OPTIMIST FOR OBAMA

Being a Canadian obsessed with American politics can be a hard gear to grind.

I'm constantly barraged by two types of people: The people who say that they are apathetic when it comes to the politics of the US, and the people who say I should be apathetic when it comes to the politics of the US…no wait, it's the same type of person.

It's not just that what happens in the United States concerns the entire planet. (Though that should be excuse enough.) It's that it has a direct effect on us. From something as material as gas prices to something as personal as privacy. Or the fact that we have soldiers in arms along with Americans in Afghanistan.

Yeah, we're all happy that the American dollar is as low as it has been since we can remember. But that doesn't necessarily mean good news for the future. Their economy is crumbling.

Whether we like to admit it or not, the path of the US directly influences our path as Canadians.


Also, on a personal note, being an actor demands that I spend time in the US. I'll, more than likely, end up living there in the future. Maybe that's why I'm so infatuated with her politics.

But I digress…

Honestly, I write this to my American friends who are reading (I know you're out there, I get emails from you!)

Go and vote in the Democratic primaries on Tuesday.

And go vote for Barack Obama.

We've all heard him speak. Yeah, his speeches are fantastic, moving and inspiring. That alone doesn't exactly a President make.

Yeah, his rhetoric about the problems that the US faces is revealing, instructive and heartfelt. That alone doesn't exactly a President make.

Yeah, his stances on the important issues are well-versed, progressive and intelligent. That alone doesn't exactly a President make.

So what is it I like about him so much?

Well, he's not Hilary Clinton.

That's one reason.

What makes him the best choice is two-fold.

1- You can combine all three points from above. Together they DO a President make.
2- Think about his campaign's number one issue: Change.

Barack Obama symbolizes something. That is the thing that no person in the race can lay claim to.

Clinton is from the same school as the last 4 White House occupiers. (I've only been alive during a few Presidencies: Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush. But I only remember Reagan on. So, my whole entire memory of American Presidents had a Bush or a Clinton in the White House. *Bush Sr. was Reagan's VP.)

Romney is your most disturbing example of your classic politician, in the absolute worst sense of the word. Any position you want, as long as you vote for him. I haven't seen something flip flop around like that since I went fishing with Grandpa. (We caught a fish, Grandpa rarely flip flops around.)

McCain? He has his strong points. Mostly the fact that he's a moderate Republican; which makes most of the hard nosed Republicans hate him. (I saw Ann Coulter in an interview today saying she'd vote for Clinton if McCain got the nomination! Ann Coulter!) My problem with McCain is that I've seen him twist facts and positions when politically helpful; including on the subject of torturing prisoners. So that's where he lost me.

Huckabee said that the US Constitution should be amended to the word of the Christian Bible. So he's a psychopath.

What Barack Obama symbolizes is that something different can be expected from the US Government. Hope, direction, morality. His "Change" stance is a valid one.
Not just a change of policies and people. (Anything at this point is better than what has to have been one of, if not the, worst Presidencies in the history of the US)
A change of heart. A change in the way we all feel about politics.

Be honest with yourself, how many times have you voted for, or supported, the "lesser of two evils" candidate?

It doesn't have to be that way anymore.

It's the way Senator Obama talks about the political and social problems. The way he says he wants to lead; not for glory or for the power of command, but for what needs to be done.

Maybe I've swallowed the Obama optimism brew; but damn if it don't taste good.

-Elias

For information on all of Senator Obama's policies see here: www.barackobama.com