Obama

WALKING INTO HISTORY.

I might as well just make it clear this far out:  I'm supporting Barack Obama for President.  A couple of months ago, I had Jeffrey go onto eBay and buy us a handful of Obama '08 buttons.  You should have seen the furtive glances my lapel got when I wore one to the MLK Day event here in downtown Davis.  Sort of like, where'd you get THAT?? 

I was en route to C's basketball game in Dixon this morning when NPR picked up live coverage of his announcement.  It almost gave me chills, because it was such a momentous occasion.  Yes, I know, other Black men and a woman (don't forget Shirley Chisholm in '72--she was righteous!) have run for President, but this feels different.  The reason it feels different is that when I later watched the video of today's Springfield speech I saw a lot of non-Black faces in the crowd. A candidate can't get elected in this country on the Black vote alone.

I'm not supporting Barack because he's Black.  I'm supporting him because his candidacy makes me feel hopeful.  And I suspect that's why those thousands and thousands of people turned out in Springfield today.  They're looking for a candidate who's been against the Iraq war from day one.  They're looking for someone who believes in universal healthcare.  They look at Obama's scant two years in national politics not as a liability, but as an asset since he hasn't had time to be corrupted to the degree that the other candidates have.  They're looking for someone who's exceedingly smart.  (They might let any ol' yahoo into Yale, but it's not easy to get into Harvard Law School.)  They're looking for someone who's not about politics as usual. Some of them are looking for someone who cares deeply about the situation in Darfur. One of the things I like most about Obama might surprise you (since I make no bones about my liberal leanings) and that's this:  I think he's willing to listen to all points of view.  And when compared to the tendencies of the person currently occupying the Oval Office, it's refreshing and inspiring.  Bush seems to think that the only point of view he should listen to is that of his Machiavellian Veep.  I find that not only outrageously stupid, but also arrogant and very scary.

I've already been to www.barackobama.com and signed up for my.barackobama.com.  This go-round, the blogosphere is an even more important part of the political process, with candidates allowing supporters to have their own blogs on their sites.  Yes, another blog.  (Oh, like having too many already has ever stopped me from adding another one.)  ;) 

If you're an American citizen residing in the U.S.*, I hope that you will choose a candidate that feels right for you.  I doubt there are many Americans at this point who don't feel like drastic changes on many fronts is required.  The only way we can effect change is to take action, and the first and most important action is to VOTE.  This is OUR democracy...let's not forget that.

(*It was very frustrating to be American citizens residing in a U.S. territory and not have the right to vote in Federal elections.  We were unable to vote in both 2000 and 2004.)