I've come to the conclusion that this year we are not voting for someone that can lead the United States of America towards a progressive future, but one that will make a significant turn in American history.
Though we've tried to keep it connected and comprised of the issues that face all Americans, it's a hard task when you have not one, but two minorities facing off.
I think, as an observer like yourself probably does that voters like me and you will go to the polls asking the question, “What kind of history do I want to take part in?” Do you want to elect the first woman to the White House? Or do you want to elect the first man whose heritage is of color to the White House?
I say it that way because Senator Obama's mother was white, and we don't want to take away from his family and their respects.
And for those who wish not to participate in this daunting task, there is Sen. McCain, who is just as good as Obama and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
I would be remised if I did not say that this country is blessed to have not one, not two, but three pretty good choices.
I believe with the right tools and the right people around them either one could be a good president; however, as in the words of Highlander, “There can be only one.”
So this year I ask not who you are voting for but WHAT are you voting for? The turn of history? Or for the progress of the Union? I'm not sure if the two facets of this election can be mixed, or should be mixed. One thing is for sure, Republicans have had a rough couple of years and if the last elections were any prelude to these, then it will be safe to say that there is a change in the wind.
When I think of the progress of this fine nation we live in, serve, and defend, the rights that women and minorities alike have greatly moved forward. And when I think of those rights, I think of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, who this year we celebrated in remembrance.
The death of such a great man should remind us all of just how early in transition this country is in when it comes to race relations, and the unification and equality for all Americans living today. For 40 years we have worked hard to maintain the dream that Dr. King presented to us and for 40 years we have seen the fruits of that labor. But we have also seen the fruit that didn't taste that good, which means that there is still some proper planting to be done in the off season.
If anything, this year should be the time in which all Americans say, “A change will be made”. If we say that, then who wins the election will not matter, because we as a nation would have already made it clear to that person that this change will be your first and foremost priority.
