Obama's Hope Message, Effecting More Than Voter Turnout

Those too old to remember what it feels like to believe in that which has not yet been achieved, to picture what isn’t yet there, to ponder the unthinkable may find it hard to grasp onto Barack Obama’s message of hope and change. His message, as he travels around the country is infused with youthful and optimistic rhetoric which is then combined with insightful pragmatic positions that speak to the most daunting problems of our time, and it’s no surprise that this refreshing style of politicking and campaigning has sparked a nation wide movement spurred by our countries youth.

We young people have a special ability, a rare commodity that hasn’t yet succumbed to the plight of cynicism – we have the ability, which ironically is fueled by our desire for change, to maintain hopefulness and search out inspiration. We haven’t been lulled into conformity, apathetically living through the discolored motions of our day to day lives. Barack Obama and his encouraging oratory demand the attention of our countries youth – those with the ability to rise above the fray and experiment with optimism are called to be this countries next generation, dared to break up the monotony of status quo.

Obama recently gave a speech in Iowa where he identified the possibility of change through the gumption and organization of small groups of people. He spoke of how those who choose to act can eventually with hard work and determination fight and effect positive change in the uneven and evolving fight between the powerless and the powerful. He spoke of how we can all in fact change the world. To some that may not mean a lot but to an optimistic youth those words can change lives, and inspire great things. This message may be the ticket for what Obama needs to get him into the White House, but recently I’ve been thinking that this could also be the start of a much larger movement.

This movement of change and hopefulness inspiring young people to get involved in the governmental process could take off in ways that transcend the ballot box. November 2008 will be marked off in the history books as being the year where the young people (18-27) decide the election, where the youth make their voices heard, and if Barack wins the nomination it could cement this countries youth in obligation for service, commitment and philanthropy sparked not by mandate or statute, but by our countries most jaded generation. As in 1961 when President Kennedy initiated the countries first broad based, multinational volunteer program (the Peace core) and asked all of to ask ourselves what we could do for our country, perhaps an Obama presidency would mark the beginning of the end for my generation’s apathy and “why me” mentality and instead begin to foster an urgency of engagement an a “why not me” attitude”.

Iown townhall meeting - December, 2007

"One voice can change a room, and if it can change a room it can change a town, and if it can change a town it can change a state, and if it can change a state it can change a nation and if it can change a nation it can change the world, your choice can change the world, your choice can change American."