Obama's DNC Speach

A great American story. From simple beginnings, attended Harvard and became the first African American president of Harvard Law School. He turned down the high paying jobs to work on community development, was elected to the Senate, and now the first African American to be a democratic nominee.

I watched the DNC all week. Tonight 90,000 supporters filled the stadium and millions watched on TV. Obama's speech is historic and on the anniversary of MLKs "I Had A Dream" speech. Obama gave a wonderful acceptance speech.

I am proud of him because along his path, he touched peoples lives and used these experiences to take action and become a voice of hope. He is not Superman! There is no way any president could solve all the issues in 8 years. But, maybe he can start changing how Washington works and make it more transparent. Maybe he will inspire us all to make change for the positive. Even if that means sacrifices. Whatever he does, he will not live up to anyones expectations....

I am also proud that he ran his campaign in a more positive and grassroots way. It amazes me to see the weekly house parties and voter registrations going on for Obama. He has leveraged the Internet, not just for donations, but to help bring people together and including them in the campaign. Did you know most of his donation are $50 or less.

What is the right experience to become president?
I think it is the only job, without a real list of prerequisites and that amazes me, since it is the most important job in America. JFK and Clinton were both said to not have enough experience. Yet their experience and leadership lead this country to better places. I just hope unlike Clinton and Edwards, Obama really does have the better judgment when it comes to his libido. Specially, if Obama Girl is close by....


Obama's DNC speech mentioned:

• Environment
• Energy solution, not just drilling and we need to act now
• Education - better education, teacher pay, affordable college education for all
• Poverty
  
• Health care - Lower premiums, get coverage as good as Congress, stop discrimination of chronically sick, require employers to provide paid sick days and leave
• Economy
• Income - fair wage for all, equal pay

All of the changes cost money, how does he plan to pay for it?

• Close corporate loops holes
• Eliminate programs in the federal budget that does not work
• Government can lead, but we all have a part how we impact our community, families, and the world. From the light bulbs we use to fathers taking responsibilities for their kids.

Obama said we may not agree on things, but can work together on solutions that will help all.

• Reduce abortions, even if it is legal
• May not agree on same sex marriage, but allow them rights (visit partner in hospital)
  
• Immigration - As we try to figure out the problem, treat them fairly with good judgment
• War - As a last resort. Work with other world leaders in a more willing way. Need better ways to deal with terrorists. Can't Help Georgia due to lack of resources and manpower
• World politics - Restore what we stand for and how we treat other countries
• Character - Wont tear down McCain, it is about politics and we need to all work together as America, not left or right. We should disagree respectfully, but work together.
  
• Politics - Trying to scare people to vote using untrue tactics should stop.

Obama used a quote from MLK:
"Something is stirring. We want change in the political system and it comes when we as Americans rise up and are given hope that we make a difference."

My thoughts?
Like every acceptance speech, it is full of promises and little proof of a plan to pay for it. Obama's was no different. But, unlike others since JKF, Obama seems to connect people and give them hope.

"America our destiny is linked to each other, we can't walk alone, must march ahead".
Is Obama the one who can lead us, inspire us, give us hope and start the change in Washington we need? I hope so. I am voting on it.

I know he is a good speaker and people say he has nothing else to offer. But that is too simplistic. As I watched his speech, I was moved because I am inspired by him and the hopes and dreams he has for the country. Not only for me and my kids but the "least of these" in the US and around the world. What each of us do and how our country responds to other nations not only affect us and generations to come, but others all over the world. I believe Obama gets that.

It is easier to worry about our pile of stuff, we don't want to dare think we have a moral responsibility to worry about others, specially if they are not next store or think the same way we do..... The oppression or struggles others face will eventually affect us and it is happening now with the mortgage crisis, poverty around the world, and government borrowing from China to operate, global warming, and the oil situation. We are encouraged to spend money to make the economy better, while our credit card debt is the highest in the world. There has to be a balance and right now as a whole we tipped the scales and need to be smarter as individuals and a country on who we owe and how we operate. As individuals we can make a difference, but the Government should be an example and inspire us.

I hope for a better world. Helping other countries and dealing with situations in a more diplomatic fashion. Even if you have to say "OK, that did not work, lets regroup and figure this out."

May the next 3 months come quickly. I am addicted to CNN and tired of watching the pundits. Next week is the RNC and I plan to watch it with an open mind as well, but my vote is already going to Obama. So maybe I will watch it with a closed mind :)