Ahmadinejad not in a position to lecture, but he made some good points.

I had to take a day to collect myself after hearing Ahmadinejad’s UN speech. I actually had to lie down directly after hearing it. Don’t get me wrong–I DO NOT AGREE WITH EVERYTHING he says (and really disagree with what he does, for that matter), but I tried to listen to the speech with an open mind.  I also try to listen often to the EIB with an open mind…although my teeth remain clenched more often than not. The Iranian leader’s speech was actually a nice break from that.

Yesterday, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made a scary amount of sense in what he had to say. Now, he does not have the mandate of God to sit in the ivory tower and shout down the truth at us, not with the magnitude of human rights atrocities that have and are still occurring in Iran. But…we majority nations–the U.S. (anihilation of many Native Americans, slavery, acutal use of atomic weapons, the Jim Crow/civil rights era, McCarthyism), Great Britain (imperialism on a GRAND scale, religious intolerance, oppression of the poor); add to this list the former Soviet Union, China, Germany, Israel–can not exactly claim purity, and can only speak from the perspective of repented sinners that have not been 100% rehabilitated. Not one of us may cast the first stone.

That being said, if it helps, remove the man himself from the statements and just listen to the speech. There are parts that could appeal to anyone and every nation.   I can only pull from the experience of being an American, so this is what I heard.

Friends and Colleagues; Today, I wish to share with you a few points about the changes that should take place. First, Clearly, continuation of the current circumstances in the world is impossible. The present inequitable and unfavorable conditions run counter to the very nature of human kind and move in a direction which contravenes the truth and the goal behind the creation of the world. It is no longer possible to inject thousands of billions of dollars of unreal wealth to the world economy simply by printing worthless paper assets, or transfer inflation as well as social and economic problems to others through creating severe budget deficits.

The above statement would ring true with about 95% of our U.S. population, although we (myself included) would pick and choose what aspects of the statement we agree with.

How can one imagine that the inhuman policies in Palestine may continue; to force the entire population of a country out of their homeland for more than 60 years by resorting to force and coercion; to attack them with all types of arms and even prohibited weapons; to deny them of their legitimate right of self-defense, while much to the chagrin of the international community calling the occupiers as the peace lovers, and portraying the victims as terrorists. How can the crimes of the occupiers against defenseless women and children and destruction of their homes, farms, hospitals and schools be supported unconditionally by certain governments, and at the same time, the oppressed men and women be subject to genocide and heaviest economic blockade being denied of their basic needs, food, water and medicine.

When he spoke to Katie Couric, there was some ambiguity on whether Ahmadinejad now believes (or whatever) that the holocaust did occur. How one cannot believe that this happened is completely unfathomable, but he does state that the genocide and the consequence  or outcome (creating Israel) do not logically make sense. It was, after all, a Nazi Germany that perpetuated the crimes, and our solution (although noble in intent) was to partition off a part of Palestine? In my lifetime, there has always been an Israel, and thus, there have always been strained relations with other nations in the middle east.

There has been unbelieveable cruelty from both Palestine and Israel towards each other. In the U.S. we tend to hear the Israeli side, and it is heartbreaking what they go through in an attempt to simply live their lives.  But a clear picture requires the other side of the story as well.  An interesting take on the Palestinian side is from the documentary “Death in Gaza,” which is well worth the time a viewing takes. After watching the documentary, genocide may not be the best descriptor, though.

Regrettably, in the current international relations, selfishness and insatiable greed have taken the place of such humanitarian concepts as love, sacrifice, dignity, and justice. The belief in the One God has been replaced with selfishness. Some have taken the place of God and insist to impose their values and wishes on others. Lies have taken the place of honesty; hypocrisy has replaced integrity and selfishness has taken the place of sacrifice.

Hmm….he goes on to say:

Deception in interactions is called foresight and statesmanship; looting the wealth of other nations is called development efforts; occupation is introduced as a gift towards promotion of freedom and democracy, and defenseless nations are subjected to repression in the name of defending human rights. Friends and Colleagues; Settlement of global problems and administration of justice and maintenance of peace will only be materialized with collective determination and cooperation of all nations and states. The age of polarizing the world on the premises of the hegemony or domination of a few governments is over.

Before “Practice what you preach, brother,” is said, take into consideration the truth in those words. I cannot understand how this is the same man who pretty much authorized the torture and murder of election protestors and supressed the media (so the rest of the world wouldn’t find out about it?  Really? In the age of Twitter???) during the same time frame.  And while he also has a real problem with Israel, the recommendations he made to the UN to restructure are pretty logical too.

1 – Restructuring the United Nations in order to transform this world body to an efficient and fully democratic organization, capable of playing an impartial, equitable, and effective role in the international relations; reforming the structure of the Security Council, specially by abolishing the discriminatory privilege of veto right; restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people by organizing a referendum and free elections in Palestine in order to prepare a conducive ground for all Palestinian populations, including Muslims, Christians and Jews to live together in peace and harmony; putting an end to all types of interferences in the affairs of Iraq, Afghanistan, Middle East, and in all countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe…  [he then goes on to talk about Israel/Palestine, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Guantanamo Bay--and how interference adds to violence there]

2- Reforming the current economic structures and setting up a new international economic order based on human and moral values and obligations. A new course is needed that would help promote justice and progress worldwide by flourishing the potentials and talents of all nations thus bringing well-being for all and for future generations;

3- Reforming the international political relations based on the promotion of lasting peace and friendship, eradication of arms race and elimination of all nuclear, chemical and biological weapons;

4- Reforming cultural structures , respect for diverse customs and traditions of all nations, fostering moral values and spirituality aimed at institution of family as the backbone of all human societies;

5- Worldwide efforts to protect the environment and full observance of the international agreements and arrangements to prevent the annihilation of nature’s non-renewable resources.

Still, I feel that we need to discuss with Iran why they want to enrich uranium, then, lend Iran the assistance of our  best scientists, and help to keep the nuclear activities focused on electricity and medicine. Maybe forge a new partnership in creating something great that would benefit many nations? Someone on Huffington Post made a good point; if Iran gets and uses a nuclear weapon to harm anyone else in the world, they will cease to exist (some nation will make sure of it)–and nobody really wants that.

Had we and the British not interfered and had Mosaddeq overthrown, Ahmadinejad, his regime, and his views might not be before us today.  Iran could have been our greatest ally in all of the events of the past half-century, and especially throughout the last decade. But here we are instead. *sigh*

(Oh, and by the way, a Republican administration made the original “overthrowing” happen.)

Jabba the Rush–LOL!

Ok, so I can’t sleep anymore, and have been numbly browsing the web. I came across this, and it’s and ROTFL-fest.

Enjoy!

Unraveling?

I sumbled upon the idea during the 2008 campaign…

High RWA followers will grasp at straws to keep this man out of office, even if the change he proposes directly benefits them.
…just the facts…From a Canadian who is just as entrenched in our national behavior as we are, The Authoritarians, is a worthwhile read. (I have to admit it might be offensive even to sensible Christians, but read all the chapter footnotes and he clarifies his research findings about moderate vs. fundamentalist Christians–and there is a difference).’

NPR discussed it this week, and Terry Gross talked with the author of Republican Gomorrah, Max Blumenthal…

…This was a portrait of the Republican Party fully in the grip of its right wing: almost exclusively white, overwhelmingly evangelical, fixated on abortion, homosexuality, and abstinence education; resentful and angry; and unable to discuss how and why it had become this way.’

–from A ‘Shattered’ Republican Party? on NPRs Fresh Air (read about it/read transcript/listen here; link for transcript only is above)

And, unbeknownst to me, a few days prior morelightthanheatpublished this blogpost on ‘Democracy as Specacle’:

It began some years ago and reached a new level last summer, mostly at Palin’s rallies and mostly in rural areas.  At the time I likened it to a new incarnation of McCarthyism, but using today’s fears.  Since the election of Barack Obama, the voices have grown louder and more shrill.  Spurred on by right-wing talk radio hosts, conservative pundits, and corporate public relations departments and their astroturf siblings, it has escalated further in the tenor of the health care debate.  Yet that debate is but one in a panoply of changes that are occurring.’

It also cites an article “that everyone should read” (author’s words, and my sentiment after reading) — “Living in a Culture of Cruelty” although it is reprinted in its entirety in morelightthanheat’s post.

I have been hearing about this phenomenon–this irrational fear, unprecedented hate, unconscionable violence and cruelty, and skewed beliefs–for some time, and lately, the irrational behavior of a few (and the number is growing) has begun to spin out of control. 

This is perhaps the unraveling of the American Dream, and in the loss of our most cherished American ideals (which, by the way, and before anyone throws the constitution at me, our forefathers had the intelligence to realize our democracy would change, and so, set protections in place so that no ideological ‘side’ could gain the upper hand and sole monopoly over the people) we are somehow losing what it is to be a United States of America.  Wow…in my lifetime…I never saw that coming.  We are in for a world of hurt if the trend continues, but at the same time I hope that the damage can be reversed or that we can at least learn a lesson, albeit a painful one. 

Take the time to follow all the links and read the articles/papers. Always be informed about what you take to heart as the truth.  Question what you already believe on a daily basis. And most importantly, constantly ask YOURSELF, “What am I afraid of?” and diligently look for the answer within. 

It may open up a whole new world of understanding.

UPDATE:

Another blog came to my attention; Let it Ride’s most recent post, “The 9/13 Hangover” speaks in general about the “Angry Mob” mentality and also has some pretty good videos embedded (Especially the Rachel Maddows vids–worth a watch). Just a little excerpt:

I have a real problem with this “rally.”  Not because its backers are conservatives and I’m progressive in my political beliefs.  Not because I think conservatives are stupid or evil.

It’s because the rally was in large part organized by Dick Armey’s Freedom Watch and Glenn Beck, both of whom have cynically manipulated some genuine concerns (and some irrational fears) into a furious mob.  This mob doesn’t know what it stands for–only that it stands against Obama.

Why?

Because he’s a Nazi, a socialist, a communist, or sometimes all of them at once.  (Which doesn’t make logical sense–it’s just an attempt to stick the vilest labels to the man in order to demonize him.)

So that’s where we stand today. *sigh*

Change IS Good

Change IS Good, and the Costs Are Worth It

It is time for a new kind of politics.

I have heard it said by my favorite politician, among others.  It is a call to battle with more far-reaching effects and implications than our call to attack Afghan insurgents and the Iraqi dictatorship. To have a new political sensibility might mean that our leaders will inform us instead of working us into a frenzy of propaganda-fueled patriotism.  To really need to ask for this small, but indispensable feature in a leader would let us know that our democratic system is floundering and in need of help.

Our generation and those in the upcoming voting generation, by and large, are not as interested in voting or politics since we distrust those figure heads already in place.  As Americans, we have grown up privileged and cannot even begin to know the liberties, defining issues, and forgotten ideals of our nation.  It’s easy to see how we take for granted our upbringing and leisure activities.  We don’t remain glued to our radios for news on the war in Iraq—we’re too busy listening to personal playlists on our iPods and performing our roles as “Me Generation” adults—so it comes as no surprise that Americans inside and out of our generation are classically disaffected.  If the common tie of the citizens of the United States was WWII in our grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ era, then ours must logically be the War on Terror.  But how many of us truly see this as a defining moment…a turning point for our nation?

There are some changes that we desperately need before we don’t even notice that our country has become too socialist, too capitalistic, too racist, too liberal, or what have you.  First, I propose a new kind of political party—either within the existing parties or a totally new concept—where the superficial and petty politics of today don’t exist. Long shot, I know.  In addition, we need a media that is truly responsible for what they say—and must be as thorough as possible without distorting the facts or showing undue bias.  The last change should come first in the series.  This will not be a change from Washington, but in fact, we need a fundamental change from within all everyday American citizens, from the oldest to the youngest. Let me start with the media of today. 

They wonder why the printed newspaper is dying, when they are bought by media moguls, often combined with television and radio networks. They choose allegiances and defend their journalistic opinions with a partiality that borders on unprofessionalism.  And their antics merely serve to generate ratings and promote agendas, which Americans should be aware of when looking for facts in current events.  I do have an opinion, and I am sharing it here…but…I am a regular citizen and not held by the standards that we should have for our running “historians”.  Pan American Flight 103 in 1988, The L.A. Earthquakes and new awareness, The Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing, the shootings at Columbine, and that most tragic September day in 2001—all have shaped my perception of and feelings about events, and I never was present for any of them. 

How else could I have known about any of those tragedies but for the media’s omnipresence?  If events of the last twenty-five plus years were only accessible to me through the media, think of many other Americans who depend on the nightly news, cable networks, and newspapers for their information.  Journalists (and their bosses) owe us a brand of truth unsullied by partisan agendas or propaganda.  We are not so dumb as to need a hand-packaged opinion about our world—the facts should suffice. In order for the mindset of this nation to progress, we need the whole story presented neutrally and in detail. If not, a 1984-esque future awaits, where instead of journalists and others retelling the news in the context of their opinions (or those of their networks) it could easily become one where our opinions and beliefs are being dictated to us. Sadly, there are those of us who are content to be told opinions on issues, but theses people need to be reminded that they live in the United States of America, where they have the right to their own.

Closely tied to this idea is the public awareness of the actions of our national leaders, and television journalism, especially, is the medium.  There is a need for a new political party, or a vast reformation of existing party ideas.  Highly shaped by popular opinion, candidates of this years’ election are prime examples. I have a favorite (Barack Obama), but with the way even his campaign has changed since securing the Democratic nomination and the public attention from the 2008 DNC.  But I get an uneasy feeling every time I sense that McCain, Obama, and other center-stage politicians are saying or doing something only to sway favor.

Statistical data and polling have shown that voters already go for a more aesthetically pleasing candidate, so by default, some very genuine people are out of the running based on looks.  Voters also tend to migrate to a candidate with the same morals/religious beliefs/upbringing as themselves. Then, there are the “hot-button” issues of abortion, gun control, the war, race, gender, etc. In this case too, opinions are a**holes, because we can be swayed because of opinions.  The difference however is that politicians’ opinions are the most important because it is they who decide our national course of action.  When they have a position on an issue that has been influenced by special interests or personal ambition, and we follow like sheep—then we play into their hands. When presidential, gubernatorial, mayoral, or PTA presidential nominees are not genuine, we suffer even more.

What if we had politicians that wouldn’t manipulate sometimes fragile emotions?  Could U.S. voters be enamored with a politician that not only remained true to their core beliefs, but would be more than willing to reconsider positions if current actions were detrimental or not particularly helpful—despite any criticism? Could Americans adjust to a politician without artificial glitz and hype? Could the next thinkers, policy-makers, and true leaders be recognized for their merit as the best representative of our nation instead of what we have now?  Even I am not sure what to believe in, although I am prepared to take the ultimate gamble on my candidate because I feel that he is closer to that genuine person I want to see in office. 

Actually, I am impressed with the overall quality of candidates this election season. I have spent my days since all the candidates have been publicly known hoping that no real dirt is being dug and that, even unintentionally, no dirt is being found.  The revelation of Palin daughter Bristol’s teenage pregnancy, was sensationalized from the very start, based on a rumor that Palin’s last son, Trig, was actually her daughter’s.  This was due in part to not only the media, but a new element…the blogosphere…where the issue was first raised.  The rumor actually began as a benign fancy, if there was no valid truth to it—then, was discredited by revealing the truth that she is currently five months pregnant, which ideally would have rocked the conservative base to the core.  In this instance, however atypical, this did not really raise any eyebrows in an election season where republicans are grasping for straws.

All I can hope is that the Obama campaign had nothing to do with it, and I am slightly reassured that he has condemned such tacky actions and promised swift dismissal if it is being propagated by any of his staffers.  We have known since the 2000 election that George W. Bush was excessive in his drinking habits…but the general population didn’t know this when his father ran for office.  Barack, after all, does have two young daughters that he and Michelle would like to keep out of the close scrutiny of the political spotlight. Senator Biden is the only one I’m not sure about, because I don’t know very much about him, except that Jay Leno cracked on the senator for butting into a conversation to brag on Obama.  Troubling comments from Moscow surrounding the Russian involvement in the Georgian conflict, comes from Medvedev and others—the belief that the pot has been stirred from Washington—have me very worried about what is really going on in this election.  After all, who is best prepared to face issues reminiscent of the cold war?

If these four, very prominent politicians can find some way to be ultra genuine, and give this country a fighting chance at an unknown future.  The United States cannot afford to once again have more trouble created than we can get out of (remember the war in Iraq?).

But we voters are fickle.  The biggest change must come from within.  We must DEMAND a level of truth from the media and politicians, because the United States is built upon the principles that every man, woman and child has inalienable rights.  That dream has been marred by lack of power for women, finally extended in America in the twentieth century; even then there was a pervasive belief that women would vote with their eyes and feelings—something that politicians count on today.  That dream had been denied to minorities until nearly one hundred years after the end of slavery; seen as backwards and somehow intellectually less than the white majority, African Americans reinforced these truths in the desperation of our shared “cultural conduct,” even though the best of us are the same as any other person of comparable class and education…but now, when we have the best chance to see eye to eye as Americans and push for the promise that our nation still holds, we wallow in old wounds and mistrust. 

Government is going to be much more comfortable with a population that is too complacent and dumb to question the questionable.  The call to action is for us as an entire, unified nation to use those inalienable rights—to question, to never settle for less than the American ideal, and to get more comfortable with the fact that not every idea, belief, practice and policy will please us as individuals…but that there’s a chance that tolerance and present discomfort will benefit our children’s future. For these same reasons, we must have political leaders with integrity. For these same reasons, we must only accept a media presence that is committed to fact-telling for the public good. A truly intelligent America will become a threat unless we ensure that the right people are pulling our national strings.

Change is good, and it is time for a rebirth in the United States. Both candidates are currently talking about their versions of change, and enough of us are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs to really get that much-needed change this time. It may very well be our last chance for a while.

What is the main difference in Political Parties?

The difference between democrats and republicans is this:  For Democrats, the premise that “out of many, comes one,” reigns; on the other side of the partisan fence, the Republicans believe that “out of one, comes many.”

What is the evidence to suggest this? For one, if Republicans believe that, to stimulate large companies from Washington will “trickle down” to the masses–can it not be obvious that they truly believe in the goodness of humanity to a naive degree?  To think that out of “one” (government) will come prosperity for all, starting from the top down, will really occur in our selfish society is saddening.  We have seen this not to be true for so long.  It is a noble principle, but can this theory ever work in practice?

Democrats, maybe the more jaded of the two (made up of minorities, women, and others who have been denied the American Dream at some point), seek to create change by focusing on the masses.  The newest thinkers in the party have possibly gone too far in trying to please all in the broad spectrum of American viewpoints.  But essentially, the Democratic principle believes that for everyone to benefit, you have to improve life at the bottom of the barrel.  People have called the health plans of the Clinton administration and the current plan of Obama “socialist” in nature, but what is so terrible about making sure that all Americans would be able to live their lives without drowning in medical debt?  For example, even the average, middle-class family knows a possibility exists that one illness could jeopardize their children’s college fund.

If you pay attention to such statistical tools as the Bell Curve, you might notice that most of us will fall in the middle–with the least fortunate at the bottom end.  Where would you rather most political energy to be focused?  At the top, with the wealthiest few, or with the least of us?

WITH THE HOPES OF MANY ON HIS SHOULDERS AND ON THE SHOULDERS OF MANY

Barack Obama might be in the most
un-enviable, tenuous position as a
contender for the presidency that
we have ever seen.

I don’t presume to speak for all of us, since my choice for the President of the United States is exactly that—my choice. Still, I can’t help but notice the feeling that something is building.  There is an excitement about the possibility of a better Washington, a better standing with other countries of the world, and a better chance at making it as individuals and families with the rising cost of…well…everything. 

As Americans, we knew we had the potential to strengthen again and reclaim our national pride, but any future looks bleak without leaders that are determined to uplift and protect the masses.  Failed foreign relations and bull-headed arrogance have won us no friends in NATO or other countries, but in Obama, we have a chance to utilize our best diplomatic skills…without the accompanying military force.  He has inspired many to crave progress and believe in his ability to bring it about.  But Barack Obama walks the delicate tightrope of securing our acceptance as a whole nation, while trying to figure out how the U.S. predicament can be fixed, while carrying the hopes of many, while being the first African American nominee, all while attempting to maintain his integrity.  In light of this, how many Americans would gladly trade places with him?

On one hand, he’s a rock star—complete with a political entourage and a following built up of the younger generations (including myself).  Liberal media loves him, centrist media (what’s left of it) covers his every appearance with great detail, and even conservative media can’t help but to talk about him. To the political right, he is a growing threat because people from all walks of life are beginning to see the possibilities.   People believe in the message he’s putting out there, and we know now that we need a president whom we feel has our best interests at heart.  At the risk of sounding anti-Obama, I’m not even sure what the message is, beyond the vague “Change” platform he’s running on…but it’s the way he delivers it to us that grabs me.

The undertone of deep conviction that rings through every speech (or the regular trimmings of those speeches that the general population hears on CNN, Fox News, NPR or what have you) is simply enough to make us believe that when he and his administration reach problem x, he will approach solution y in as close to an informed, fair, and impartial way as possible—but still keeping the United States’ best interests at heart.  Even his books seem to imply that humanity shouldn’t be a stumbling block to itself and that he believes in the message too.

The younger generations, like those of us born in the 80s of all races, sexes, and lifestyles, need to trust that there will be a future to work towards. We especially need to believe that unlike our hard-working fathers and mothers, our job and industry security will remain with us until the ripe old age of retirement.  Barack Obama is, consciously or not, placing a somewhat veiled but optimistic vision of the future in our hands and heads, leaving us with the bittersweet wish to see inside his vision.  He seems to see the nation for what it is, and flies against social norms for the presidency because not doing so would be following the stupid and antiquated rules that are floating around in the minority subconscious.

But, as I stated earlier, he also has a difficult position.  Despite all that Barack and Hillary have accomplished in their political careers—most notably in this election—as a nation of minorities, women and non-minorities, we look at them as impressive, accomplished people who are still atypical of their race or gender.  The myth still states that the proper place for a man of color or a woman is in the prison system or in the home, respectively—and we, the minorities in question, propagate it.  The optimistic backing of this candidate might really be an indicator that people want to know if we can get out of our decades-long mess without any great discomfort—i.e., how he thinks we can change and prosper as a nation, and how long that process would be.

The biggest problem with Barack Obama as a presidential nominee, lies far outside of the actual contest between himself and McCain. The problem actually stems from the fact that an entire racial group—and all other minorities, women included—has placed their collective hopes on his shoulders.  If he fails, we all fail to some extent.  African Americans, still a somewhat repressed ethnic group, are children, socially (we just received rights that others took for granted 50 years ago),  and research proves that children without defined structure tend to act out in “tantrums” when things don’t go the way they expected.  Remember the Rodney King Verdict and the 1992 Los Angeles riots?  The tension that no rational negotiation could diffuse in Detroit during the 40s and 60s?   I wouldn’t put it past those of my own race to be at that level of frustration and recklessness if we sense some kind of Bush/Gore foul play again, but this time with Obama, our greatest hope.  If he could, instead, become the next president, imagine what will happen to the self-destructive attitude towards education that inner-city (and suburban, rural, etc.) minorities seem to have and pass along to their children. Instead of violence, we might experience artful debate to continue bringing equality to our nation…Instead of ignorance, the internal knowledge that every man, woman and child could feel that such actions would be unfit for any ambassador of the race. Where will our children dare to go when they realize that the presidency and its subordinate positions are no longer off-limits to those who work hard to get through our educational system?

But…if he succeeds in being elected as president…what happens when he makes a decision that impacts us in a negative way?  Who will snipe for him the most—the Republicans or those of us who were his biggest “fan-base”?  No president is immune to the possibility of a very tense state of affairs where any decision might affect some people adversely.  I’m no fan of the reason for and methods used in the War in Iraq, but I understand that there is no way a just war could be fought without some casualties on either side.  Justice is not utopia; it is the vehicle that attempts to make life more balanced, even if that means a little discomfort along the way.  I would be the first to bemoan or criticize a decision that affected me, but I am trying to get past myself and deeply entrenched in the concept of us.  Now that I’m 27, and quite let down about the truth that adults never really grew up, I know I can’t look to the “grown-ups” for a guide on how to behave or believe any longer. We have to find our own code of conduct and attempt to get past the hedonistic expectations of childhood to look at the big picture. Even in my blossoming consciousness, I’m learning that we must find friends, husbands, wives, and leaders that we believe in too, simply on their merit as good human beings.  Barack Obama, by all outward appearances, is a good human being. 

No amount of dirt-digging politicos could find anything better on him than his and Joe Biden’s affiliations with companies (unfortunately, all politicians have ties to business…remember Dick Cheney and Halliburton? Enron?) and Obama in the garb of our perceived “sworn enemies” (anyone  Middle Eastern, right?).  The most serious allegation…which had to be dug up and dusted off…his ties to a domestic “terrorist” are still not significant enough to discredit the man.  His emergence has brought together generations, races, classes, and with Michelle’s recent speech, sexes—giving us all hope that we really are progressing beyond the divisions of the past.  The grassroots movement for his opposition forwards defamatory e-mails that cast doubt on Obama’s authenticity.  And yet, he disagrees with Senator John McCain while treating him in a respectful manner.  My greatest fear is that our nation will refuse to grow up, and take this next step for the wrong reasons.  If McCain didn’t seem so bitter about all the attention his opponent is receiving, maybe he would inspire America and I’d be able to believe in him the same way.  I don’t know what he sees for the future of this country, but I know it can’t be anything awful since he is also a man of character, perhaps with a vision dulled by years in the political system and not as readily apparent. We get the idea of “sameness” from a campaign that looks at the world in terms of what happened in the recent and not-so-recent past tragedies and achievements.  With the world changing at a very rapid pace, we have to take the reasons for the Fall of Rome and use them to build a future in which Rome cannot fall.

But we must remember that Barack Obama, who carries the hopes of a generation with him into this election, is no Jesus Christ. He is a human being, just like the rest of us, and subject to human error and discomfiture that he readily admits to—which is the very reason he is so well liked.  Be realistic, please, and let the man prove who he can really be for the country.

As a nation—and further—as a world full of human beings, we can sense that the tension, violence, and lack of justice in the world is wrong, and we need leadership that will guide us away from the great peril that we’re headed for.  We should be intelligent enough at this point to look for genuine people, not the superficial standard.  Look away from the opinions (even mine…sigh) and search out the facts.  If what you find in either candidate is less than the principled leader you’re looking for, voice your complaint, but do so because your morals won’t allow you to get behind them, not because you heard something in an e-mail somewhere.  We’ve evolved socially too much to still need “rule by the fist”, and leaders with the best chance of taking us safely in the future will “rule” with enlightened minds.  As a young, African American woman with a middle-class upbringing, I am largely unspoiled and still an optimist at heart.  In searching for a leader to believe in, I discovered that I desperately need the world to change for the better in my lifetime…and I knew this before the allure of “Change” helped me to dream of an even better day.  Let the candidate I’ve chosen to really believe in, Barack Obama, be the person that leads us there, experienced (read: tarnished) or not.