WE have to make change happen

Barack Obama's early experiences as a community organizer are becoming more evident by the day, not only in his campaign structure but in his words.  One centerpiece of his speeches always focuses on the idea that if you want change, you have to make it happen yourself, not wait around for others to change things for you.  It's a big part of how he's been able to make his campaign about US rather than about him.

And I love that.  I love that his website makes it easy for people to take up this cause and create a political movement without directions from paid staffers.  Here in Washington State we vote this Saturday.  Although we have yet to see a single official campaign worker here, signs are pointing to the likelihood that Obama may carry the state.  WE did that--not him.  

I love that Michelle Obama says that if her husband is elected president, he will ask us to contribute.  He will ask us to step up and help make our country a better place.  Yesterday I heard a Republian call our local talk radio station and say that he's supporting Obama, and that that decision might cost him a little more in taxes, but that he's willing to accept that because our country needs change so badly.  It's not for nothing that people compare Obama to JFK.

And just imagine the possibilities if we had a leader that could persuade our country that by giving up a little, we gain a lot--in taxes, to improve our schools and health care system, in personal habits, to improve our progress on global warming and alternative energy solutions, even if we had to fight a war, we would be asked to make sacrifice, not just the soldiers' families.  SO MANY of us are ready and willing to help in these areas, because we recognize that in the long run we must do those things.  We are just waiting to be asked.

I'm hoping today that at the very least, Barack Obama's campaign lives to fight another day.  Because I'm convinced Americans are thirsting for a leader who will ask them to help make their country one we can be proud of again.

•  Oscarsmom..I agree. I really enjoyed that

  part of  Michelle Obama's speech.

  When she stated change doesn't come easy, it takes work, and that Barack Obama will ask each of us to work for change I found myself smiling.

  Barack Obama is more than electing someone to represent us, he is call us to represent ourselves.

  by Morgan Sandlin on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 01:50:27 PM PDT

•  Si, se puede!

  (I like the Spanish version!)

  by oscarsmom on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 01:53:02 PM PDT

  •  Jes, ni povas!

    (The Esperanto version)

    by oscarsdad on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 02:08:12 PM PDT

•  sounds like what Edwards was saying for a long

  long time.

  also, when Obama says that his supporters are not likely to support Hillary, it makes it sound more and more like it is about HIM more than the issues.

  that's my 2cents.

  by gelbin on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 02:00:55 PM PDT

  •  On the contrary

    he's pointing out a basic fact--lots of crossover voters simply will NEVER vote for Hillary.

    Now maybe he should have let underlings say it, but it doesn't contravert the truth.

    by oscarsmom on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 02:03:07 PM PDT

    •  my point is, if he is such a leader....

      then he should be leading these people to the issues, the issues that ultimately are shared for the most part among all leading democrats.

      that is leadership.  if he can draw people to realize that while it may not be about republican or democrat, it IS about issues.

      but many people, including myself, do not hear obama speak much of the issues.  

      i don't doubt that many people that are coming out to vote for obama may not vote or may not vote democrat if he is not an option, but to me that is indicative of at best, his lack of leadership, and at worst, his focus on self over the issues.

      by gelbin on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 03:44:38 PM PDT

  •  It isn't about Obama, it's about how he brings

    out the best in us.

    That is leadership, and it is the most important quality a President can have.

    by oscarsdad on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 02:06:45 PM PDT

  •  A lot of his supporters won't

    He's getting support from independents and not very committed Republicans and others who will not vote for Hillary no matter what.

    by Catte Nappe on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 03:05:59 PM PDT

•  The people I have met this election cycle

  have heard Obama's message, and been inspired to take part.  In 2004 I saw (and felt) some responsibility to act, and act now, to make our country better; this year, I see it all over again only more so.

  You can see it in the Democratic turnout in each state.

  Obama is smart enough to capitalize on it.  He understands the value of that sentiment, as a force that can make America stronger for a generation to come.

  This is the value of hope.  This is what turns hope into action:  the deep-seated pride and love for your country.

  Hope for your country is another word for patriotism.  And the audacity to have patriotism is what Democracy is all about.  Believing that you personally can make a difference is what America is all about.

  Obama will win, because he brings out the American spirit in a way no other politician has done since John F. Kennedy.

  by oscarsdad on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 02:05:21 PM PDT

  •  It's amazing to see how much Americans

    will give if you only ASK!

    But as Michelle pointed out, we haven't been asked to do anything except do more shopping.

    by oscarsmom on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 02:07:38 PM PDT

•  my mother tongue

  Imaginez

  oui, nous pouvons!

  ;)

  by valadon on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 02:42:41 PM PDT

  •  Ja, wir konnen!

    (And don't bother me about useless dative prepositions, Germans!  LOL)

    by oscarsmom on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 02:53:58 PM PDT

    •  One Voice

      out of many, one

      by valadon on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 03:03:32 PM PDT