, woman, gay, lesbian, whatever . . . could say, "I could be President of the United States” and have everyone believe that it’s true!
I liked the guy right out of the gate – although I hadn’t really educated myself on him yet, so I was reserving my full support. I liked him, but I liked Edwards too (I liked Edwards 4 years ago and wondered if the ticket had been Edwards/Kerry instead of Kerry/Edwards if the Dems would have stood a better chance.) But then Edwards dropped out and it was Barack and Hilary left standing. (Okay, right here I should say – I am an Independent – I am WAY to much of a control freak to sign on to a “party” to decide for me – so I am an independent who hangs out on the left end of the spectrum. Although I have to say, if Kerry had not been running against Bush (the Axis of Evil) it might have been hard for me to vote for him!) Back to Obama . . . so that left Hillary and Barack. You know I really liked Bill Clinton (I couldn't care less where he was getting his blow jobs) and I don’t have anything against Hillary (exactly) but in comparison, Hillary does not inspire me. I feel like Hillary wants to be (the first woman) President and if she fixes things along the way, she’d be happy about that too. Where as, I feel like Barack really wants to make our country (and the world) a better place, and he has determined that by being President he could make a difference (and sure, as a bonus, be the first African-American President).
Okay, so yeah – I am on board for all the catch phrases – “Change we can believe in” . . . “Yes We Can” . . . “I’m fired up” . . . “Hope” . . . “Change” . . . Tell me what’s wrong with any one of those? What’s to argue with?! This is the first politician at this level that I can point to and say “he’s walkin’ the walk.” I am so "fired up" about this guy that it is the first campaign I have ever joined and financially supported. At this point the Primary is coming to an end, the Democratic Party is uniting; Hillary is being provided a respectful exit path; and Obama is already setting his sites on McCain. And I would think he is breathing a sigh of relief! (I certainly am!) McCain will be a walk in the proverbial park compared to Edwards and Hillary!
If I had to sum up in one sentence why I like Obama, (if you know me, you know it’s really hard for me to say anything in ONE sentence!) I think this is it: “Barack Obama is not afraid to speak truth to power” When it comes to any issue, no matter how unpopular his point might seem, he’s not afraid to look them in the eye and say it. He went to the “Detroit Three” and told them that they were going to have to make cars that burn only a certain amount of fuel. Do you think he said this to win their vote? NO, of course not -but it's reality -- even the US is going to have to make some change to adjust to the reality.
I have LOTS more to say about Obama, but let me close with this one vision I have: The reality is, poor black kids have very little expectation that anything good is going to come for them. Their self esteem is so low that in many schools they are ridiculed and called “whitey” by their peers for trying to achieve good grades. What a difference it would make for them, and for our culture, if an African-American were President of the United States. I expect that this would set a precedent so that every kid . . . Black, Asian, Hispanic, woman, gay, lesbian, whatever . . . could say, "I could be President of the United States” and have everyone believe that it’s true!
Yes, he is facing horrendous obstacles – who in their right mind would want to inherit the current situation.?! It is going to be difficult (at best) for anyone to succeed under the these adversities; but Barack Obama instills hope in me – even if he can’t succeed in all he hopes to achieve, I still want to back this horse! I want to vote for HOPE. Consider the alternatives!
YES, WE CAN!
YES, WE CAN!
posted by 10-8-ious | 9:59 PM
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