Barack's American Promise: Can We Have The Cake And Eat It Too?

By Alex Shahparnia | Ashahparnia@gmail.com

August 28, 2008

-DENVER- Barack Obama marched in front of the screens which projected his past, and stood firmly towards an audience that not only awaited, but anticipated his future.

In a lengthy and assertive speech, the democratic presidential nominee stood before thousands of attendees and delivered what I would assume to be his "American Promise."

But "What is that promise?"

Well for starters, lets define Barack's "American Promise" as his aspirations and visions for America if an Obama presidency was to occur. But is Obama's "American Promise" too ideal for America? Can he really persuade the American public that we may have both the icing and the cake?

Hmm...
Don't get me wrong, it was a beautiful speech. I got the goosebumps about 100 times. It promised less governmental interference, individual liberty, job growth, energy independence in 10 years, stronger education, senate like health care for uninsured Americans, new tax codes in favor of the working class, aggressive but diplomatic foreign policies, national unity...(running out of breath? maybe your catching my drift by now).

Granted I am an optimistic person, this "Promise" is overflowing my cup of tea. After the entire speech, I had a hard time digesting all of these dreams and aspirations.
Is this Change or is this Revolution? More and more I'm finding it harder to find an answer to this question.

Let me know what you think. Can Obama put on his cape and really accomplish his "American Promise?"

Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi? Why Clinton supporters must compromise

By Alex Shahparnia | Ashahparnia@gmail.com
August 27, 2008

DENVER- "Whether you voted for me, or you voted for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose,"..."We are on the same team, and none of us can afford to sit on the sidelines. This is a fight for the future. And it's a fight we must win together." - Hillary Clinton

Unity. Party Unity. Two words Democrats have been struggling to incorporate within their agenda for the presidential duel. Last night at the D.N.C, Hillary Clinton walked upon the stage with what would hopefully correct this mishap.

But halfway through Hillary's speech I became puzzled.
Why was her thesis about unity in the first place? Weren't conventions already a tool to gather people who share a common interest?

Ah... it was because a portion of Clinton supporters still found it difficult to support the presumptive presidential candidate, Barack Obama.

Now in order to gather my thoughts about this issue, I had to imagine how it would feel to be one of the steadfast Clinton supporters. Heres my simple vision.

Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi?

I walk into a restaurant that serves Chinese food, simply because its my favorite food. When I am greeted by the waiter, I request my beverage: a Diet Coke.
"I'm sorry sir, but we carry Diet Pepsi, is that alright with you?"
Now heres where I am faced with two obvious decisions.
1. I can compromise and accept that Diet Pepsi is the closest beverage to Diet Coke. After all I need to watch my sugar.
OR
2. I can grow stubborn and decide to order a Root Beer, filled with sugar and undeniably further from my interest of watching my glucose levels.

Being such a devoted fan of Diet Coke, I decide that Diet Pepsi is not the soda I wanted and opt to drink a Root Beer instead.
Make much sense? Not to me.

Clinton supporters, I know it is difficult to be deprived of your presidential hopeful, but is it so difficult to compromise with what option you have left? Is John McCain, a republican, so much closer to Clinton's platform than Barack Obama?

If Democrats are looking to win their bid for the White House, I think it is about time they throw these petty differences away and COMPROMISE. If Clinton supporters cannot throw their support and vote behind Barack Obama, I purely believe any resentment is truly personal and selfish. Your primary support should be to the party you are so passionate about, because it is this certain party that you believe will protect and govern the American population correctly and fairly.

Compromise. It may be different, but it is not difficult.