Obamamania

As many of you no doubt know, I am an avid supporter of now President-elect Barack Obama. Compared to friends like Saket and Mike (Lee), I was a little late in joining the Obamatrain simply because I did not know enough about then-candidate Obama at the end of 2007. It didn't take me long to become a fan and devoted supporter. I admire Barack Obama not only for his uplifting rhetoric, but his clear talent and vim for gathering the best minds together to tackle issue, and not surrounding himself with a coterie of yes-men and sycophants who lack both backbone and the will to approach matters objectively and intelligently (read George W. Bush). The star of the United States of America, my country and one of the finest nations on this great Earth, has lost much of its luster in the past decade, not just the last eight years. Compared to Bush, Clinton was a saint, but he left the White House smelling of scandal and shame that was later overpowered by the cloying odor of deeper and danker iniquities.

Enough of ranting at and criticizing the past. Every informed citizen of America knows how badly we need change in this country, and not just at the highest levels of government. I thought I'd draw up some lighter reasons why I like Barack Obama:

1. We live on the same street in Chicago (three blocks apart).
2. He likes to play Scrabble (my favorite game) and Texas Hold'Em poker.
3. He likes college basketball and placed the Tar Heels favorably in his bracket in the last tourney.
4. He is a family man who clearly cares deeply about his wife and daughters.
5. He likes to dance (and is pretty good at it)
6. He remains cool and unflustered even when under great pressure.
7. He worked at the University of Chicago (where I am a student).
8. He can take care of himself.

Enough with the adulation for now. Let's see if he can fulfill even a quarter of the promise's he and his campaign have made. I wish you all the best, (soon to be) President Barack Hussein Obama.