As much as I have studied the candidates in this current election, I've found that you can never have too much information. This is especially true when there are books that are published in order to shed a little light on the stances of particular persons running in political races.
Late last fall, I had bought such a book about Senator Barack Obama, called Barack Obama: In His Own Words (2007). I think it is a good resource for people who are interested in actually reading what Mr. Obama says instead of hearing other sources interpret his words. Especially after the latest attempts by the MSM to distort his record, abilities and his speeches, it is always nice to go back to check what he says in order to see if they apply to one's principles and ideals.
After all, this election cycle is the most important in an age. And as my mom says, to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
To make things simple, I would like to post several important quotes Mr. Obama uttered that really were thought-provoking to me. See if you agree.
First of all, for good measure, here is the bibliographical reference to the book of the quotes I'd like to feature:
Barack Obama: In His Own Words. Rogak, Lisa., ed. New York: Carroll & Graf, 2007.
He spoke about bipartisanship in the October 2, 2006 edition of New York Magazine:
"To Me, the issue is not are you centrist or are you liberal? The issue to me is, Is what you're proposing going to work? Can you build a working coalition to make the lives of people better? And if it can work, you should support it whether it's centrist, conservative or liberal."
--Barack Obama: In His Own Words, pg. 15.
This is when he was interviewed about the books that inspired him in the October 26, 2006 Chicago Tribune:
"I remember reading [Studs Terkel's] Working when it first came out and just finding that very powerful. What struck was to reveal the sacredness of ordinary people's lives. That everybody has a story. And I think Studs is terrific at drawing out that shimmering quality of people's everyday struggles."
--Barack Obama: In His Own Words, pg. 17.
These are his thoughts on foreign policy of which I found particular interest. This comes from a speech to the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations in July 2004:
"American leadership has been a mighty focus for human progress. The steady march of democracy and free enterprise across the globe speaks to the steadfastness of our leadership and the power of our ideals. Today we face new and frightful challenges, especially the threat of terror. Never has it been more important for America to lead wisely, to shrewdly project power and wield influence on the behalf of lib erty and security. Unfortunately, I fear our once great influence is waning, a victim of misguided policies and impetuous actions. Never has the U.S. possessed so much power, and never has the U.S. had so little influence to lead."
--Barack Obama: In His Own Words, pg. 45.
His stance on war is rather provacative and profound, especially during an October 26, 2002 anti-Iraq War rally:
"The consequences of war are dire, the sacrifices immeasurable. We may have occasion in our lifetime to once again rise up in defense of our freedom, and pay the wages of war. But we ought not--we will not--travel down that hellish path blindly. Nor should we allow those who would march off and pay the ultimate sacrifice, who would prove the full measure of devotion with their blood, to make such an awful sacrifice in vain."
--Barack Obama: In His Own Words, pg. 157.
The last quote I would like to feature is on the stance of race. It was taken from Charles Barkley's book, Who's Afraid of a Giant Black Man?. I found that Mr. Obama's statement regarding race rather provacative:
"Race is a continuing and enormous factor in American life. Always has been. It's sort of the fundamental stain on American life. What is also true is usually American people are more decent than a lot of folks give them credit for. Even when conflicts arise, you sometimes get the sense that they're busy, they're tired, they're stressed."
--Barack Obama: In His Own Words, pg. 135.
In the end, I find Mr. Obama to be distinct, erudite and thought-provoking in his views on various subjects. Reflecting on the original intent of his words have helped me to discern how to perceive his service on the particular issues I have during this election.
No politician's life can be singularly reduced to the sound-bytes of the MSM, friend or foe. It would be a mistake to dismiss them as such when it comes to voting at the ballot box. Consequently, to delve into the past statements, voting records and positions helps to make a clear and cogent decision of the most important Presidential election in years.
What do you think?
--politicalceci