Simply Rhetoric?

Barack Obama is causing quite a stir in the political arena.

He has come to represent change, something undeniably surprising - and refreshing- to millions of people across the nation

But how much is just talk? People know not to have faith in politicians, and there is a perception that it takes an 'enlightened' individual to show restraint from being deceived by one. Even one as eloquent and inspiring as Mr. Obama.

This is an issue I've often run into. "He's a good talker, ain't he?" says the blue collar worker sitting next to me at the bar. He sips his beer and regards the television with a cautious eye. "You're right," I reply, "he really is."

Emanating from the television speakers is the voice of Barack Obama, giving a speech after his victories in the Metro-area primaries.

I can see the man was itching to drive home his larger point, the insinuation being that Obama was simply that - talk. He was probably expecting a negative response from me, to lash out in blind defense of this man who hypnotized a nation with words. But what he failed to understand, although i hope he comes to appreciate it, is that Obama's appeal, his charisma and inspiring approach, are not politically concocted formulas. It's the very fact that he so passionately distances himself from that kind of politics.

This isn't to say my fellow at the bar didn't have a point, or that Obama is immune to the inevitable shortcomings of a politician. Nobody's perfect, and frankly, if Obama is elected, it's going to be very difficult for him to live up to hype. The man and I entered a cordial political discussion, in which he, as a "blue collar guy," related his fears that the economy won't pick up. "Results" he said, " I wanna see results."

I found as I talked to him he was more open-minded than his demeanor would suggest. A lot of his worries, it seems, stemmed from what you read and hear every day. That an optimistic outlook is naive, even dangerous. Leads to disappointment. Always has been that way with politics, and life, always will be. But what if it didn't have to be?

We talked for a while longer. I had class in the morning so I bid him goodnight. As I got up to leave, he grabbed me by the arm and looked me square in the eye. "You really think there is something to this guy, kid?"

I just shrugged and nodded. "I really do."

He looked pensive for a moment, then started nodding to himself. "I'll give it a thought."

As I walked away I had a realization. People want to be inspired, want to believe in something. They want to have hope. But it's fear that keeps them from doing so, not any perceived understanding of reality.

So I'll leave it at this. What's a life worth, living in fear?

The Merits of a Candidate

A letter I wrote to my parents regarding the 2008 Presidential Primaries:

"hello parents,

With the primary quickly approaching, i was hoping to ask the two of you to take a good look at what Barack Obama has to offer. I know, mom, that you are a very big Hillary supporter, and that you, dad, at least were on the fence the last time I spoke with you. This I can understand. Mrs. Clinton is a very viable candidate whose experience is hard to disregard, and I'm sure she would make a solid President.

Over these past few weeks, I've taken a keen interest in this election. As both of you know, I consider myself a moderate, and have not had the privilege (as you two have had with Kennedy) of seeing a truly inspiring president in my lifetime. I have never really felt passionate about a candidate, or, for that matter, party politics. Some would point to Bill Clinton, and I'll admit; he was a good, charismatic president who promoted excellent policies. But does he reside with Kennedy, FDR, Lincoln and the other greats when we look back on history? Unfortunately his record under speculation doesn't stand against theirs .

For the first time in my life, I have truly been inspired by a candidate -Barack Obama. His policies may not be so different from Hillary's, but the intricacies of a policy can only carry us so far as a nation. Imagine what this country can accomplish when inspired, energized and motivated. Perhaps you may not think it possible, or at least hesitate to think that it may be, but I implore you to take a good look at his speeches, and the constituency he appeals to (I'll provide some links).

More importantly, he is also bringing something to the Democratic party that I have not seen in my lifetime - real, unabashed patriotism. I know this is a common stereotype promoted by conservatives - that liberals cannot be patriots. But you have to admit, to a certain degree, that it has become vogue in the Democratic party to avoid praising the history of this nation. In my view, it is our natural tendency to try to overcompensate for the wrongs of our past. I have always taken issue with this, but saw no immediate escape from such a point of view. Enter Barack Obama. When an African American compares the plight of escaping slavery to the hardships suffered by our Polish ancestors immigrating to this nation; how they both experienced a common struggle, striving for a common goal, you know that he represents an idea the democratic party has been grasping for for decades. To hear him speak about the United States in such a prideful manner, while staying true to his liberal core, requires a delicate balance and strong character. It's truly powerful.

Mr. obama gave a speech after the primary in New Hampshire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe751kMBwms) (as you know Hillary won) which was the best speech I've heard from him since his speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention .. and I am not alone in this sentiment. A successful musician named Will.I.Am., who has never had an interest in politics, was watching that night also. He was so inspired by the speech, he threw together this video/song in under 48 hours <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHEO_fG3mm4>. It became one of the most popular songs on the internet in a matter of days.

This is the kind of product....art...that Obama inspires. It transcends both racial and partisan lines. While I understand you may have your minds made up, at least take a second look at what this man can offer - and not only to this country alone. I don't think I've ever read more articles concerning the international opinion on American elections. Arab country's from all over the world are tuning in; imagine what his election can do for democracy on an international scale?

I sent my absentee ballot in today. Virginia is looking like a Clinton favorite but...well you can't say I didn't try right?"