BARACK SAYS “ENOUGH!”

Last night, Barack said “Enough!” to the shame, disgrace and utterly failed policies and leadership of George Bush, and the low-down, small-minded and stale record and campaign of John McCain. And I said “WOW!”

It is hard to avoid cliche-ridden testimony of last night’s spectacular acceptance of the Presidential nomination, since so much has already been said repetitively concerning the brilliance of his oratorical ability and his talents in spellbinding a crowd. So, enough said on that score. On substance, he was more detailed than he has been: enumerating point after point after point of the kinds of policy changes he would like to make as President. On “values”, he was proud and strong, refusing to allow Bush, McCain and the Republicans to claim a monopoly on patriotism and love and country. I LOVED the fact that finally, finally, finally, here was strong Democratic voice at the top of the ticket who took it “mano y mano” to McCain, and made no bones about the fact that he’s giving up no turf, shying away from no issue, and ready to fight for what’s right. In that one word “enough”, he was really saying “cut the crap” in telling the Republican propaganda machine you’re full of it, and you can take your bull you know where.

Once again, it was inspiring. Those few of you who know me well, know that I can be a very sentimental guy. And I confess, perhaps the energy of the race so far and this season of importance has been getting to me. But I found myself teary-eyed before Barack began to speak. I’ve already admitted that months and months ago, Barack was not my favored candidate. He is more centrist in his views and policy beliefs than I, and I am far more “left wing” than Obama. I recall a time around “Super Tuesday” when it seemed either he or Hillary could win the nomination and, neither being my favorite, I found myself feeling, well, okay, either one would be fine, all things considered. History-in-the-making no matter who would win, and either one would at least chart a new course and begin to reclaim America from the damage of the last eight years. It was only as the primary race continued, and my admiration for him grew, that I became a “Barack supporter.” So while the speech last night was not a “liberal” speech, it was an inspiring speech. Above all, as he’s wont to do, Barack showed us what a good man he is, a man of intelligence, compassion, toughness and wise, reasoned judgement, someone who believes in the fundamental American principles of fairness and justice.

That the speech was given on the 45th anniversary of King’s “I Had a Dream” speech was almost like a full-circle dream within a dream. Surely, I’m not the only one that 8 or 9 months ago thought there was no way in hell Barack Obama could ever, ever get the nomination for the presidency. “The country is far too racist” to allow that, I thought at the time. Well, at least as far as the nomination goes, I was wrong. So far, so glad to be wrong. Now the national campaign will be something else, and who knows what will be? I am still leery of the “Bradley effect” and still question whether enough folks, who would otherwise support Obama on the issues, are willing to pull the proverbial lever for a Black man. I’ve spent the better part of my life appalled and amazed at the stupidity and prejudices and small-mindedness of our electorate. I could not believe that Bush could ever be elected in 2000 (well, I realize perhaps he wasn’t, i.e., the Supremes), nor could I ever in my wildest dreams believe that Americans would re-elect him in 2004. But they did. And every time I think I can’t be surprised again, I am. Sadly; tragically.

This time, though, after the speech — I had a quiet sense that this time, this time, America will get it right. That “good” will prevail and people will choose the wiser course. My intuition is usually pretty darn good. I can only hope that this time my “quiet sense” will be right.

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Zach Newman is a writer and political junkie. His “day job”, though, is as an experienced, reliable and trusted Realtor in the Portland area. He is a longtime member of PABA - Portland’s GLBT Chamber of Commerce. Call Zach at 503.287.8989 or visit his website at: http://www.equitygroup.com/zach.

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