OK—so I have to preface this column with two embarrassing tidbits of personal information: first, I used to be a registered republican; and second, I voted for Bob Dole in 1996.
The first one can generally be explained away as a youthful indiscretion. The second—that’s a bit more difficult; I’m not even sure that Bob Dole voted for Bob Dole [although the non-stop third person referencing was rather entertaining].
Over the past twelve years, however, I find myself doing a reverse Winston Churchill and becoming increasingly more left-leaning. Towards that end, I offer my unabashed support for Barack Obama, the first campaign to which I have ever contributed anything more than my vote.
I joined the military in the position of Counterintelligence Agent in November, 2001. Like many others, my response to the September the 11th attacks was to look inward and find an avenue through which I could contribute to my country [sorry Karl Rove--it wasn't to seek therapy]; to play a small role in achieving the broad ideals on which the United States was founded, but has often fallen woefully short. Regardless of how one views my decision to enlist in the military; I did so because I felt mobilized to serve a cause greater than my own self interests. I did so because I ardently believed that I had not contributed enough to what I felt was one of the fundamental notions of American life: creating a better future for the next generation of Americans.
Maudlin? Perhaps. Naïve? Probably. Sucker? Maybe.
However, it seems to me that the notion of America has always existed somewhere in the disconnect between its ideals and its reality. And there are distinct times in our history in which it is paramount to push for the hope of America rather than settling for its sometimes stark reality.
I support Barack Obama because he offers a unique message of hope, reconciliation, and dynamism that transcends traditional party lines; I support Barack Obama because he extols the virtues of finding commonality, whenever possible, rather than reveling in tearing others down; and, I support Barack Obama because of his dynamic ability to push through a progressive political agenda.
Are these fuzzy, amorphous concepts? Sure they are. However, it doesn’t make them any less tangible than Sen. Clinton’s itemized recitations of the government programs she’ll deliver if elected president.
I feel the same way about the Obama campaign as I did when I joined the military. It’s a campaign that actually calls on me to question what my role is in the process, encourages me to participate, and energizes me to be involved. I feel galvanized to be a broad part of a larger, more important ideal. And, frankly, it makes me feel good about myself.
I would argue that the energy being created by the Obama campaign is infinitely more important than small policy differences between Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama on health care. When citizens are motivated to participate, and feel good about their government, they end up with a more responsive, streamlined, and transparent government.
Vote. Participate. Donate