“Why I am supporting Barack Obama” by Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale

Two years ago, I was first introduced to Senator Barack Obama through his book, The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on reclaiming the American Dream. In the opening chapter, this assertion arrested me, “most people in America live with such modest hopes. They want a job that pays a living wage, a genuinely good education for their children and the opportunity for those same children to go to college even if their parents aren’t rich. People want to live in communities that are safe from criminals and a country secured against terrorists. They want clean air, clean water, time with their children, and the ability to retire with dignity and respect. People do not expect the government to do it all. They just want some help.”
In those few lines, Barack Obama had captured the essence of the average Americans hopes and dreams, stresses and struggles. In the rest of his book, his life, and platform as a candidate for the highest office in the land, he has given us a clearly articulated plan for how we as Americans and indeed our government can help all its citizens achieve their modest hopes and see their dreams come true.
Barack Obama stands for all that I believe in. I believe that the war on Iraq was a senseless war that never should have happened. I believe that the troops should be withdrawn as soon as possible. I believe that as a nation we should have universal health care, which 46 millions Americans should not have to live without healthcare. I believe that all children should have quality education and be afforded the opportunity to go to college. I believe that persons should have affordable housing. I believe that it is time for reform in Washington; we can no longer operate with business as usual with corporate greed and frivolous spending of tax dollars. This latest crash on Wall Street and the need for a $700 Billion bailout in addition to the rescue of Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, AIG and others has proven that. We need change!
As Pastor of a congregation, I stand before my people on Sunday mornings, with the awareness that I must be non partisan in my comments during this election. During the primary I advised my congregation to vote for Hope! Now I am asking them to vote for the change we need.

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale
Atlanta, GA