This was probably the single most challenging chapter for me so far. I consider myself a Christian but I do tend to have a knee-jerk reaction to any attempt to advance a religious agenda in the public space. Obama, however, really did a good job of arguing for a perspective that celebrates all of our religious traditions and our secular traditions in a way which is uplifting to everyone and oppressive to none. He tells a story of conversion that I can relate to, a thoughtful story of how an intelligent adult made a decision to come to Christ. That's a decision I'm still struggling with.
For all of its challenges, I locked onto one fairly simple, understandable message which Senator Obama argues very strongly and convincingly and which is similar to some of the more abstract arguments advanced by the political philosopher John Rawls. For millions of Americans, faith is a large part of what inspires their public morality and their involvement in public life and there's no need to hide this. People should feel free to say openly and honestly what rich tradition they draw on in addressing some of the most vital issues in our society. Nonetheless, if they're talking about public affairs, they have to also use arguments which appeal in a reasonable way to people of all faiths and of none, based upon the idea of a reciprical relationship between citizens.
I went to an organizational meeting for Greensboro for Obama several months ago. I was very enthusiastic and liked everyone that I met there but there was a problem that really kept me from getting involved. At the time, I worked from 2-10, including most weekends. This was the very time most other members were free and so most events wound up being scheduled at times when I could not attend, which is understandable. Especially in a nascent campaign, you can't always schedule for everyone. However, I have recently left that job and have not yet found another one. This leaves me with lots of free time to give to the campaign. I am already volunteering at Guilford County Democratic Party Headquarters and I plan to get more involved with the Obama campaign specifically. I hope to start blogging and attending/volunteering at events on a regular basis from here on out and I thought it might be a good idea to start with a brief reintroduction, since I haven't been involved for some time.
My name is George. I live in Greensboro. I'm a registered Democrat. I'm planning to attend law school next fall although I'm not certain where yet. I'm still applying. I've lived in Greensboro since I was seven. I have a bachelors in philosophy from Washington College which is up in Maryland. I look forward to working with everyone.
This is reposted from another thread where it was posted as a comment. I think that writing to Governor Easley is important. It's something of a longshot but enough support could bring him to endorse Obama. His endorsement does matter. He's a credible Democratic Governor in a traditionally "Red State".
Dear Governor Easley,
I am 24 years old and I am a registered voter who lives in Greensboro. Although I am registered as unaffiliated, I have consistently voted Democratic for as long as I've been able to vote. I am proud of my Democratic State Government and the work they are doing for the people of this State.
I know that it's very early and that supporting a national candidate is outside your current focus. However, I would like to ask you to endorse Senator Obama as your choice for the Democratic nominee. I believe that his policies are sound and well-reasoned but, moreover, he inspires in me and in many Americans a sense of hope for the future.
I write this knowing that Senator Edwards has a strong claim to the loyalty of North Carolinians. I have tremendous respect for Senator Edwards and the State of North Carolina is justly proud of him. I was proud of the job John Edwards did as my Senator and I was proud to vote for him for the Vice Presidency of the United States in 2006. Truth be told, I would be proud to vote for him for the Vice Presidency again in 2008. However, that being said, I still think that Senator Obama is the best bet for the 2008 elections. Barack Obama, like no other candidate, captures the spirit of change and optimism that this country felt during the 2006 Congressional elections. I believe that he is best positioned to run a campaign grounded in Democratic (and democratic) principles exemplifying integrity and hope. I believe, in particular, that his policies on education are well-suited to the needs of North Carolina. President Bush's irresponsible budgets and his refusal to fully fund No Child Left Behind, his one attempt at a socially responsible program, have created financial difficulties for the States. North Carolina has had to struggle to meet educational needs because of these cuts in federal funding and, while the lottery has been created to help meet this need, our schools still do not have all the resources that our children deserve.
Sincerely, George Cheatham
