Like so many Americans and other people around the world I am looking forward to a new chapter in the life of our country. Today is Martin Luther King day and the eve of the inauguration of our first Black President. From early adulthood I have always supported the Republican candidate for President. I voted for Ronald Reagan in 1984 and I'm willing to admit I voted for George Bush in 2000 and 2004. But,during the past four years, it became increasingly clear to me that the current leadership in our country was out of touch with its people. Rather than leading through inspiration and encouraging us to reach for greater heights, during the last four years in particular we were encouraged to fear and have a bunker mentality. I'm not just speaking of fear of terrorism, but through the example of our leadership we were encouraged to fear and shut out the voice of dissent. Our leaders were in denial of the current state of affairs in our country and hoped we would be blind as well. The Bush administration was unable to Imagine anything better than the narrowness of their own distorted perception of our world. A harsh criticism I know, but I think accurate and an inherent danger in the insulated bubble of the Presidency.
I heard Barack Obama speak at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. I was intrigued, but at the time it was not enough to convince me to vote for John Kerry. I intermittently heard Obama on the news and soon became impressed with his message. When he announced his candidacy in 2007 I was immediately on board. Most of my Black friends supported Hillary Clinton early on because they didn't think that Obama could win.
Tomorrow will truly be a momentous occasion as our first African American President takes office. It is clear that he has the ability to communicate and inspire confidence and has a great vision of what our country can be. Obama appears to be genuinely interested in hearing many points of view and doesn't see opposing views as a threat. He seems to understand that in today's world, America can't shutter its doors and windows to the outside--our world is interdependent and we must talk to our friends and foes alike if we are to build our influence.
Obama starts having my full support. All of us need to hold all of our leaders accountable, including our new President. The days, months, and years ahead will tell the story. I believe that Mr. Obama is up to the task of leading the country. Currently, he is more popular than Ronald Reagan was when he first took office. Perhaps, because of this great popularity it is even more important to keep a watchful but hopeful eye.
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