OBAMA

Let me start this out by stating that I am not a racist. One almost feels compelled to firmly get that point across when admitting that they aren't avid supporters of Barack Obama. And it's not even that I'm not a supporter; as a liberal independent I believe in most of what he stands for and find him to be a compelling, enigmatic and obviously articulate figure who very easily, if elected, could turn out to be one of our greatest Presidents. And, as it stands now, with him on the cusp of securing the Democratic nomination, he is who I will vote for in the general election. I just find it very hard to get aboard the 'Obama Train'. Something about his candidacy leaves me feeling a little uneasy and apprehensive. Admittedly, I feel this way most times when I see large groups of the populace falling for hype, be it real or not, jumping on bandwagons and allowing themselves to believe without questioning or looking beneath the shiny, charismatic facade. Chalk it up to the cynic in me. There's just something about Obama that seems too calculated, almost like he was created by a focus group seeking to make the perfect political candidate. He looks like Malcom X, speaks like Martin Luther and has the Princely air and presence of the young John Kennedy. From his years helping the underprivileged in the mean streets of Chicago to his quick ascension through the ranks of the Senate to the book that's made him famous and even the fiery speech that he gave at the last Democratic Convention, every move has seemed geared towards one goal - the Presidency. And that's fine - as long as the desire to be President is motivated by a love for this country and the want to make it better and is not just about becoming the first 'Black' President or even other motivations that remain only for him and his closest advisors to know.

I also have to admit that the rhetoric coming from the leaders in Obama's Church has bothered me. Are we to believe that somehow, during all the years that he was a member, Obama didn't hear the message of racism and hate that was being preached from that pulpit? Surely this is not a new message coming from these preachers, one of whom, Reverend Wright, Obama has called a 'father-figure'? Sorry, I just find it very hard to dismiss all of that as if it means nothing. It does mean something and it makes me think- it makes me doubt. And there is no denying that Obama's recent resignation from the Church is nothing more than a political move designed to distance himself from those whom he has called friend and who's mission he has been a part of for most of his adult life.

In my 48 years of life, the greatest Presidency that I have known is that of Bill Clinton. Those were great years filled with prosperity, hope and promise. The middle-class truly thrived, our nation was well-regarded throughout most of the world, more jobs and new businesses were created than ever before and the national deficit was erased. It was the last time that it felt 'good' to be an American. The Presidency of George W. has wiped all of that out and there is very little need to talk about what everyone knows. Change is needed. Desperately. While I do hate some of the tactics that the Clinton's have employed to try and get Hillary nominated and conceed that much of her campaign has reeked of desperation, I do believe that she is a strong, tenacious woman, would make a good leader and that her motivations are true. I also find it despicable that much of the misogyny and sexism that has been thrown at her by the media has been virtually ignored. Somehow it's okay to disrespect a woman by calling her names like 'bitch', 'shrieking banshee', and more. Not once have I heard or read of Obama being disparaged in such a way. Is it because he's a man, black, or both? Is there fear in being labeled a racist but none in being revealed a woman-hating sexist? As a matter of fact, I can't recall any instance with any of the past male candidates, white or black, being as verbally abused as Hillary has. What does that say about our country? What does that say to our daughters?

I truly hope that Obama is the saviour that many believe him to be. Like I said before, he'll get my vote in November. Like everyone else, I'm looking for change and another 4 years of Republican rule is not acceptable. I wish that I had the faith that so many others seem to, but there's just something troubling me about his whole deal. Hopefully it's just my own paranoia. Maybe Obama will win the Presidency and usher in a new golden age for America. Or, hopefully not, he'll be the second coming of Jimmy Carter. I can only hope that his lack of experience as a leader doesn't cause him to flounder about for 4 years, making bad decisions and setting us back even further as a nation. Truthfully, all along, I've been hoping that Al Gore would throw his hat in the ring and give them all a run for their money. With that definitely not going to happen, all I can say now is... Vote Obama - he's the only choice!