Reflections on Barack Obama                                              February 2009

I have been captivated by the magic of Barack Obama since I first saw him on the Oprah show a few years back, and had high hopes that he would run for President someday. But I had my doubts that it could ever happen…could a decent, honest guy with a genuine spirit of service and a sense of humour actually have a place in big-league politics? Or even stand a shot against Hillary Clinton? Let's just say that I was a little jaded about the whole political process (particularly after the second-term election of George W. Bush!).

Now, I weep with joy when I think about the improbable story of Barack Obama and his ascendance to the highest political office in the United States. I have hope for the world again!

Here is a man who grew up confused about his own identity, struggling to find a place where he felt he could belong. His exposure to diverse cultures and poverty and human suffering in his youth left a deep impression on him, as his desire then became to use his gifts to make a difference.

From his roots as a community organizer to the fierce and dirty grounds of party politics, Barack Obama always chose to look for the commonalities - the things we all share as hopes & dreams for ourselves and our families. He transcends the racial divide. He has brought people together by offering an approach fueled by hope, listening, and the belief that through hard work and personal responsibility, we can create a better world and take care of each other.

I think many of us have often looked at the political arena as an ugly and corrupt place, tainted by scandals of all kinds - forcing us to question the intentions of our representatives, and whether they're really only in it for themselves. Well, in my opinion, America has chosen a leader worth following, who has managed to create a spirit of optimism in the face of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. He is a mobilizer. Humble and grounded, I think he has compassion for the plight of the everyman, yet isn't naïve enough to believe that he has all the answers.

There is no question that the world is in chaos with a major financial meltdown, global warming, increasing joblessness, and the ongoing threat of terrorism. But out of all the people who could be in charge at a time like this, I'd place my bets on this guy to be the one who can bring us together and take us forward.

PS. I am Canadian, but I was glued to CNN watching & following the debates throughout the entire Presidential campaign. Similarly, I felt so proud and happy for our American neighbors who gathered peacefully on Inauguration Day to celebrate history being made and the dawn of a new era.