A few years ago I wouldn't have dreamed about being on a site such as this. I never would have thought I would be in such a place and actually enjoy it and agree with everyone. But that is what change is about. That's why I am here and you can thank Barack for that.
I have been lurking on the site for a while, but have finally dared to write my thoughts down. Considering this is my first foray here I will give a little background. I grew up in an extremely conservative home. My dad was always involved in politics, being a poly sci major and the regular state delegate for our caucus. I grew up with him extolling the virtues of conservativism, mentioning that most republicans weren't conservative enough for him. I also am an active Mormon and live in Salt Lake City, Utah. Right now I am happily married and have four kids and I am a teacher. I am explaining this so you can know my journey here.
Even with all my dad's influence I never liked the nastiness of politics, the partisanship that has made our Congress ineffective, the divisiveness that currently plagues our country. I can't stand the Hannity's and Limbaugh's that add to the ugliness of politics. I had stayed away from politics because I didn't think it mattered if I participated. I live in a state that is so overblown one way it is ridiculous. Our schools are fraught with problems because of the imbalance. I remember when Barack Obama won the Senate seat in Illinois, his name is one you can't forget. I liked him, he was fresh and full of hope.
I proceeded to find out more about him, I read his books and--then I really liked him. I saw him as someone who could bring people together. I felt that his leadership abilities were what was needed in this dreary time. Then he announced his presidency last Feb. I quickly signed up on his site and got some of my friends to follow suit. While I don't necessarily agree with him on every issue, he has changed my mind on many; including the Iraq war, foreign policy, education, and immigration.
I convinced my family he was better than Mitt Romney(a near impossible task in Utah) and proudly display an Obama sign in my yard despite living in the highest concentrated Republican area in the nation. I regularly attend our local Democratic meetings and was asked to give a speech in his behalf at the Democratic Convention last year.
I am fully convinced he can bring people together and make change. If he could get me--and you have a portion of my background--to support him--and you have read that I have given a speech at a convention in his behalf, have made phone calls, held events, and have a yard sign--than it can happen to others. I may have grown up thinking conservativism was grand and Democrats were evil, but now I know better, and that is mainly due to Barack. That is why he is so important. Hillary will continue to divide and accentuate partisanship, Obama will bring people together and make change. He will get others like me blinded by the lies spread by Republicans to change their thinking and heaven forbid, become more liberal. The Republican party has perpetuated untruths that the country is not safe without them in charge and that Democrats will bring this country to ruin. My eyes have been opened and I have seen the light--the truth of their lies--and the hope of brighter day--where American is great again.
One final note I have really enjoyed this site for the past few months. I am happy to be a part with the rest of you.