I support Obama, but...

Hillary Clinton conceded earlier today, leaving Barack Obama at the head of the ticket to go against McCain in November. I voted for Obama in the Texas primary, went to the precinct caucus to vote for him again after the poles closed, and I fully expect to vote for him in the general election.

Like many, I am excited by the prospect of a eloquent, inspiring young African-American in the White House, though the thought of a woman in the top spot would also be a welcome breakthrough. Still, there's something missing.

I like the idea of voting for someone who does not support unprovoked wars in principle, but I wish I had a chance to vote for one who hadn't already promised to back Israel's claim to even the Arab areas of Jerusalem. Most of the Arab people who heard that promise cannot vote for or against him, but they won't forget it, and the cause of a lasting peace was not served.

At this incredible point in history, I would absolutely love to be able to cast a vote in favor of a candidate who understood the concept of sustainability, someone who might lead the rest of the world towards energy, environmental, and food supply solutions instead of marching us toward the cliff.

So far in this campaign, the American electorate has been exposed to the idea of a Black president and a woman president. Neither idea seems to be as scary to anyone as it was just a few short years ago. It seems that we have acheived a bit of an important change in consciousness, but again, I am left wanting something more.

Is it too much to ask, here in a land shaped probably more than any other by the principles of Freethought, that I might have a chance before I die to hear a candidate reach out to the religion-free community? How cool would it be if an atheist actually became the nominee of a major party!

We have a lot of work to do...

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."

bfa