Scary Movie 3???

Well it’s the dog days of August but things are anything but slow in the world of politics.

As many of you may be aware, there is a presidential election coming up in November and once again it’s time to exercise our constitutional right and have a say in what direction we want our country to go.

And once again I believe the right choice is obvious.

And once again I have that ominous feeling that our marvelous but sometimes wacky country could very easily elect the wrong guy and continue us on a path of boneheaded policies and misguided diplomatic and military high jinks that will lead to dangerous and deadly conflicts around the world, a worsening economy home and abroad, increased polarization between the haves and the have nots, and a continued diminishment of our personal freedoms ranging from reproductive choice to habeas corpus.

There is, to coin a phrase, hope. Barack Obama is a superb candidate who is connecting with voters in ways we have not seen since the two Kennedy campaigns of the ‘60s. He draws unprecedented crowds everywhere he goes, not because he is a vacuous celebrity, but because he combines a command of the issues with the ability to present common sense solutions that connect with the average citizen.

But, just like in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and other great struggles from history and literature, powerful forces are gathering to oppose the champion of the people. This may prove to be a nasty and difficult election with Obama’s opponents resorting to attacks and innuendoes that appeal to the baser sides of our hearts and minds.

It may get ugly; very, very ugly.

But don’t panic or despair. Organize and participate.

Let’s not let this year’s election send the wrong person to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. What we need here in this country is nothing less than a People’s Revolution in which the disenfranchised rise up and assert themselves not through violence or conflict but by voting and participating in the electoral process.

Barack Obama’s campaign is calling on the people of Wisconsin to stand up and be counted. A new office will be opened here in Milwaukee at 744 N. 4th Street (Wells) on August 20 beginning at 5 pm and everyone is invited.

Wisconsin is in play and there is something wonderfully exciting and energizing about living in a so-called swing state. The McCain camp is not taking Wisconsin for granted either and if that’s the way you swing, then by all means go out and support your candidate.

But as we’ve learned over and over the last eight years, Elections Matter. Register, Volunteer, Have Your Voice Heard, and above all, VOTE.

It’s really, really important.