In March 2003, we took our second trip to New Zealand to visit our friends and tour the country. During our trip, President George Bush ordered the attack on Iraq. I remember hearing the Prime Minister speaking about the concern she had about the precedent the US had set for a large country to make a preemptive strike on a smaller country. The people of New Zealand were polite and reserved about their opinions. There were strong feelings of alliance built from our cooperation in World War II, but there was an undertone of disapproval for this War on Iraq. My husband and I were both opposed to the war in Iraq before it was started and we were embarrassed by the Congress who gave the permission to attack then acted surprised that the administration went to war so quickly. It showed them as either naïve or political posers. We were also embarrassed by the Administration that was so determined to go to War with Iraq that they went without broader International support or a stronger coalition.
He wants to lead the United States, not just some segment of it. He is addressing the common concerns that will benefit most of us. He has the qualities of a good leader in the way he shows the direction, then inspires others into action. He is empowering. I was registered as a Republican (trying with my one little vote to bring more the moderate candidates to office) I have voted in every election, but I have never been involved in government or in any campaign before. Now, not only did I change my party affiliation, am I making phone calls, donating money, participating in rallies, and I also checked out the California Democratic Convention and voted in my District election of delegates for Barack Obama to the National Convention. He has a well funded and managed campaign that makes it easy for people to get involved and participate in events.
Other things I like about Barack Obama are his Fiscal plan, his desire to bring power back to people and decrease the power of lobbyists. As a former Republican, I like that he listens to other ideas and he wants to bring many voices to the table to get things done. He builds up rather than tears down, unites rather than divides. He is more positive than negative. I like how he compliments someone first before he criticizes their ideas.
Because of Barack Obama, I have great hope for the future, yet I am realistic that this will not be easy. That is why I am doing so much. Our involvement is a threat to those with power and they will try to control us with fear. We must become educated and keep our eyes on the issues and not allow the distractions that those in power put in front of us. I hope no matter what the outcome of the election that Barack Obama will find a way to keep us moving and working from the grass roots level for a better direction for this country.
