Don't buy into the myth of progress. This myth tells us that if we just work harder and look at things from the right point of view, everything will be all right. Intelligence and hard work are all we need to make things better.
Both Obama and McCain have intelligence to spare. And they're certainly not lazy. And both are supported by very vigorous and intelligent lobbies and lieutenants. But niether Obama nor McCain (nor their teams) will "give hope to us all." America doesn't need a charismatic leader who can lead them to the promised land. It needs a complete renovation of values. Obama will not bring that. Nor will McCain.
So don't vote because you think one of the candidates is "the hope for us all." That's an idolatry too big for any man to bear. Rather, vote for the man whom you believe advocates the right policies. That's going to be tough because, since professional politicians' dreamy visions haven't worked out, we're a pretty cynical bunch. So to get elected, politicians don't talk about policy. They make spin and craft image. The election is a PR campaign, not a contest of values and policies. So you have to dig pretty hard to get past the "savior" vs. "strong leader" rhetoric these men's camps are shoveling. But I wish my American friends the best of luck in this campaign because, as usual, their choice will affect the rest of us as well.
