Obama, Oh Boy!

This morning from my couch in Boston I'm one of millions of bloggers who are saying one thing or another about the phenomenon of the Senator from Illinois.

Why is there such passion around him? Is he merely an icon of possibility, a sketch of hope clothed in the diversity of his color and personal history? Or, does he represent something else, something like what an educated person ought to sound like, or what a person of courage ought to behave like? His unique detachment from the foray of the ugliest political rhetoric makes him a magnet of abuse from the status quo. In short, he's dangerous to power hungry interests and he surely knows this, although he may not be able to overcome the perception that he's too hopeful, too idealistic and too green to face the enemy (whoever that is, but it's guaranteed to be always out there).

What does he represent to me, a woman, liberal, Democrat, just a year older than Hillary? He's growing into the role he may be destined to assume right before our eyes. The NYT has an article on this today.

Obama's unfolding story and compelling appeal goes something like this: be true to yourself and there's a possibility there worth fighting for. Fight long, fight hard, but don't give up the essential you. Trust the best in others and leave the rest behind. And then let the will of God, manifesting through the will of people, decide that if it's your time, so be it. Take it on with pride and joy.