Basch Jernigan

America’s presidential race is being discussed with tremendous excitement not only across this nation, but the world.

With the Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, and the Republican candidate, John McCain our country is participating in a historic race.

And with this excitement comes heated discussion.

If you happened to miss the presidential debates, Obama still stands strong on his original platform for change, and McCain remains firm on his veteran outlook for a victory in Iraq.

This fiery race will be concluding soon on Nov. 4. So far, results from public opinion seem to favor Obama in the debates (I welcome anyone who wants to submit opinions to the contrary), and his support outside of our country is also overwhelming (remember the incredible crowds for Obama’s speech in Berlin?).

Will Obama continue to gain enough support from American citizens to claim the presidency this November?

Possibly, in fact, where one issue previously swayed groups of voters, some people are taking a broader look at make-or-break issues.

For example, in some areas of the country church officials are speaking up on the importance of considering broader views of “life”, rather than only the current pro-choice or pro-life stance.

This moral issue is being expanded to include concerns about loss of life from war, poverty, lack of health care, poor prenatal education, poor child care, and includes programs aimed at reducing abortion rates.

All of these concerns could be considered “pro-life”.

I am an Obama supporter.

Can I say this above a whisper?

Driving around Gulf Shores neighborhoods I am struck by the number of McCain/Palin signs.

I get the feeling that since I disagree with the obvious majority in this area I shouldn’t speak up.

What will people say? How will I be treated? But my belief in freedom of speech (even if unpopular) is so strong I must forge ahead.

So I am openly declaring my support for Obama, and asking for an important response: tolerance.

Say what you may — this world is changing. Though certain issues may be important to us (women’s choice, Iraq war, right to bare arms, etc.), we must rise above one main issue and take a global view.

We cannot stamp out all of our enemies, or get everyone to believe in our God.

We must use communication, tolerance and finesse.

And we must work together with other world communities to contain terrorism. There is no doubt that we are a global community connected and interdependent with the world community.

That’s why I want Obama for our next president. I believe he represents the way of the future. He is a brilliant man with a world view. He contains a little piece of us all. He’s part black, part white, has lived in Indonesia, Hawaii, and the U.S. and has traveled extensively. He understands all the religions (yes, his father was Muslim) and the violence and intolerance radical religions can produce.

Maybe he’s enough of a blend to unify this country. Wouldn’t that be something?

I’m not trying to change your beliefs. I’m just asking you to think.

I believe you and I are like most people: we’re doing our best to make a life for ourselves and get along. Maybe it’s time to stop arguing and accept we all have different point of views on the way to run things.

If we can look at our similarities, there’s hope. Allow me my opinion, and I will respect and listen to yours.

So, before you ask your parents who’s the good guy or the bad guy, just take a moment to mull things over in your mind about each candidate and see what sounds good to you.

Honestly, I think McCain is a great man and a very courageous war hero, but I believe what our country needs most right now is a different approach to the problems we’ve inherited.

But I welcome your response. Please, let’s be different from this generation of adults who are so angry and polarized. Let’s agree to work together to fix our country so desperately in need of repair. Let’s have real dialogue. After all, we are the future voters and decision makers for this country! I hope to see Obama driving down Pennsylvania Avenue this January. What do you hope to see?

Basch Jernigan is a ninth grade student at Gulf Shores High School. His column is published in The Islander once a month. He welcomes all questions, comments and opinions and can be reached at basch@gulftel.com.