There was a time a few years ago when McCain looked like an attractive candidate for America. He was a maverick in regards to election funding, civil rights, choice etc. He seemed a conservative who actually had a social conscience and understood the importance of civil rights.

 There was never, however a time when McCain was anything but an orthodox disciple of the “free market”, “no regulation” gospel of faith. As a matter of fact McCain has always been a conservative who has sided with big business against the consumer and who has always promoted military bluster instead of diplomacy.  

His tolerance in regards to social issues long ago became a thing of the past. His full blown embrace of the religious right and of the culture wars have left nothing for a progressive minded voter to cling to.

His choice of Palin finally sealed the deal and placed McCain solidly and completely on the Bush / Cheney side of the Republican Party. His declarations on the choices that he would make to fill any vacancies to the Supreme Court have done away with any vestige of hope for tolerance.  

What we have left is a shadow of a man, oblivious of today’s issues, disconnected from the day to day lives and concerns of the majority of our citizens; a sad caricature of a politician who has made his home in the past and is peddling a worn out, raggedy old ideology.

 Obama has consistently taken the high road of inclusiveness and unity. His arguments are intelligent, clear and logical. His speeches hearken to the best in us; they give us a vision of a greater America, they inspire us to do our best for each other as well as for the future of our children.

Obama speaks of personal responsibility, of self reliance and fairness. His vision is void of the “us vs. them” divisiveness that has been the signature of the Republican Party since the Nixon years.   

We finaly have a strong capable leader who does not exhibit the disgusting wet noodle, indecisive leadership associated with so called  liberal candidates of the past. He is inspiring and refreshing; he represents a new opportunity for our wounded nation and for a nervous world.

The most conservative right wing administration in modern times, the Bush / Cheney experiment, has left our Nation devastated both within as well as without.

The choice before us is stark in its presentation; on one side we have been given a chance for prosperity and renewal under a leadership that fits the times; on the other we have the same old politics of fear and the trickle down ideology than has placed our nation on its knees.

Vote with the passion and determination that befits the occasion - for this is without doubt the most important election of our lives.