Obama for ‘08
Let me start off with my thoughts on politics. The system of politics, for me, must create the conditions necessary for people themselves to do what they can for each other. In this sense, government itself is a contingent entity, which must fluctuate depending on the sorts of demands by the people. Democratic… yes. That said, I believe it is an ignorant notion to think we vote people into office to do the work for us. No policy change will end racism. No policy change will end poverty. No policy change will end sexism. It is, rather, the people themselves who must change and must act. Policy must follow accordingly to make those movements possible. If we want change, we must take responsibility and do it ourselves. We can’t wait for someone to do it for us miles away in a white house. It is really our task.
Grassroots activism is how change really happens. If you read your history, you will know that too. Societies and their political systems change because the people rise up and change it. A good politician helps make that happen. Obama is that kind of man for me. He was a community organizer. He understands the grassroots process. And with his experience as a civil rights attorney, he also understands how to make that happen.
So let me cut to the chase and be frank. Obama understands the plight of the poor. You can see it in his senate voting record. And honestly, that is the most important issue in my opinion. For it is a tragic betrayal of American ideals that a family ought to go hungry. It is blasphemous to think a child cannot get treated due to health care costs. Painful to see schools get shut down from under-funding. Ironic that a student must go kill another man in order to have the financial means to attend school. You see, poverty is a pervasive issue. It affects all realms of life. On a deeper level, poverty is the very negation of what humanity is.
He’s fought against poverty. He’s voted against it. And his focus on it is refreshing. After all, how you judge a country’s character is to look at how it treats its poor and downtrodden.
That is what is most important for me. All other issues are secondary. Though, how he stands on the other issues are quite inspiring as well. But you can check that out yourself.
Obama being pushed into the presidential candidacy was a grassroots phenomenon. Whereas Clinton is really just a reflection of the Washington establishment… not the present administration but rather the process of getting there. But Clinton is a great candidate too. I just prefer Obama.
Anyways. Obama for ’08.
Now… where can I get my shirt?
