YES.WE.CAN

Hard to believe, but I am a political junkie. Every single issue facing us as individuals or as a society can be traced back to the policies enacted by our politicians, and as such, I believe it's everyone's responsibility to know and keenly follow what is going on in politics and take an interest in issues that affect our lives. Never in my years spent following politics have I felt this happy and hopeful for a country. Indeed, I was afraid to do the one thing that Senator Obama encouraged his supporters to do: BELIEVE. Yet, here he is tonight, making his nomination speech.

For obvious reasons, this is a historic moment in this country. The fact that an African American man is running competitively to become the next president of the world's superpower is amazing and truly meaningful, not just for Senator Obama's supporters, but for every single person in America as this reflects on yet another chapter in our history. If you are a black person living in America and have tried to explore territory that is primarily considered "white", then I'm sure you can have a personal appreciation for what Senator Obama's victory could potentially mean. Whether it's at work in corporate America, or in other institutions where your skin color subconsciously raises eyebrows as to whether or not you "really" know what you're doing. I feel hopeful that perhaps this will open a door to improve race relations in this country and encourage more minorities to step out of their comfort zones and aim higher; and those that do, I hope this opens a door for them to be evaluated more objectively based on their qualifications, rather than stereotypes based on skin color.

And so tonight, I join all of Obama's supporters in saying CONGRATULATIONS. As much as I would have loved to see a woman take that mantle, it's obvious that we don't have the right candidate for that yet. Ladies, our time will come. For now, I'll bask in the knowledge that the economy and healthcare (especially healthcare, where my passion lies) in this country will be greatly improved in the next few years should Obama become president.

I look forward to August 28, on the 45th anniverssary of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech. I look forward to hearing what Senator Obama has to say on that day, and how he will honor the King, who helped pave way for this day.