why has it taken so long?

why has is taken so long for americans, or even north americans in general, to face some of the truths of the present day? the economy is in ruin. the environment is suffering. people are still hungry, sick, and dying. we are at war with our neighbours. this is not a position anyone wants to be in, and in order to get out of it we need to take action.

people has asked me why i so fervently support barack obama and the democratic ticket for office of the president this year, and i can say nothing but that he makes me believe that people are still willing to learn from mistakes and try to make a change for the better.

for clarification: i do not think he has all the solutions to the energy crisis; i do not think that he will be willing to put the middle east at peace in a day; i do not think that he will care for all americans in the way that they desire. however, i am inspired by his openness, and his authenticity. i feel that he is prepared to take criticism, research, ask questions, and make mistakes in order for him to move forward. he has more progressive ideas about alternative energy plans, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and redirecting market wealth back to the united states. he has said that every measure of diplomacy must be exercised before we engage in conflict with our neighbours, and that talking is important in conflict resolution. additionally, talking is important to avoid conflict in the first place. finally, he believes in justice and fairness, and the right of every individual to basic necessities, and even more, including opportunity to develop oneself.

if barack obama had been a white man, there would be no question who would be winning this election in november. i honestly believe that. but, if obama was white, i wouldn't like him any more than i already do. he could be an indo-chinese woman for all i care. he has the ideas and the attitude that i think international politics needs right now. it's not really as though they'd be doing anything special by electing him. there are already black leaders elsewhere in the world. there are women who run countries. there are even people of religious affiliations that are not christian... oh my word.

it is time to move forward. finally.