I am writing to urge your paper to endorse Senator Barack Obama for president. Obama’s message of one America working together to solve our problems should have special resonance in Alexandria, with its diverse population and strong history of civic engagement.
Obama’s appeal is broad, cutting across lines of race, gender, age, religion and ethnicity. I have read many articles in support of Obama but believe that Caroline Kennedy said it best, when she endorsed Obama in the New York Times on January 28. She wrote:
” Most of us would prefer to base our voting decision on policy differences. However, the candidates goals are similar. They have all laid out detailed plans on everything from strengthening our middle class to investing in early childhood education. So qualities of leadership, character and judgment play a larger role than usual.
Senator Obama has demonstrated these qualities throughout his more than two decades of public service, not just in the United States Senate but in Illinois, where he helped turn around struggling communities, taught constitutional law and was an elected state official for eight years. And Senator Obama is showing the same qualities today. He has built a movement that is changing the face of politics in this country, and he has demonstrated a special gift for inspiring young people known for a willingness to volunteer, but an aversion to politics to become engaged in the political process. . . .
I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.”
The future is at stake and we can’t afford more of the same. I look forward to reading the next issue of the Alexandria Times!
Laura Plaze
Alexandria
