Endorsing Obama

I was reading Colin Powell's comments today regarding why he supported Obama and it suddenly became clear to me why I admire him (both of them, really). It is because they are inclusive. It is because they are not divisive. It is because they are thoughtful in their search for truth and meaning and will listen to all sides and points of view without dismissing them out of hand and may even incorporate them into their own belief system. It is because they keep their chronies as friends, but that doesn't mean that they owe them their vote or a job or expect that from them in return. It is because they actually earn the respect of their peers and country not inherit or expect it to be served to them with their silver spoon. Because they transcend party lines, race and age barriers or at least blur them. Because they look at the facts and the issues and steer away from personal attacks and divisive politics. because, because, because.....

I actually teared up in the middle of reading Powell's comments which so simply stated his reasons he chose Obama and all of them had to do with the above sentiment that basically we are one country and need someone level-headed and thoughtful who can bring that country together. They were tears of relief that finally we may have found a leader who may actually be able to accomplish that come-to-the-table together and solve the issues mentality and set party politics aside for the greater good of the country. For the first time it felt like a fundamental change in politics as usual that we have waited for for a long time. Change that I can believe in.