The case for HOPE

I have never voted my entire life and as a permanent resident but non-US citizen I can’t vote this November 4th. Even so, for the first time ever, I have contributed money to a political campaign. Everyone has their reasons for choosing the candidate they support for President. 

Here is my story. I support Obama because I admire and am inspired by his leadership, determination, eloquence, and passion. But there is more to it. For the first time, I feel I am being included and spoken to by a presidential candidate of a country I still struggle to call “home” after 14 years. For the first time, the vision for this country resonates with me and people like me in and outside America – Obama’s desire to use all tools of diplomacy first before military power, his admittance on the importance of alliances to tackle world issues, his ambition to make oil guzzling America energy independent and his promise to restore America's reputation as a role model for rest of the world. 

After hearing Obama speak for the last one year, it is also the first time and after 14 years, I have used the word “we” when referring to America while traveling abroad. Obama has inspired millions like me, who for the first time are paying attention to the political process in this country. It is truly remarkable to see young volunteers work so hard and with so much passion for his campaign. 

If elected, an Obama presidency will be a historic moment of great proportion, not just for the US, but for the entire world. It will be the first time in history, a non-white person will be elected by a white majority to lead a country. His presidency will not just bring hope for change in the United States, it also gives hope to every child born to immigrant parents in North America and Western Europe.