Barack Obama is my choice
After writing about last week’s New Hampshire primary, I spent some time doing my homework. I bought and read The Audacity of Hope
The truth is, none is that far apart from the other. They all oppose Bush policies, have specific plans for health care reform, for withdrawing from Iraq, for the economy, for the environment, for tax policy, for education, for the poor, for the infrastructure and for the future of our country. They are not all that far apart, even on the specifics. Reading Obama’s book and then reading all three candidate’s position papers convinced me that he is not so short on specifics as we’d think.
In fact, he has a delightfully realistic and sometimes sarcastic view of what politics is about, why campaigns turn dirty, and what it means to serve in elected office.
But Barack Obama has something more. He has the ability to transform the attitudes in this country from mistrust and fear to community and participation. He has the ability, more than any other candidate, to inspire the best in us, to call the GOOD in people out for the bettering of our country.
I was especially struck by the absence of vitriol in his blog comments. In fact, the supporters clustered around the comments were calling for action, but only positive action. No negativity, no underhanded dirty internet flaming tactics, no nasty letters to the editor. Instead, they were called to be positive, to focus on the positive, to relay a positive message.
Imagine if we all decided to shake off the dirt of the last 40 years and choose to step up and be positive, to think before reacting, to consider our community as something to be nurtured, served, loved.
It almost sounds utopian, doesn’t it? Yet, I really do think that there is the possibility for this to happen. I see Barack Obama as a man who understands himself, understands his country, and has a vast wealth of life experience to draw upon. And yes, he is an amazing, dynamic speaker who inspires every time. His debate skills are not quite as well-honed, yet when he gets passionate, he is a formidable foe.
I have voted in every election since I turned 18 in 1976. I have not felt as optimistic and empowered as I do when I consider the direction that Obama wants to lead us and the skills with which he can lead us.
Some people have made much over certain belief areas they feel he has not stated a clear position on; namely, evolution and a woman’s right to choose. I suggest they read the position papers on his site. He is clear: Government does not have the right to legislate faith and should not stand in the way of a woman’s right to choose. He is also clear about evolution, stating that sound science is to be respected and taught. I believe him.
He is the first candidate since Bill Clinton (ironic, isn’t it?) that makes me want to step up and help him get elected. And that’s what I plan to do. I’ve joined his Facebook group, am following the Twitter feeds, will be placing a widget on the blog here, and will be doing what I can in California to help him win this primary and the Democratic nomination.
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