"I" am part of the three "I" states. "I" sit in the middle of your country. "I" am a reflection of Eastern and Western American values. "I" reside where the first Americans once roamed freely. "I" am your heritage.
Iowa was named after the American Indian tribe named, "Ayuxwa" and was spelled by the French as "Ayoua" and by the English as "Ioway." "Ayuxwa" means "one who puts to sleep."
Illinois is the name given by the French settlers for the Illinois and Peoria Indian word "iliniwok," meaning men, warriors and in reference to the Illinois American Indian tribe.
Indiana was the named after the Indiana Territory was created by the United States Congress in 1800. It means "Land of Indians."
This is not a history lesson. This is a non-scientific, yet important mention of the value these three "I" states bring to the election of our next President. Did you know these three "I" states have a tendency to consistently and unanimously pick our Democratic primary nominee in Presidential elections?
>>>> see you at the pow-wow >>>>
As Iowa goes, so does Illinois and then later Indiana. All three of these states are a representation of the American values. We have white collars, blue collars, uneducated, educated, caucasian through black skinned, seniors and youth. Often we find ourselves in unison on many issues and values and opinions. All three of us have a rich political history with representation for a strong Republican party and a strong Democratic party.
Sure we make fun of each other, in a sibling-ribbing-a-sibling kind of way, but we stand united in the middle of your country. We support the "I" state heritage in each other yet stand as individual representatives of your country.
Let's see, how has the Democratic primary nomination process started to add-up in the "I" states?
Iowa Obama 38% to Clinton 29%
Illinois Obama 65% to Clinton 33%
Indian will be determined in May.
And as history has dictated, Indiana will go to Obama as well. I predict, handily.
Why do these "I" states go for Obama?
Is it because all of our names start with a vowel? perhaps
Is it because he is most representative of our Midwestern values? perhaps
Is it because he chose to raise his family in our territory? perhaps
Or that he is a Senator from one of the "I" states? perhaps
How does a black man with a funny sounding name unite the "I" states? How did he win a Senate position in the middle of the "I" states? How does this translate into a revolutionary Presidency?
The answer to all of those questions is "I". He answered them with "I". "I" can hit the streets and raise awareness. "I" have to take my message to the people. "I" have to shake hands with Republicans and Democrats. "I" have to win the hearts and minds of the America people and "I" have to listen to and act upon the needs of this country.
A Native American once said, "“Life is not a continuum of pleasant choices, but of inevitable problems that call for strength, determination, and hard work.”
"I" have never been prouder of my choice for President of the United States, Barrack Obama.