Democratic U.S. Senator Barack Obama has decided to join the 2008 race for the president. I believe he is the best choice for America to create a new generation of leaders and ideals that get us away from the politics where only the rich and privileged have a voice. Elected to the U.S. Senate from the state of Illinois in 2004, Barack was not close to being a Presidential candidate. He was born to a white mother and African father in Honolulu, Hawaii on August 4, 1961. As a mixed-race kid growing up, he constantly struggled in life trying to out figure who he was and what his life was about. His parents eventually divorced and he ended up living with his maternal grandparents. Although struggling with his race, Barack was a very bright student who excelled academically.
He ended up graduating from Columbia University with a BA in Political Science and later graduated from Harvard Law School magna cum laude in 1991. His first taste of national fame came from his being elected the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review. He later went back to Chicago where he was actively involved in his community and became employed by Miner, Barnhill ‘ Galland, a prominent civil rights law firm in the city. Barack had flourished in both of the worlds of academia and law. However, he saw his life with a higher calling and was elected to the Illinois State Legislature for his district, where he served from 1996 to 2004.
While there, he worked on issues such as health care for low-income families and increased funds for AIDS programs, among other vital issues. Barack was known for his ability to reach across the aisle and unite Republicans and Democrats to work effectively on all issues important to the people. Barack was soon thrust into the spotlight when he ran for U.S. Senate in 2004, eventually beating out more well funded and popular Democrats for the right to run in the general election, where he then beat all the odds to win with 70 percent of the votes. After giving a thought-provoking and compelling speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, America began to notice that Barack was the real deal and he inspired legions of fans to begin calling for Barack to run for president of the United States.
There are those who say Barack Obama is inexperienced, too young, not a seasoned veteran, but in my opinion that is what makes Barack Obama the ideal candidate for president of the United States in 2008. He is not a product of Washington as usual; he has only been there for approximately two years and has not been tainted by lobbyists and deceit. Barack is a man who cares about the people, not his own wants and needs.
He understands that the next president will not only have to restore America’s image across the globe, but also restore the trust of the American people. Barack Obama is a man seasoned not by the politics of fear, hate, and money, but seasoned by the politics of life, perseverance, and hard work. Sitting in the Oval Office is more than having medals, money, and twenty years of Washington D.C., it is about understanding the hopes and dreams of Americans and fighting for what is right and just. If someone wants to mention experience as a prerequisite for being president, the current administration carries with it decades of military, political, and D.C. experience, and look where we are today.
It is time for a new America, one that can endure the trials and tribulations of tomorrow with the grace and intelligence that is needed today. We have major problems facing this country ranging from health care, immigration, terrorism, education reform, social security, etc. We are literally facing a turning point in the history of America and truly, the world. Our generation will bear the main burden of these issues if we do not elect a leader who can understand us, our pains, our problems, and our needs to survive.
It takes a deep understanding of the average American and the issues we face in our daily lives-and how we can come together, no matter our race, creed, or income-to make this nation what it should be, which is a new and shining hope for our generation and our future kids. So I challenge you: take a stand, fight for your rights and beliefs, because if you do not, no one else will!
Josh Murphy may be contacted at jmurphy@ut.edu.