Cynicism about elections runs like a deep river through this great land of ours. It is easy to understand why people laid off from jobs that have been shipped overseas would be cynical. Or why the single mom working three jobs to make ends meet would believe that the federal government doesn't care about her and her children.Likewise, considering the handing chad/supreme court debacle of 2000 or, in 2004, Republicans' character assassination of John Kerry and African Americans in Ohio forced to stand in line for ten hours to vote, our nation's cynicism is not surprising. Or that so many people have concluded, "It's impossible to buck the system, so why try? It doesn't matter who you vote for, nothing will change. Everything is stacked against me; only big corporations have power."
Recently Republicans held a convention in which they discussed none of the issues facing middleclass Americans, yet their candidate, John McCain, proclaims himself to be "an agent of change." In the face of such farce, it is easy to throw up your hands and declare, "One politician is just like another. They're in it for themselves."
Nevertheless, it remains true that elections matter. Had Al Gore been declared victor in 2000, we would not be pouring $10 billion/month into Iraq. Instead we would be on a fast track to reduce carbon emissions that compromise the planet's climate and the future of our children.
After watching the "radical right" dominate politics for eight years and produce an administration of deception that panders to the rich and to special interest lobbies such as oil, it takes courage to believe that something else is possible. It takes courage to trust that Barack Obama is different, that he truly cares about ordinary Americans.
I have seen Barack Obama demonstrate core values. He has conducted the most disciplined and grassroots campaign in modern American history. He manifested judgment regarding the war in Iraq, the more critical war in Afghanistan, and rebuilding our diplomatic mission around the world. His leadership in calling together renowned advisors on the economy, national security, energy innovations, healthcare and social security has built my trust in him. I am tired of hearing that people still question Obama's capacity to lead this nation.
Yes, Obama is smarter than I am. Yes, he is more dedicated than I am. Yes, he has made more of his life than I have of mine. Yes, he goes to the gym more regularly than I do. Yes, he's closer to his family than I am to mine. Yes, his family background is more diverse than mine is. Yes, he has more to offer to this country than I do. For those reasons, I do not identify with him. But neither do I resent that he outstrips me on all of these fronts. In fact, I am grateful. I am grateful that someone of his capacities is willing to take on our national challenges. Surely I and my fellow citizens can set aside our resentments and our cynicism to do the one thing we can do, vote for him to become president of the United States.
An Obama administration would bring:
- Thousands of new green jobs
- A $1000+ tax break for most Americans
- Strategies to achieve energy independence
- Investments in education
- Health coverage for all persons
- Protection of social security for seniors
Elections matter. Do you have the courage to believe again in democracy and a leader who challenges us to become more than we dare to dream is possible? I do.
