Time for another progressive shift

Every few decades, our country goes through a necessary progressive shift. Whether it was Lincoln freeing the slaves, Roosevelt’s New Deal, or Kennedy’s New Frontier, these presidents fought for their ideals in a nation divided, but persevered so that years later our nation could be better off. I truly believe that we are at one of those turning points right now. It’s possible that we were ready for that moment four years ago, but the messenger failed at delivering it to us. However, Barack Obama seems ready to spearhead a new wave of progressivism that will almost surely create more perfect union. If Obama is elected, and I think he will be (albeit barely), he will have the cumbersome task of uniting people to achieve a lofty set of goals. People criticize him for only being a great orator, but look at the aforementioned list of presidents, and think about what they have in common: they were all remarkable speakers. Their inspiring words, whether through speeches or fireside chats inspired and comforted a nation for the times ahead. In order to spark true change, individuals must be on board, which is precisely what the right words, delivered convincingly, can do. Decades from now, I hope that Obama’s legacy is not only one of breaking racial barriers but also one of universal health care and energy efficiency, and hopefully that legacy begins its formation tonight.