That One

In seven days we will find out which candidate will be our new Commander-in-Chief. November 4, 2008 will be an important day in U.S. history. The first African-American has been unanimously nominated by the Democratic party to run for president. Barack 'That One' Obama, is blazing an impressive trail for himself, his family, for black people, and for this country. Everywhere he goes, people seem to love him. I know that I do. He's smart, articulate, and charming. He commands respect and he holds ones attention. And not to forget to mention that he's tall, slim, and he's easy on the eyes. Yes, indeed--easy on the eyes.

But, unfortunately in 2008, America is still a very dangerous country for a black man. Just this year, a young man, Brandon McClelland of Paris, TX was drug to his death behind a pick-up truck. His story is very reminiscent of the event in which James Byrd, Jr. of Jasper, TX was murdered. This makes me wonder how many incidents that stem from racial hate have occurred in the United States that have not received any major press? Not just against African-Americans, but Asian, Hispanic, or Indian- Americans? How many of my brothers and sisters in this day and age have lost their lives simply because of the color of their skin? Now Senator Obama may not be able to change these incidences, however I hope that because of his high visibility, these crimes will come to light and to justice.

If Senator Obama should win the presidency, he will not be able to change America or the world overnight. Nor do I expect him to. But, I hope and pray that he will change the way people in this country and abroad view African-Americans. We are not all a booty-shaking, pot smoking, alcoholic, low pants wearing, illiterate, welfare-dependant, ghetto tenement living, HIV+/AIDS afflicted, drug dealing, stealing, and killing race of people. There are many of us who are hard-working, law-abiding, literate, politically active, church attending, health-conscience, charitable and compassionate people. We believe in educating ourselves and our children. We uphold God's laws and the law of the land. We fight against racism, sexism, and poverty. We want , as Dr. King spoke from the book of Amos, to "let justice run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream." (Amos 5:24 KJV) We want equality. We long for freedom and justice. We believe that we have the inalienable right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. We want peace, to live in safe, clean neighborhoods and to have clean water, food on our tables, affordable housing, and the best schools for our children. We don't want handouts, we don't want condescending attitudes, or pity from other races. We can stand on our own two feet and work just like the next man (or woman).

Yesterday, I cast my vote at the local courthouse when I got off of work. So, the next thing I'll do is anxiously await the voting results starting November 4th. I'll be on the Internet, watching the news. and listening to the radio. I am ready for change. I am hopeful. And I know that this country needs a changing of the guard. Not an African-American president to just speak for black folk only-- but an intelligent, compassionate, attention commanding and respectable person to speak for all Americans- white, black, red, yellow, pink and green!

Go 'head on, Senator Obama, future Prez of the United States of America. Do your thang! Show the world that we're smart, passionate, articulate, hard-working and that we MATTER! America, don't take us for granted. Don't look past us, or through us. There are intelligent thoughts in our heads, there's compassion in our hearts, we have a mind and a desire to work, and we must be respected, heard, and dealt with as equals!