An Election of Extraordinary Importance · Feb 8, 11:02pm

Over the years, I have struggled to condense my thoughts, beliefs, and feelings into a strong political point of view. This is an odd feeling for me, as most people who know me will attest – developing strong opinions isn't typically a problem for me. As a result of my inability to find my political self, I have voted for candidates from the Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian parties in previous elections, and have never felt particularly moved by any of the men or women that I have helped to place in elected office.

In the years since September 11th, the political climate has changed drastically, bringing many ideas and feelings to the surface for me. I was in Hiroshima, Japan the day that the war in Iraq began, visiting the peace park and museum. I was able to see the consequences of our aggression, and take in the global reaction to our decision to go to war. I have never been the same. America used to be thought of as a great nation – a beacon of hope in the world. Now, we are a symbol of aggression, ignorance, and hubris.

I still believe that we live in a great nation. A nation of opportunity, hope, acceptance, and ideals. I want to be able to be proud of this country again. Today, I spent twenty minutes watching a video made by Lawrence Lessig, detailing his reasoning for choosing Barack Obama as his candidate of choice in the upcoming presidential elections. Lessig's thoughts on Barack Obama mirror my own, and provide a compelling argument as to why Barack Obama could be the most important figure in American politics in decades.

With all my heart, I encourage those of you who are on the fence about who is right for our country to take twenty minutes to watch Lessig's video:

Its time for a change – a new kind of politics – and the only candidate who understands that is Barack Obama.