September 27, 2007

"OUR GREAT NATION"


Washington, DC (PoliticalJones.com) - The Democratic Party Presidential Primary has created an interesting set of choices for many African American elected officials.  For many, the decision to endorse either Senator Hilary Clinton or Senator Barack Obama has become a statement of loyalty to the African American community.

The fact that many believe Senator Obama has a legitimate chance of winning the nomination, and winning the general election has many people in the community wondering why there has not been a great rush by many African American elected officials to endorse his efforts.

Senator Clinton has long been thought of favorably in the African American community on her own merits.  Clearly, the love affair between her husband and the African American community has helped her gain early and strong support.  In 2008, she stands on her own, and many believe that judged on her own merits, she would make a great President.

Senator Obama entered the national political scene with great fanfare and support both within and outside of the African American community.  He has broken barriers that many African American politicians could only dream about. His life story and journey has been an inspiration for many in our country, and his supporters believe he is ready to lead this now.

With an election as important as this one, it has become a very intriguing dilemma for many, as they try to decide whom they will support.  Some have decided to support the other candidates running in the Democratic Primary, but the majority of the elected officials will endorse either Senator Clinton or Senator Obama.

Their reasons vary.  For some, it is a simple issue of loyalty to the Clintons or it is the issue of her experience on the national stage, which will sway them to support Senator Clinton.

For those who support Senator Obama, it is his effort to bring fresh ideas and a new vision to address the problems we now face.  They will also state that his experience as a sitting U.S. Senator, along with his personal history, give him credentials that many Presidents' both past and present have never had. 

Let’s be very frank, the undercurrents of racism and sexism are still real factors in our nation.  Most folks still whisper among friends and confidants, “Is America ready to elect a Woman or a Black Man to be President of the United States”?

In our great nation, questions of race and gender affect everything we do.  It is a fact that cannot be ignored.  The real question becomes, "Is America ready to grow up and move beyond the boundaries of what has always been acceptable?"

We are a great country.

In 2008, will we show the world how great we are?