“The Power of Courage and Conviction: America, you have the power how will you use it?"

         Well, it has been nine months since I first began writing about the election and it has been a literary "roller coaster" to say the least. I have learned so much about the candidates, my country, and most importantly who I am as an American. Today the vision and direction of America changes for we are about to embark on a journey filled with an outlook of "hope". I encourage each and everyone of you to vote and do this not just for yourselves but for every life that your vote will impact. In the words of John F. Kennedy, "For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”

Life is a journey that is pre-destined; it has a beginning, climax, and ending.  As we age we enter new chapters discovering our purpose and intent; few individuals master this discovery. For those individuals the rewarding manifestations of life’s climatic ending are the things legends are made of. Armed with the courage and conviction to re-mold the way we view as well as react to issues that we face as Americans is a power that we all possess. 

After today, American citizens will never be the same for today should be considered “Super Tuesday”. Never in recorded history has there ever been such a sense of urgency in participation of our country’s direction as there is now.  The number of people voting for the first time, those actively becoming aware of issues that have direct impact on their lives whether it be  healthcare or taxes, you name the issues run ten miles long. The final pitch now must come from you the American voter.  As the winds of change shift direction, which way will you go? 

 For me personally this is a decision I have had to deal with for quite some time. I am open-minded, opinionated, and head strong a lethal combination in any debate. But this election is very special to me for it brings forth challenges in one of most important decisions I will make this year.  "I know who I am voting for and this is why?"

Some say this should be obvious, Barack Obama, hands down others will argue, without a doubt. Being from a city built on a US Air force base I have those who will say, "John McCain". Truth is they both represent things that are great importance to me. 

Barack Obama, who is a breath of fresh air for America, has the charisma of JFK and the energy of Bill Clinton. He is a vivid symbolism of much needed change in America.  I became familiar with Senator Obama through friends of mine from Chicago who raved about the "Senator from Chicago ". In my hunger to know everything about everything, I began to follow stories and information on the Senator.  I found him to be intriguing as well as enlightening on so many levels.  He is a bi-racial attorney, turned elected official, who grew up in Hawaii, currently lives in Chicago, and is now making a run for the White House.  That is such a minor snapshot to say the least, but his is a life that great American legacies are made of.

I know most are wondering where Senator McCain comes into play. Well, in the past election Senator McCain represented a "renewed hope" that America so greatly needed and in some ways still does. A POW during the Vietnam War he understands firsthand the horror that our military faces on a daily basis: from the dream of serving your country to the realization that war is more of a nightmare than a dream. He is truly of all the candidates one who can in my opinion effectively bring home our armed forces and develop a sensible means in which to do so.  Am I saying I agree with all the views that Senator McCain stands for? Most certainly not. What I do appreciate is dedication to the military, what it really means to this country, and his efforts to preserve the mission of the armed forces. 

His current choice in VP leads many to believe whether or not he is still being held as a POW. No need to speak on Sarah Palin or her individual performance today for it speaks for itself.  To elaborate or reiterate what we have all seen since June, could only compare to a re-run of a bad sitcom, enough said.

Both candidates bring to America aspects we have not seen in recent history to the forefront of our electoral process, which is in part why it is so hard for many. However they both have aspects that continued to be played out in the media in particular that have most voters swaying in the "winds of resistance". Elections are very similar to Spanish novellas, they are long, introduce to a gambit of a cast, having twists and turns to the plot, then after 13 hours or so the climax and then it’s over. Just like novellas, elections can become a lengthy process where you can switch to a different program and then return to the program and they are still address the same story line from thirty minutes ago! By now you have heard the spiels from the candidates so much they begin to seem like songs that you can't get out of your head.

The big debate for a lot Democrats will be effective change.  This change can come with Senator Obama who would be fairly new to many issues facing an American President; he will be backed by a seasoned Senate. These are key factors for many for this will very well make or break the nation. There are also other key pin points for both that we must consider.

Healthcare, the economy, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, education, you name it we each have our laundry lists.  The advantage that Democrats will have if Senator Obama is elected is a majority in the Senate; 51-49 over Republicans in addition Democrats also hold an edge in Congress 235-199.

I have tapped the tip of the iceberg on some of the things running through the minds of millions today. From immigration to humanitarian efforts, as I stated earlier elections are a lot like Spanish novellas, you change the channel for thirty minutes, change it back and it seems as though they are still on the same topic.  So there is no need to review what you have already heard debated time and time again for nearly 2 years now.  As Americans what we must review, as well as remember, is the power in our vote. It is one of the greatest powers that you can have, for it can be obtained and utilized by every citizen. The key thing is you have to use it.

Before we can be swayed by the winds of change in any direction we must educate ourselves on the processes to execute this right. Educate yourself on the issues, examine the candidates, and weigh in on what is important to you, to your family, to your future. This is a critical time in present day America. Each of us has what it takes to be influential in the process of "progress". 

     If you are still wondering after reading this what my mission is, well here goes.  I see the trials facing America for I live in the midst of them daily. I play witness to the many cries of both Democratic and GOP supporters. My goal is to educate, empower, and encourage voter participation. Who will I vote for?  I am not torn today as to who or what to vote for, for I stand in my decision to vote for “Change We Need”………..