President Barack Obama

President Obama: A Triumph for ALL Americans

I was watching CNN when at 10 p.m. it was announced that Barack Obama would be the next President of the United States. CNN's Wolf Blitzer was standing in front of one of their studio screens as they were counting down to the California, Oregon, and Washington polls' closings. He stated that they would potentially be able to make a projection. As the clocked ticked down from 10 seconds, there was a quiet moment. It was one of those moments that you hear and read about regarding what occurs before history is made. At 10 P.M., CNN cut to an American flag waving over an endless sea of American citizens and emotional Obama supporters in Chicago and announced that Barack Obama will be the next President. I felt a burst of joy and enthusiasm. Yes, it was historic that the country was electing its first black president. However, for me, it was more than that. This campaign has been a milestone in American politics. Barack Obama never ran as a black man, he ran as a candidate with a message of hope and change. This was a message that millions around the world and the U.S. could grasp after 8 long years which has been a series of tragic events, war, economic, and global crisis. If you traced this moment back to September 11, 2001, it is no surprise that after all this time, and all that has happened, people were waiting for something incredible. They were waiting for something new. Barack won because he was an exceptional human being, who happened to also be black.


This is why millions of blacks, whites, young, old, Latino, and women voted for Barack Obama. Obama changed the electoral map and managed to change red states blue. His election is not a personal victory for any one African American. His election is a triumph and a high point in American history after years and years of terrorism, fear, unemployment, and a slow decline in our national morale and global image. I voted for President Obama because I believe that his economic plan (a departure from trickle down theories) and approach to foreign relations (bringing back diplomacy) are better-situated to deal with the new challenges we faced. We have had it eight years one way, so why vote for someone who had more of the same to offer. Moreover, McCain and Sarah Palin didn't spend much time talking about their plans as much as they partook in a campaign built for parody. And in the weeks leading up to the election, the party itself began to unravel as signs of division in the camp made headlines.

It is my opinion that given the many errors the McCain campaign made, a victory for them on Nov. 4, would have led me to seriously question the political process. But again, the fact that Obama was able to turn red states blue, should be a strong indicator of how the country feels. I think President Obama is smart, and if he runs the country as well as he ran his campaign, I think we might be on an up-swing.

AristoEndorsement: Obama for President

The presidential election is upon us, and it is crucial that we have a president in office who can implement innovative ideas and bring a new approach to politics. I believe John McCain represents more of the same and is not prepared to propel us into the future. The economic crisis, our role in the global political system, and the fight against terrorism requires a nuance approach. I disagree with John McCain on a variety of issues. I don't think more trickle down economics is the way to fix the economy. We tried it. Under President Bush, the wealthy received tax cuts, and they received these cuts as the economy continued to decline. It did not prevent the inevitable. Under President Bush (and prior to last week, John McCain shared this traditionally conservative fiscal platform), our financial institutions and corportations operated without regulation and oversight. Thus, they were freely able to play monopoly with taxpayer's money. Now, they want us to fund a $700 billion bailout. That's not very republican. What about traditional principles of a free market and capitalism? It seems pretty hypocritical. When your average citzen makes bad decisions, the government doesn't bail you out. Republicans would argue that this scenario is socialism. However, asking those same people to bailout CEOs is to protect the economy and to try to solve the financial crisis. And therein lies the catch 22 for the republican party. They are having an identity crisis as they are unable to cohesively define their party platform. The Republicans NEED a break, right? It is time for the Democrats to take office. The political pendulum is in the democrats' corner.

I also disagree with John McCain's approach to foreign affairs. This cowboy-no blinking-chase em down to the ends of the Earth attitude cannot be the role of the president in these times. There is a fine line between strength and foolish pride. To suggest that Obama's idea for meeting with our enemies is a bad thing is irresponsible. We have to build up allies and at least working relationships with hostile countries as a means of destroying terrorist cells opperating within those countries. At least if we can come to an accord with some countries, we can get to some terrorist groups. Of course, this will not work in every case, but again, we have tried things one way, and now it is time for a change.

Senator McCain's views on domestic issues are also equally archaic and reflective of the old days. This rhetoric of wanting to overturn Roe v. Wade is ridiculous. I completely disagree with the traditionally conservative stances regarding social issues. I don't think we should legislate from the Bible and I don't think that we should micro manage the moral compasses of American citizens. The freedom of expression and thought are fundamental rights that the government should never infringe upon. How one chooses to express themselves, speak, live their life, or pursue their happiness should not be statutorily regulated when it is not infringing upon the rights of anyone else.

Some people criticize Obama supporters for not really knowing why they support him. Well, I am informed of both candidates' platforms and I have made an educated choice based on reason. After that, yes, there is an undeniable emotional component attached to the notion of our first black president taking office. However, he should be elected because he is the best man for the job. Like Chris Rock said, the first black to do anything was that simply because he or she was better than everybody else. We know their names: Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Jackie Robinson, Frederick Douglas, Thurgood Marshall, Oprah Winfrey, and now Barack Obama. John McCain and Sarah Palin don not represent change. They offer a similar message that we have heard before. It is time for a change, and we cannot afford four more years of the same policies that have led us to this critical point in history.

Ole Miss for Obama Rally

I was sent an invitation to this even via Facebook so I will just post what the organizers wrote:

Come on out and join us for a night of food and music in support Barack Obama. Music will feature Garry and Cedric Burnside, and many other musicians from North Mississippi. Food, libations, dancing, and hope for our country will be there all night long! The rally will feature an open mic for all who wish to give words of inspiration for the next President of the United States. The admission is $10.00 with all proceeds benefiting Ole Miss for Obama and the Obama Campaign. Food and drink extra. Cash only. Directions:From Oxford, MS: Take Hwy 7N across Tallahatchie River Bridge and pass Betty Davis grocery on the left. Just after the BP Station on the right, turn left on Hamilton Chapel Rd., and turn left on Old Oxford Rd. (at 3-way stop). Foxfire is the only entrance on the left.From Holly Springs, MS: Take Hwy 7S about 13 miles pass Wall Doxey State Park, turn right on Hamilton Chapel Rd., and turn left on Old Oxford Rd. (at 3-way stop). Foxfire is the only entrance on the left.

The contact email is obamarebels@gmail.com.

Sunday, September 21, 2008
5:00pm - 11:00pm
Foxfire Ranch
1465 Old Oxford Rd.
Waterford, MS