Friday, February 15, 2008

Change, Hope, and the Audacity to Run for President






Change is not something that people readily accept, and when it impacts on the top job in the nation, well, you’re only as effective as your last voting choice. How relevant is it to how the next president is chosen, then? For all practical purposes the world now knows who Barack Obama is, and his intent. Who would have thunk it to think that a man of color in such a short time has positioned himself to seek the top job of the land? Running on a platform of challenging change, he is doing much more than turning heads. Is it his year? Witness his winning a Grammy for his book, The Audacity of Hope. Give more meaning to him winning eight straight primaries along the way to a total of 21 states proves to some extent that his popularity is much more than a lark. People indeed, are clamoring for change and believe in his quest. Check out the opinion polls, talk shows, and political pundits who are steadily jumping on the band wagon. You will see much more than hope for those looking for perhaps a new lease on life. Changing allegiances to represent the wishes of constituency is another welcomed sign. Audacity in my opinion is a moot point when you have some willing to defy unprecedented gall.

In these un-united states, it’s surely an oxymoron that he purports to unify the nation and do away with status quo. How? Better yet, WHO is this guy with a name that eschews common wisdom in the naming rights of all mothers who endeavor to be different? In an earlier correspondence I asked the question: Is Amerikkka ready for a darker shade of pale in the White House? I will readily admit that in the last two presidential elections my vote was non-existent, and like everybody else I’m fed up with the Bushes. I surmise that this is the chance in history to have an African-American president. Am I remorseful for not adequately casting my lot at the time to make a difference as it pertain to race and ethnicity? I have mixed emotions, but I DO support the fact that change is inevitable and for the first time in quite a spell we have someone willing to bring it about. Voting just because a Black man is in the race is not all folly, especially if you have mindsets that feel that it would be just another ‘achievement’ to add to the coffers of Black history lore. We people of color need and should demand more than just rhetoric and technical jargon while you run for president, Barack Make it real for us and provide substance to the promises of change.

We all know how Bill Clinton charmed us for those 8 years he spent on Capitol Hill, now comes Hillary with a new set of initiatives and reasons attempting to sway constituency to her side. In another day and time, I certainly would vote for Hillary, but not this time. Nosiree! I want to see history made and with a viable agenda for Obama to come true and translucent. I opined in that earlier note that “it was always easy to stifle and' retard my vote in lieu of voting just because I was registered Democrat, and (it) was expected to do so unequivocally. Today is a new one, and I’m encouraging all young folk to support this beacon that wants to give light anew. Do it because you believe that he is the best choice to unify this nation. Along the way as I scrutinize this race in earnest, I've refrained apologetically to those that may have a different persuasion, but I want them (young folk) to understand the power of the polls. As I close Barack, you go on with your bad self – continue to have as much audacity as it takes to gain a good footing on the pedestals of preeminence. I salute you and will pray for your deliverance!