OBAMA...A Special Spirit Amongst Us.

After watching the Democratic Convention, held in Denver, Colorado this past week, I was compelled to write a brief comment of this very important election coming up this year. I have not been captivated by any election, except for the Democratic Convention back in 1984, when the Rev. Jesse Jackson was a candidate and the first (male) Black, highly considered. His speech was electrifying and powerful. So strong that I witnessed Anglo's, Italian's, Asians, Hispanics (to name few) that were Americans, shed tears of this powerful moment in history. The only thing that missed the mark, was his nomination. I felt, and it was to evident, that race, was the factor and he was too Pro-Black (minority) for America, at that time. Now, some 24 years later, another moment has risen to a much needed country, that needs unity and solidarity of all Americans. Even in politics, there comes one, that rises above and is shown to the masses, to lead and bring pros parity to our nation-that person is Barack Obama.

I have been very impressed with this Senator of Illinois and have grown each and every day, to trust and feel his message and reason for his campaign. Simplicity is a needed must today and the leaders (Republicans) have taken this country in a downward spiral toward depths not known since the Depression. There are many that doubt his abilities, even amongst the African-American nation. But there is a reason for his rise to this particular stage and time. Let me make some points:

The Choice For V.P.
With the finalization of the "Battle of Clinton Hill"; many felt that a dream ticket to defeat the Republican candidate John McCain would have been Hilary Clinton-Barack Obama or Obama-Clinton. No doubt, this ticket would have rocked the nation an unified all Americans, especially with the current state of the economy and disgruntled allies. But Hillary showed her political savvy and nasty side of trying to win "By Any Means Necessary!" After witnessing this debacle and manner, I was truly turned off and disappointed in this manner of tactics and attacks. The Clinton's are Congress smart and know how to play the game in Washington, but during this campaign for the nomination, something came out that showed her disabilities and nature, in obtaining the seat as the premier candidate for the Democratic presidency nomination. I am still shaken of the many comments (sound bites) of attacks against Obama from Hillary. Even at the convention, she STILL...spoke as to make sure that she is still a highly considered opponent against the Republicans and the one, that could lead the party forward. The speech was nice, strong and appropriate but still had that manner of arrogance. Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden, the senior Senator of Delaware, was the logical and smart choice to be the running mate of soon-to-be President Barack Obama. Born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania for ten years prior to moving to Delaware, Biden trained as a lawyer and became a senator in 1973 at age 30, the fifth-youngest senator in U.S. history. He has served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, dealing with issues related to drug policy, crime prevention, and civil liberties. He is a long-time member and current chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and has worked on resolutions concerning the Yugoslav wars and Iraq War. Let the record speak for itself (enough said) of his duties, service and character in Washington, over the last two decades or more. Not saying that Hillary would have been a bad choice, but she showed what she was about in the campaign fight, that she had with Obama and I am sure that, there was some nerves were touched, in the attacks. I would have voted for Mrs. Clinton (before Obama) came on the scene and even after, but I was taken by his approach and straight-forward plan for the nation as a whole.

The Republicans:
For the last two terms (two scores) the Republican party has had the nation with a firm grip on all matters. They controlled the house, the control congress and had the leader that they saw fit, to lead this nation. What we got was a silver-spoon fed aristocrat, following in the foot steps of his father, leading a nation, without the care or knowledge of his abilities (and disabilities) and didn't really care. The economy is ruptured. Gas prices and oil companies have risen and making gross profits, while everyday Americans suffer. The outside world and allies, have grown discontent toward our nation. And the blunders that have occured, have been unbelievable...can we say Iraqi! I am amazed in conversation with friends that are Republicans, how they defend President George W. and his policies and how the nation is in torment at this very moment. With the Democratic Party normally having the support of the African-American vote, I was discontent of it's behavior toward African-Americans as taking for granted it's support and sacrifice. I am happy to see other African-Americans involved in the Republican party. I like to see every one have their choice in what organization or party they see fit to be involved in-for a better America. I am not on par or agreement of the many policies and plans, that they covenant and for that, I wish to see more African-Americans be more involved in giving them an in depth view of minorities and the less fortunate voice. It ills me to see an African-American (or anybody) stand up and praise the efforts of the Republican party of their gross negligence of "all" peoples needs, especially those that are in need. They too, are Americans, that go to war and fight for this nation and for our freedoms and rights. I am not saying that the Dems are right. For they too have ill me as well, but not as much as the elephants. This nation is a mess and there is no one to blame but George W. and the Republicans at this time and date.

The Race Factor:
There is no doubt that race is in the grasp of the thoughts of many in America. For the Blacks, it is a representative that has long been desired and visualize by the late great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. But Dr. King believed in getting to the equality level stage for all Americans, not just blacks and have a level playing field or equality an rights. Being that it was the Civil Rights movement and Blacks all across the nation was victimized by matters of segregation and discrimination, they (us) were the poster child of this ill-fate time in our history. Can we say Jim Crow. Ok...so Obama is Black. But he had to go through the same process, as all other politicians, to get to the place to even be considered or taken serious. He had to deliver and produce and get things done, within his jurisdiction and province. And he did! Even after his speech, several prominent African-Americans with Ph.D's and Master Degrees, were not fully pleased with the speech, due to Obama not being more forceful, in bringing up more historical Black issues or saying Dr. Kings name openly. I see what Obama is doing and feel what he has to do. I too agree somewhat, that he could have been mentioned openly prominent civil right disciples, that have given their lives for rights, equality and respect as Americans. But there is more to this campaign this time around where there is a need for true unity amongst "all" people. Like Obama said, "This is not about me, this is about -you!"

In Conclusion:
I feel blessed to be around to see this all materialize and come to pass. To see a African-American rise to this plateau and be seen as a serious contender for the most powerful position on this earth. I have supported the past presidents and some I didn't voted for but still considered them -my president, due to the process. All have been white and I cared not for that they were white or any color. I cared that they would take this country in the direction that was needed and be what we have grown to be-Ambassadors of the Globe. I am proud to be an American. I am proud in being an African-American, the same as an Italian-American, Polish-American, Anglo-American, etc. My being taught (by my mom and dad) were to love all people for their character, being and love for others. It didn't matter what color they were. Yes, I know of the discrimination and prejudice of the early days of slavery and after. I know of the ill attitudes of whites in the south and the nation-then and still now. But that doesn't allow me the right to act or respond in kind-with malice, anger and hate, even if it is justified from those past deeds. I am confident enough and smart enough to rise above that manner of behavior and appreciate the sacrifices that many made for me, to achieve any success or greatness, that I have obtained. Many Blacks gave their lives, for me to have a better life. But we must not forget, many whites (and other groups) also gave their lives...so that we would rise above the evils of discrimination and prejudice. We all pray to one God...no matter how you slice it and dice it. There are no separate Heavens, we are all going to either of the same two places- Heaven ...or Hell...and there are no sign that says - "Whites this way- Blacks that way" when your time comes, to venture from this plane to the next.