As July 4 approaches, countless Americans take the time to reflect on their personal definitions of patriotism and Independence Day. For many, this means finding new ways to demonstrate their loyalty and pride for America.Kate, a 27-year old family attorney from San Francisco, believes that patriotism is “not blindly accepting the words of the powerful.” For her, patriotism is “independent thought,” and Kate, like many other Americans, feels Obama represents her brand of patriotism.
I believe that Obama’s way is new, but it is not naïve. I find him to be forthright, inspired, warm and wise. I donate money when I can—I believe in this patchwork fundraising. He is literally being funded by Americans because we believe in him.
I think that the greatest independence Obama could provide for us is by bettering out relations with the rest of the world. Where Bush has pushed, pushed, and pushed again, I believe Senator Obama understands the soft touch of diplomacy. We are a blessed nation, but we have been very badly represented to the rest of the world for the last 8 years.
So many hopes are on Obama to take on our entrenched system and fix it. Much of one’s success is being open to dissenting opinions, and surrounding oneself with capable advisors. With Obama’s background in law, community organizing, and education, this approach comes naturally to him – so I think many new and positive changes will be possible under his leadership and administration.
To me that says it all; he believes in bottom-up rather than top-down power. I believe he has the best chance of challenging the entrenched interests Washington – regarding energy, foreign policy, you name-it.
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