For better or worse, Oprah Winfrey is arguably the most influential and powerful woman in America today.
I submit that Ms, Winfrey has a moral obligation to use her power and influence to the greater good this year. To wit: Oprah Winfrey has a moral obligation to endorse John Kerry for President.
Update [2004-9-28 15:18:3 by Maryscott OConnor]:
I stand by my statements regarding Oprah; all of them. Frankly, I could add to the list. For instance -- where are the commercials with high profile endorsers? Iacocca, Buffett, all of them. This age of self-preservation at the cost of the country and, indeed, the world is an abomination. What good does it do any of these highly placed, super-wealthy, famous people to retain their fortunes and their place in society if they stand by silently while corrupt and evil people destroy the very fabric of the society in which they stand so high?
Given that Ms. Winfrey has achieved untold wealth and success, given that her voice is one heard by everyone when she wants it heard and given that she has long been recognized as a voice for truth, justice and the American Way -- Ms. Winfrey must take a stand.
We all know damned well where she stands in her personal life. This woman has been nothing if not open with her feelings and opinions about social issues that matter to her. If the plight of the poor, the disenfranchised, the oppressed matter at all to her, then she MUST endorse John Kerry.
Forget the sappy interviews given to both candidates. TAKE A STAND, Ms. Winfrey. Refuse to play the tedious and disingenuous game, abandon the ludicrous "rules" and put yourself on the line for the values, principles, standards, ethics and morals you believe in. The cost may be high, but surely you, of all people, can weather any storm of disapproval or attack from those who work so hard to undermine everything you and so many of us believe in.
I call for the endorsement of John Kerry by Oprah Winfrey.