A Major Barrier Is Broken
June 3, 2008 – 2:59 pmCongratulations to Senator Barack Obama for officially clinching the Democratic Party’s nomination for President today. While I certainly do not agree with his stance on many issues, it is very encouraging to see what a country can accomplish when it prioritizes substance over immutable characteristics like race and/or gender. Obama may be the first black major party candidate for President but we should view him as the Democratic Party’s best choice, not just the black one.
He communicated his message much more effectively than the other Democratic candidates, particularly the need for change from the current scorched Earth politics we have in the Beltway. Yes, he does have his faults, particularly associations with some questionable individuals, but show me a perfect politician and I’ll sell you a very nice bridge. As Americans, we should all be proud of his accomplishments and be pulling for him this fall. Electing a Washington stalwart like McCain and/or Hillary does not bring about change.
Disenchanted Hillary voters would do themselves a disservice if they vote for Senator McCain over Senator Obama. Besides the ridiculous support of a gas tax holiday, Hillary and McCain oppose each other on virtually every issue while Hillary and Obama agree on virtually every issue. Why would you vote for someone that supports policies that you oppose? Let’s make this election about the issues for a change and not about sensationalized scandals and the quotes of former pastors and supporters. This election is not about them, it is about us taking back our country from power-hungry criminals.
2 Responses to “A Major Barrier Is Broken”
One of the benefits of having lived seven decades is that I’ve been witness to events that were not only personally thrilling, but that were memorable and historic for our country.
Sixty-one years ago, I saw Jack Roosevelt Robinson become the first black man to walk on big-league grass, and it made me proud not only to be a Brooklyn Dodgers fan, but to be an American.
In all the years since, I can’t reflect on that powerful moment without suppressing a lump in my throat or wiping a tear from my eye.
Tonight, I saw Barack Obama claim the nomination of his party as President. Once again, that lump appeared (and the tear, too) and I again felt enormous pride in my country.
I hope you felt the same.
By Steve Levine on Jun 3, 2008
Amen.
I can’t add a thing to Josh’s eloquent statement, and I share Steve’s sentiments.
It’s a great day for our country— it’s been a long time coming.
By Vince Williams on Jun 4, 2008