I Am My Brother's Keeper

Last night America witnessed one of the greatest speeches ever delivered, made by a man with integrity, respect, and compassion for a country that so desperately needs change. I'm convinced that Barack Obama has the philosophies, morals, and commitments to reclaim the American promise that we all long for. He's a man who deeply cares about all the hard-working middle class Americans, which is refreshing considering the last 8 years.

His speech hit every note on the scale - everything from the failures of the last 8 years to his plan for taxes, oil independence, education, health care, and most importantly - his plan to end this war responsibly. Thank you Barack Obama - it's about time for change.

He referred back to John F. Kennedy's concept of "intellectual, moral strength" and the idea that we all have to do our part to make this world a better place. Changing this world isn't about one man standing on a podium and making claims of change: changing this world is about all of us reclaiming the Golden Rule (which first came from the ultimate revolutionary: Jesus) and all of us living lives of self respect, hard work, and love for one another. Programs won't automatically make this world a better place, people will.

We need a president with fresh ideas, with humility to admit when he's made a mistake, and with a belief that there is more to this world than what we actually see. We need a president who is willing to take a stand for the average American and still holding onto the morals that our country was originally established on.

Last night, Obama said, "We must restore our moral standing, so that America is once again that last hope for all who are called to the cause of freedom, for all who long for lives of peace, for all who yearn for a better future..."

He also mentioned that we can all agree that we need to reduce the amount of unwanted pregnancies in this country, that we can uphold the 2nd Amendment while keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and people who are capable of producing the shootings similar to Virginia Tech, and that gays and lesbians should be able to live lives free of discrimination.

We may disagree about the methods to get there, but at the end of the day, all of these issues must be improved in our country. Both Democrats and Republicans should all be able to disagree on these issues without questioning the character and patriotism of each other. Patriotism does not have a party. We need to stop bringing each other down and start working together as a unit to make this world a better place. We all need to reclaim our sense of common purpose to experience the American promise.

Obama continued, "This election is not about me, it's about you! We cannot turn back now, we must march forward and hold firmly without wavering to the faith that we profess..."

Wherever you find yourself on the political spectrum, do yourself a favor and be responsible with the words you use regarding this election. This is the only "political" post you'll hear from me. I just really sense that Barack Obama is the start of something positive in this great country that we live in. Be sure to vote on November 4, 2008. Stand up for what's right but also pray for the grace to cover us when we're a little off.

Obama 08. KL.