Why America must be Inspired to Change in 2008. A MUST READ

From: James Parker [mailto:uhsavant@yahoo.com]

In this election, much has been made of the choice between experience and change, of substance and inspiration, and of dueling personalities. Supporters of one candidate or another agrue that the traits they posses are the better to win in November, or the better to govern the country come January. Both sides seem to have some good reasons for arguing as they do, and both claim common sense on their side. However, when dealing with complex problems, especially those involving the hearts and minds of human beings, common sense is rarely correct but by accident. While the parties may be closely divided on these questions, history is not.

We'll start with the question of Experience & substance vs. inspiration & personality. In 2000, Al Gore had the unqestionably superior resume and he lost to the man Who people simply liked better, who came across as more genuine, and who represented a change from the scandal and lack of core principles - real or percieved - of the Clinton Administration.

In 1992, America had the choice between a sitting President who's resume and qualifications for his office were as overwhelming as any in our nations history. George H.W. Bush was a WWII hero, a successful businessman, a congressman, The Director of Central Intelligence, a Senator, Vice-President, and a President who won a decisive, overwhelming victory in the Middle East of all places, something that has eluded many of the greatest leaders in history Included among them are King Richard the Lion Heart, Roman Emperor Trajan, and countless would be conquerors since the begging of time. And yet, when he faced a young man of 46 years, who's relatively paltry accomplishments were highlighted by his governorship of a small southern state called Arkansas, who had no foreign policy experience whatsoever, and who pushed a message of hope and change and connected with the people on an emotional level, It was the young governor - Bill Clinton - who emerged the victor, reminding america that "There is the right kind of experience, and the wrong kind of experience." Similarly, in 1980 and 1984 Ronald Reagan defeated his supposed intellectual superiors by landslide margins, because he touched the souls of the American people and made them believe in themselves and their country. The story is repeated throughout history. In 1960, in 1976, and in even 1932 (Herbert Hoover was a trained economist, didnt help him much in the depression election did it?)

We'll move on now to governing. Our greatest presidents have often been the least experienced. Regardless of what you think of the fairness of his economic policies, Ronald Reagan had countless foreign policy successes and was perhaps the last president to make effective use of America's soft Power. John F. Kennedy lead America through the Cuban missile crisis and beat Nikita Kruschev in a game of brinksmanship - not an easy task.

But there is another man whose lanky figure stands tall above all of the great inspirational leaders who have sat in the oval office and had to bear the cross of wartime leadership. This man had less political experience than any of the others we have examined, and perhaps less than any president, ever. This man was a lawyer who spent just 8 years in the Illinois State Legislature, and only one term - two years - in the U.S. Congress. This man assumed the presidency with the task of unifying a country that seemed on the verge of tearing itself apart. This man knew he would inherit problems of cultural disunity and rancorous partisanship. Security problems that posed a greater threat to our nations survival than any other before or since. This man's name was Abraham Lincoln. When the effort to save the Union had reached its lowest point , and the battle of Gettysburg had claimed as many Americans as 17 9/11s, his WORDS moved a nation - in a three minute speech - to maintain their resolve to end slavery and unite the nation.

The Inescapable conclusion of History is that inspiration is the absolute essence of leadership. Experience cannot inject the qualities of great leadership into a person who does not already possess them. So it should come as no surprise that I will vote for Barack Obama, the young lawyer from Illinois whose words can move a nation. So should you.

With love for country,

James Parker

P.S. Hillary may be tough, but John McCain is granite. If you try to beat him on toughness and experience, you'll lose. She may have been persecuted by republicans, but he was TORTURED by communists. The Only way to win this November is to be the party of change, to inspire and move our fellow Americans. We have the opportunity to define the policitcs of a generation. Lets Take it!