Inspired to serve – Omaha World-Herald
On Monday, October 24th, Senator Barak Obama will speak in Omaha at a “Lunch for the Girls” (a fundraiser supporting Girls Inc). The event is completely sold out. Although I’m not a girl, I have the good fortune of being able to attend the event.
I still remember the first time I heard the name Barak Obama. I was in Chicago during Spring Break 2004 (which was also the weekend before the Illinois primary). Since the Illinois senate seat was open, each party had competitive primaries. It seemed like there were a hundred candidates, and each candidate was running TV commercials around the clock.
Barak Obama, the candidate, caught my eye – but I wish it were for different reasons. Senator Obama stood out to me because he looked different then everyone else, and he had a very unique name. At that time, I thought his name was a huge liability because it looked foreign and his last name looked like “Osama.”
It’s amazing what can happen in a year and a half. Who knows, maybe he’ll be the president one day.
Ryan,
I also remember the first time I heard Senator Obama speak it was in Boston with Jeff and Chad at the Fleet Center for the DNC Convention.
His speach was inspiring it made me proud to be Black. It made me proud to be a Democrat. I remember turing to Chad and saying , “You’ll be able to say I saw the First Black President of the United States when he was running for the U. S. Senate.
Everyone in the Fleet center had goose bumps. The crowd was electrified and during intermission everyone talked about what a great speech it was.
It was defintely an experience I will not forget.
Too bad I’m not in Girls Inc.
Robin,
I agree. I wasn’t at the Fleet Center but I watched him at home. To my surprise I had a room full of teenagers listening as well. He inspired them to get involved.
At least we know we have a leader from our generation. I just wish we could produce Democrats like that here in Nebraska.
The mere sound bites I’ve heard from Obama excite me, I think I may hang outside the building where he is speaking next week just to be in the presence of greatness. I look forward to being able to work on his presidental campaign once he is ready to take that step deeper into the history books!
It is good to see someone young and energetic talk some sense. Hopefully, he will not be attacked and crucifed by the media, Republicans and our system. I wish him the best of luck but I am fearful for his future because this country has a nasty history when it comes to people with vision. We do not need another martyr.
His speach in the Democratic National Convention 2004 made me cry. I felt so proud to be an American. I cann’t wait to see him in office
OneLove
Sadly, this media creation is already in office, Mohamed….that makes people who want smaller government and less wealth distribution cry.