I found this on my old BarackObama.com profile. This is my About Me section that I wrote in 2008 as I was getting involved in the election. It so hopeful and energetic (albeit eerily ironic), and I only hope that flame can be stoked.
“I’m 19, I live on the Central Oregon Coast. We’re hardworking, small-town people, with a lot of heart. In growing up here, I learned and understood the power of community, the meaning of helping each other out, and the greatness in a common goal. Being openly gay, my knowledge of strength, love, and balance has helped me overcome obstacles, and help bring unity to wherever I am. I have hope for this country, and I love it with all my heart.
“Growing up in grade school, we would say the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. ‘I pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under God, with Liberty and Justice for All.’ Our teachers would always tell us the power of those words, and they instilled the meaning of them in our hearts. Myself, and my friends who will be voting for the first time this election, have been looking forward to this as long as we can remember. And there is no better time than now to have our say in the direction our country takes.
“We’ve always been told by those much older than us ‘You’re going to take care of us someday.’ and we all feel that responsibility. I feel a great power moving through my generation, something very real, and very poignant. But because none of us can run for President, it’s so great that we have a candidate that understands our struggles and our dreams. From college tuition, to moving out into the world, to civil equalities, to plain and simple well-being, we have someone looking out for us. That’s why I support Barack Obama in our campaign.”
