Open Letter about Change

This morning when I went to get my coffee I saw the front page headline proclaiming Barak Obama the candidate representative for the DNC. Something about reading that overwhelmed me and had me fighting back strong emotions. I’ve been following this election closely and like most have been totally inundated, over informed and misinformed about the numbers, the policies and super delegate hold out. I havent been so interested in politics since Bill Clinton took office for his first term. Why does this capture the imagination of so many of us, obviously that a woman and an mixed race man is at the center of it all but for me it is the potential to send a resounding message of change across the globe. Personal change, ideological and political change. This isnt chump change as advertised, I believe the effect wether Obama wins or not is evident in the momentum in the personal lives of those of us who aspire to push forward new ideas and hopes for greater ones tomorrow. My disbelief and bitterness in Government like many is not a blanket judgement, I believe there are some officials that do fight the good fight for us and the world at large, what the change in leadership can bring is the promise of a return to some of our founding principles, in fact since Obama is well verse in Constitutional Law he may overturn some of the biases legislation passed by the previous Administration, I feel its imperative that he do so.

Writing this I cant help but think of my Grandma, Mother and Dad, Puerto Rican immigrants who came to the states in the 1950s. I was born in the Civil Rights era in Spanish Harlem. One could not imagine what life had in store for me or the rest of the world for that matter. My Mom was a die hard Democrat, she was in love with Kennedy and the promise of Democracy. Every election wether local or national she went to the booth with 5 kids in tow. I didnt understand her hopes and belief in the process since everything around us was caving in, schools failed us, cops betrayed us, the welfare offices judged us, where was her reservoir of hope I wondered, against all this opposition? She died hopeful yet broken hearted in too many pieces for me to reclaim, I know that ultimately she did want change if not for herself for her grandkids, I didnt understand it much and maybe I wont but what is certain is that she lived and died seeking out a change and a chance.

I’ve seen alot in my short life but could I have foreseen this the day when a mixed race candidate had a real shot to lead America? NO! My reservation about America’s youthful arrogance betrays my hope somewhat. Still we have come further and farther than most expected and must remember its a process that takes great will and collective support. Could this sweeping enthusiasm sustain itself when the harsh realities of a Primary run? NO! Like I said America is a youthful and arrogant country which still has a hard time embracing her recent history and indifference’s. America still eats its young! Hey but guess what? the young are biting back. What I hope for myself and my friends is that we embrace this moment as a genuine change agent for us and within our immediate circle of influence. In particular through the arts we could use this energy to re-imagine the impressions of our time. I see it happening to me and I see it coming in another form in the future. I know the catalyst for me has been the result of listening to Obama and the other candidates, these debates resonate not because of the political rhetoric but because of how it forces you to be present in your life and day to day struggles. These guys cant change everything but they can make you take a closer look at where you’ve been and where you want to go. Change you can own.