Okay, rarely do I take time to write , let alone discuss my personal feelings or politics in person. However, we are standing at an unprecedented crossroads and I feel like I have to say a few things, so please indulge me. Rarely can one say that they are standing at the precipice of an historic moment. However, tomorrow at 12:00 the first African American President will be sworn in. Now, it's important to say that although Barack is African American (in fact a true mix of African and American) this fact is both historic and incidental. Barack has been , as Martin Luther King Jr said in his "I Have A Dream Speech", judged by the content of his character and not by the color of his skin. This point is important, because it not only speaks to America's ability to see past skin color, but it also speaks to Barack's amazing ability to unify and motivate people. Anyway, my main reason for writing is to express how completely overwhelmed I feel by history. My grand parents were share croppers. My mother was a counselor. My father not only an educator, but a story teller of African and African American fables. My father also owned the first African American owned bookstore in LA. He also founded the African American Studies departments at two major colleges. Abdulhamid Akoni was born on May 21st 1928 and was one of the greatest men I've ever known. He was charismatic, brilliant, and regal in bearing. He encouraged me throughout my entire career, and no one cheered more loudly at my achievements, or lamented more at my set backs. He was always willing to counsel not only his sons, but anyone who needed help. He loved his people and all mankind. Unfortunately, my father passed away in 1998 when I was 28 years old. I've reconciled the fact and although I miss him at times, I feel him around me at all times. Today, I know he's smiling. Not only will Barack be sworn in as the first African American president, but he's an intellectual who seeks consensus and enters the White House with a 84% approval rating. Today, on Martin Luther King Jr's 80th birthday, I played with Herbie Hancock and Josh Groban outside MLK's museum. Tomorrow I'll stand at Barack's inauguration. I'll be wearing a pin showing my support of the new president, but I'll also have a picture of my father. Not as a reminder to me, but as a reminder to people around me that many people contributed to this historic moment. It's important to state that my mother is no less impressive. I love her dearly, but she is still with us and will be at the inauguration as well. At some point, I'll express my feelings about her more clearly, but this blog has gone on long enough. Be good to one another.....Tariqh

Okay, so although I've read blogs from other people, I've never written one on my own. The reason? EVERYBODY MUST VOTE!!!!!

Regardless of your beliefs, or political affiliation, everybody needs to exercise their right to cast a vote. My mother traveled with the Freedom Riders in the south registering voters during the Civil RIghts movement. For us to ignore this fundamental right, is absolutely shameful. People have bled and died just for the opportunity to express their opinion. Although we consider it a right (and many take it for granted), in many countries they don't share this blessing.

Finally, although I hadn't meant this to be about my personal politics, I'll express (I'm sure to no one's surprise) that I'll be voting for Barack Obama in 3 days (I'm counting the minutes). My reasons are many, but here's the Reader's Digest version: I not only agree with Barack's policies on the economy and social programs, but I also believe that it's time we turned our back on the Bush doctrine of preemptive strikes. This has weakened our position as a world leader and dismantled whatever ethical cache we've built up over the years. In addition, we have a unique opportunity to elect a man that represents something bigger than himself, and can inspire a country (and subsequently the world) to strive for ideals like Hope and Freedom and Prosperity. This is not hyperbole. I believe that we as a HUMAN RACE have an obligation to our children and our brothers and sisters around the world.

Anyway, I'm climbing off of my soap box. Please... VOTE. This may be the most important election of our lifetimes. Don't stand silent. Don't turn around when your children and grandchildren ask whom you voted for in this historic election and answer: "Well, the lines were too long so I didn't vote..!!!"

Love one another, and be good to each other.

Tariqh


EDIT:

Hi guys, thanks so much for your responses. First off, GO VOTE!!! Secondly, I've received responses from both sides of the aisle. I've chosen to only post those that have a positive message versus those that I feel run down the other candidate (either candidate). If you'll notice, I never said anything overtly negative about John McCain in my post. I have a great deal of respect for him, and although I'm a lifelong liberal, thought that if he'd ran in 2000, I might have voted for him. For those of you that are voting McCain/Palin, I have no problem posting your responses if they are POSITIVE McCain as long as they are not negative Obama (and vice versa). I don't like the mudslinging and party lines, so I'd rather hear WHY you are voting for McCain or Obama versus why you WON'T vote for the other candidate.

Thanks all. T