I think it’s fairly safe to say that many folks in the United States are growing tired of the presidential campaign that seems to stretch on and on, with countless political commercials, fliers and people calling to tout why their candidate is better than the rest. I know I am.
But I will say, I am intrigued by the platform of one of the candidates – Barack Obama. Anybody who has read this blog knows that I have been calling for change in Washington for a long time – for a government that works for the people, rather than against the people. That, seemingly, is what Obama stands for. I keep hearing his campaign tout how the people want change, and Barack does too. The cynical portion of my mind (about 99% of it), believes this to be a complete load of BS from a politician who is no different from the rest. That other 1% of my mind, though, wonders – could it be possible that an honest man, one who really seeks change, could exist and make it THIS far in an election? I honestly don’t know the answer to that.
I’ve heard interviews with people who have had the chance to meet Obama who say he’s the same off camera as he is on camera, and that he really does seem to want to change the way things work in Washington. I’d be lying if I didn’t say it fills me with hope – hope that the damages done can be reversed. Hope that our country will survive, that our ideals and freedoms will be preserved, that we won’t lose the core of what it means to be American.
I have hope that our economy will recover, that we will once again be at the forefront of technology, the Internet, and innovative new fields. I have hope that we will slow our focus on wars overseas, and focus on rebuilding ourselves.
Most importantly, I have hope that one man will resist the temptation of corruption, will stand behind his words with his actions and will honestly work to change the status quo in Washington.
So, Senator Obama – I throw down a challenge to you: I challenge you to “put your money where your mouth is”, live up to your promises of change. Work long and hard, and try not to disappoint those who support you. Show us that it’s not audacious to hope.
And if you think he’s been good so far, his response to President Bush’s “appeasement” commentary today was fantastic.
I just read them – I agree – fantastic response.
Change is only good if you’re getting something better and [possibly as a consequence of who has been feeding me with most of my info on him], it doesn’t sound like he’d be a sound choice on foreign policy or the economy.
So, in an effort to provide myself with some balance, please point out what impressed you with his appeasement response