purpose

Okay, so I'll admit that my generation - those twentysomethings and other idealists supporting Obama seem to care little about what he stands for, but rather focus on the inspiration he's offering the country.

Working on campaigns for several years, I can't count the number of times I've been excited and inspired by particular moments and various candidates. But I'm beginning to wonder if any of this flowing inspiration really has an impact on the nation or the people in it ... that is, after election season ends.

The comparisons between Obama and JFK have been numerous, but I feel like JFK had a call and a purpose for the people of that time -- "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country". Okay, there's the call to action. What can you give back? That one phrase has been quoted again and again over the years. What is Obama's? "Let's change this country...we are the ones we've been waiting for...we can end the partisan divide...hope will bring us together and lift us up..."

What I've heard in the platitudes and promises from an Obama Administration veer much more to "this is what government will do for you" if I'm elected. Yeah, some young voters are pumped up, excited, and perhaps more inspired than they've ever been before. But I don't see how that carries on post-November 5th. The excitement will fizzle, Democrats will settle into power (if they win) and Obama's most dedicated fans will sit back and expect the government and Obama to deliver all those juicy, enticing promises.