Why I care again.

My mother, a Hillary supporter, asked why I am voting and supporting Obama.  That got me thinking about, "why do I care so much about him?"

The answer to me, was simple.

Because I love history.

Growing up and studying the history of this country, one can't go through without understanding the legacy of the great American Presidents. Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR, Teddy, Washington, and others whom escape me due to a lack of coffee right now.  Those whom were able to stand up and appeal to the better angels of human nature, if you pardon the cliche.

These people came along at times when the need was greatest, at a time when America was going through a great crisis of some sort.  A fledgling country seeking its place in the world, a time when Corporations were threatening the very fabric of our country with Trusts and corruption.  A depression that rocked us nearly to our knees, and standing up to a brutal triumvirate of countries who couldn't leave well enough alone.  A time when the country was tearing itself apart with a great civil war.

For the most part, at the most critical times in our history, there was a leader who stepped up, told us it would be okay if we believed in ourselves, each other, and we did the right thing. It didn't matter about experience or about who's ideas were better.

I am not sure if our current situation, as it stands, qualifies as a crisis, but certainly times are bleak right now.  People are losing homes, and can't afford health care.  We are locked into a two front war/occupation/glaring act of stupidity that is killing some of the best and brightest of our new generation for no gain that I can fathom.  My own liberties, which previous generations fought and died for, are under constant attack from my own Government.

In other words, its a scary time.  I am close to my 30's.  I filed bankruptcy at 24 due to a condition that nearly took my ability to walk (and I shouldn't be from what I understand).  I was working a crap job who's insurance took the idea of a deductible meaning they would pay 25 bucks and you would pay the rest.

However, I fought and worked hard and never gave up belief in myself.  Now I have a great job making a good chunk of change with great benefits.  I am married and my wife and I are talking about having children.

I see America as needing such an individual who can stand up and make America believe again.  Policy is set by talking heads in Washington.  Congress is a bickering cesspool of criminals and whores. I've become, over time, apathetic who the whole political show.  I worked hard, however, it seems Washington wasn't doing the same.

However, I watched Obama give his announcement speech, and I was touched by something.  He said "we" and "us".  

"We"

"Us"

I cried because he stood out that cold day and told me that we could do it. Him and I.  It's time to take my country back.  

The old system is broken.  My government doesn't work anymore.  It's time to change that.  The old ways are done, as far as I'm concerned.  I need someone doesn't know how it works.  I need someone who will make mistakes so that he can learn from them, not someone who will spin them into a success on some inane level.  I want someone who can make the country feel whole again after a time divided, someone who can rectify the mistakes of the past and help me make it right for my kids.  I don't expect my government to do these things for me.  I want it to work with me because my own kids will deserve nothing less.

I am with you, Barack.  Thank you for reminding me of what is possible.