"Choose Our Better History"

"If for no other reason, vote as if your children's future depends on it – because it does." (Rodney Atkins, country music platinum artist)

The very first memory I have of politics was that of February 1985 - I was seven - when the Philippines was in deep turmoil. I only have flashes in my mind, really... I remember waving two different campaign flags - one red and blue, and the other yellow and green - playing on the street with my brother and sister... I remember getting scolded by our mom - that we should get inside the house because we shouldn't be playing with those flags; it was a very dangerous time, she said... I have an image of my mom, knelt in front of the altar - my dad had gone to join the People Power - and she urged us to pray for his safety... I remember seeing on tv, the sea of thousands of men and women along EDSA... I remember trying to look for my dad on tv... I don't remember when my dad came home, but he eventually did...

Later on, I would learn more about the events that transpired during the time of the People Power Revoution and how it shaped the history of the Philippines. My dad had joined the revolution in order to topple the dictatorship that had ruled the country for 13 years. It was a bloodless revolution indeed, but remembering the fear and anxiety that I felt when my dad was away, fighting for the people's rights - that's when I first realized that freedom was not to be taken for granted... and that voting - which was taken away from the Filipino people for over a decade - was such a cherished right and responsibility.

I left the Philippines to immigrate to the United States with my family when I was 17 years old - five months shy from the privilege of voting. So when I became a U.S. citizen in 2006, the very first thing that I did was to register to vote.

This coming Tuesday, November 4, 2008, is my very first presidential election, so you can just imagine how thrilled I am to participate in this process! I have been particularly excited about Barack Obama. "When was the last time that you've been inspired by a politician? I mean really inspired?" as Obama's sister asked in an interview. I've followed the debates, read numerous articles, and watched campaign ads... and there were a few times during the debates and during the Obama infomercial when I choked and uttered a prayer of plea, "Lord, he is the leader that our nation needs today."

His vision of where the United States of America needs to go and the values that he will bring in order to get us there are truly inspiring. The careful selection of his running mate Joe Biden, and Obama's policies on energy independence, foreign affairs, taxation, health care, and education system, just struck a chord in me: "Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength." (St. Francis de Sales) Barack Obama is another shining example of hope in our fallen and broken world.

As my friend and I emailed to each other, it is not enough that we elect an individual who shares the same vision as we do; we must do our part in making sure that the mission is fulfilled. Barack Obama did claim that he is not a perfect person, nor will he be a perfect president. Yes, we still have difficult times ahead of us, but with a leader who will usher in the "Era of Responsibility" - that, for me, is the type of leader that is worth sticking the difficult times with.

A couple of weeks ago, Edward told me, "Mommy, our teacher asked who our parents are voting for. I raised my hand and said, 'Obama!'" As I was laughing with pride and delight, my mind flashed back to when I was playing with two different campaign flags in the Philippines - I was about Edward's age. And I thought, hey, maybe this will be his first memory of politics.

Dear Lord, You know what the future holds for the American people. I pray that whatever the election results are - better history or not - You may bless and keep in Your safety, Barack Obama, who has shown us a "once in a generation kind of leadership." Heal this country with Your love, through our elected officials - that our children and all future generations may see the power of Your saving grace. Amen.