Change

I waited with Benoc last night for three hours in a line that extended from the World Trade Center all the way down Seaport Boulevard, snaking down Sleeper Street and back up Northern Avenue, then curling back on itself down Northern all the way out over the bridge. I waited with thousands of people in a relatively mild night for February in New England, but in a cold that nevertheless numbed the extremities. I waited for a chance to see Barack Obama speak.

The Massachusetts politicos were there in full effect: Senators Kerry and Kennedy, Governor Patrick; Caroline Kennedy was on stage showing her support; and of course, the man of the hour, Senator Barack Obama.

He gave an eloquent, impassioned speech that was not canned or riddled with the usual clichés. He was genuine, intelligent, and charismatic, and he provided us with a positive vision for the future. Not simply an anti-George Bush candidate (although he made mention of that fact), but a man who appears determined to change the abortive nature of politics in this country. He spoke of regaining America's moral authority in the world. He presented his ideas for domestic reform and social programs that I support, and that I believe are necessary, and morally right, and will contribute toward improving an imperfect America. He also gave the audience an injunction: that this will not be easy, that it will take hard work and sacrifice on the part of every American.

He dismissed the critics' claims that he lacks the experience for the job. And those claims ring false with me as well. Experience per se does not an effective president make. The President is a symbol as much as or even more than he is the executive of our government. He should lead, and inspire, and provide a unifying force behind America's factious people. It seems to me that a noble character and an appeal to the very idealism on which this country was founded would be a far better choice to lead this country than a candidate mired in years of Washington bureaucracy and ineffective partisan politics. The status quo must change, and I sincerely believe that Obama has the drive and ability to do just that.

For the first time in nearly a decade of my being an eligible participant in this great democracy of ours, I am excited about a candidate. I want to vote. I believe that I have an opportunity to help correct the course that our ship of state is on. For the first time in my life I will vote in the primary election, and I will vote for Senator Barack Obama to win the Democratic nomination. And then I will vote for this man, who I believe can help us bring about positive change, to be the next President of the United States of America.

Yes We Can.