On the heels of Senator Barack Obama’s monumental win in South Carolina, I am filled even more with a sense inspiration and hope. Personally, I have never been overly drawn to political issues or candidates, despite my understanding of how American Politics impacts the world. I only garnered more discouragement from speaking with friends who were also more than politically disengaged. The youth of America had not been inspired. They had not been engaged.
As someone who is a general news junkie, knowledge of general political issues comes with the informational territory. I understand what the important issues are and which sound bites would be fed to the masses to propel the issues forward , but I never took responsibility for those issues. How could those issues impact my way of life, and those closest to me? Immigration is important because the media decides to dedicate airtime to it, but what do I believe? I would think the situation overseas is dire, but it is the way it is and it is not my responsibility to care about it. Perhaps by saying that I was “inspired” by Obama would be stealing from the Queen of Media, Ms. Oprah Winfrey, but it is the only way to describe what has happened…and is happening all around this country. (By the way you may OWN a lot Oprah….but the word inspiration is free game.)
Caroline Kennedy, daughter of slain President John F. Kennedy, recently endorsed Senator Obama with an article in the New York Times entitled, “A President Like My Father.” While reading Kennedy’s piece I realized how right on target she was about Obama. Kennedy mentions the minute differences in policy between the democratic contenders, and says that for this election we must look past policy, and to look deeper into the person. Kennedy admits the youth of the country feels “hopeless, defeated, and disengaged.” She says that Senator Barack Obama has the power to inspire Americans with a “sense of possibility.” Ms. Kennedy goes further to say that the United States is as ready for change now as they were in the turbulent 1960′s. Perhaps on of the most profound statements in the article was when she spoke about Obama’s ability to inspire involvement. “We believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.”
The first time I heard Barack Obama speak I was inspired to be a better person. I was moved to act, something a political figure had never empowered me to do. I was energized. Barack spoke to me… not towards me. Saturday, I spent the day volunteering for the Obama campaign. This was the first time I had done something like this and if felt so good. It was awesome to get to speak to others inspired to act. I had the chance to speak with a woman from Charlotte who was also volunteering with the campaign. A group of us were generally addressing the question “Why Obama?” I shared that belief. After I attended the rally in Columbia at Williams-Brice Stadium I was hooked. I was reluctant about Obama in the beginning, but after the rally I had discovered a sense of what this election means for the future of America. This election was about the future of the country. It was about my kids, and them believing that they can fly. Obama spoke about people, young, old, white, black, republicans, and democrats working together to achieve greater things despite diverse backgrounds. Kennedy shares that Senator Obama reminds us that, “together we can do great things.” I looked the woman I was speaking with in the eyes and said, “I was on fire!” This was a truthful response.
In closing, it is great to know that there is promise for a President who believes in the power of people working together. There is already hope…the man made me want to wake up and drive an hour and half to vote… and another 40 minutes to volunteer for 7 hours, which included calling people with my own phone..and walking door to door in the projects.) tell everyone I know about him… and write this long-winded article singing his praises. Inspiration goes along way I guess. Fired up? Ready to Go America!!
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