Tired of an American government that sucks up to corporate lobbyists and doesn't care for its people? You must watch this video of Barack Obama at the California Democratic Convention. The transcript of the text for the speech is here.

Oh my, he is sharp, can speak eloquently, has an upstanding character, and is charismatic. When he says things, he acknowledges the real problems that exist in America and the world, and there are ideas there that actually flow (as well as a campaign speech can put together a full flow). George W. Bush's short stubby repetitive statements and declarations seem almost grunt-like in comparison.

"It’s time to turn the page.

It’s time to show the world that America is still the last, best hope of Earth. This President may occupy the White House, but for the last six years the position of leader of the free world has remained open.
It’s time to fill that role once more. Whether it’s terrorism or climate change, global AIDS or the spread of weapons of mass destruction, America cannot meet the threats of this new century alone, but the world cannot meet them without America. It’s time for us to lead.

It’s time for us to show the world that we are not a country that ships prisoners in the dead of night to be tortured in far off countries. That we are not a country that runs prisons which lock people away without ever telling them why they are there or what they are charged with. We are not a country which preaches compassion to others while we allow bodies to float down the streets of a major American city.

That is not who we are.

We are America. We are the nation that liberated a continent from a madman, that lifted ourselves from the depths of Depression, that won Civil Rights, and Women’s Rights, and Voting Rights for all our people. We are the beacon that has led generations of weary travelers to find opportunity, and liberty, and hope on our doorstep. That’s who we are."

"And it reminds us of a simple truth – a truth I learned all those years ago as an organizer in Chicago – a truth you carry by being here today – that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it."

“That’s how change has always happened – not from the top-down, but from the bottom-up.”

I want a president who is smart and charismatic, and can make change (for the good) happen. Watch this video, and tell your friends.

As for Hillary -- the war defending thing.... not so convincing or attractive. I wish she'd step down now and offer her support for him. An Obama ticket with Clinton, Edwards, or Kucinich would be a good thing.

Count me in the Obama camp, though I still think Kucinich has some really good things to say.

Again, watch this video, and tell your friends.

pax hominibus,
joel