Move over Hillary and John: there's a real leader in the house.
Barack Obama gave the speech of his life.
It wasn't just a speech, but a heartfelt look at one of the toughest issues in America. His speech addressed the ills within the hearts of people, so that they can examine their consciences and find the courage to move toward a more perfect union.
In February 2007, I wrote an article entitled "They're Off." I said that Obama was full of hopes and dreams, and I stand by this. I do admit, however, that I traveled a rocky road while standing by him.
After I said "I may" support Obama, the debates began. In the beginning, he looked like a deer in a traffic jam of headlights. He was trying to focus and stay on message. I thought, "Here I am, putting my independent self on the line, and this guy doesn't look like someone I should support for a better future."
In the last year, however, I've watched as Obama began to embody everything he said and take the form of a phenomenal leader. Yes, he is human -- or the media would have nothing to talk about -- but he has perfected his message, his vision and himself very well, so this country can begin to regain its place as a respected global player.
Senator Obama has also made this campaign for the people and about the people. He has made it about hope and change. He has stood by a friend, his pastor, while telling him he must heal his old wounds and join the future of possibilities. Obama has maintained his loyalty and compassion for those who may not agree, but who are trying to find their way back to productive (instead of destructive) dialogue.
Today, March 18, 2008, senator and presidential candidate Barack Obama showed that he is a leader. No, he won't fix whatever ails you, but he will stand by you and work with you to find a way to improve this country and your future in it.
Without his ability to gain your participation and trust, he would be like every other politician who promises to save you from the "evils" that they (the politicians) have created. No one has saved you before and guess what no one will save you now. But a true leader can supply us with the motivation and opportunities to save ourselves...by ourselves.
It wasn't politicians who gave women the right to vote or to end slavery; it was the people who pushed politicians to make these changes.
I am with Obama.
I have been in this game long enough to know that we need a leader -- someone who can help us make this country strong again. We can create a community that includes, tolerates, accepts and has compassion for others. We can find a way to end wars, control access to weapons and mend our relationships with the rest of the world.
Do we all agree on how it should be done? No. However, we all agree that some things must be done. Our schools must be better, our healthcare affordable to all, the "playing field" leveled so that anyone with the gumption to succeed will have that opportunity -- not just those who's fathers and grandfathers granted them wealth and privileges.
No one person can fix these problems. We must do it together. For this we need a leader that reminds us of who we are, what we are made of, and how many possibilities exist to let us create positive change.
Obama said it, "This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected."
Isn't it time we all got on board?