The Endicott Enquirer News from the Southern Tier

Barack Obama Wins Democratic Nomination!

While not a surprise at now, Barack Obama has won the democratic nomination and we finally have a chance to hope once again. We have chance to believe that this country means something more than ourselves, it means more than money or keeping up with the spending of the people next door. We have a chance to believe that our country is once again a place where the middle class can look forward to the American Dream and not to the gluttony of wealthy robber barons.

Today I had the fortunate experience of hearing the great news anchor Dan Rather speak at the conference I am attending and it was a powerful experiencing. At the end of his presentation, he allowed the audience to ask questions and while we only got through three of them, the last question hit home with both him and myself. An attendee asked him why Americans should feel confident that our country has the ability to rise above the mess we are in now and once again become a "Full service superpower." He became noticeably emotional during his answer and it was a moving response. Mr. Rather stated that we can not underestimate the fundamental values that Americans hold so dear: education, work ethic, equal opportunity, welcoming new ideas, and unalienable human rights. What I realize now is that while Barack Obama is much younger than Mr. Rather, they are speaking about the same reasons to hope and strive for a better future. They both are advocating for the same thing, they both are asking us to refocus on the values that make this country great.

Don't be afraid to hope, don't be afraid for change, vote Barack Obama.