There are two things that I try to avoid talking about and that's Religion and Politics. Both can be stumbling blocks in both family and friendships. We have been lucky to have both family and friends with very different views on these subject matters and still have been respectful and tolerant to each others views.

I can remember when I was of grade school age my mom and dad discussing the politics of the day, which was JFK vs Nixon for President. My dad is English/Protestant and my mom is Irish/Catholic and so you know that my mom was for Kennedy and my dad was for Nixon. That was the only time my mom and dad voted differently, and yet their marriage lasted a lifetime. That was a lession in tolerance for me. Since I always saw my dad as the head of the house, sorta speak, I was curious as to why mom would be so different in her choice. Now thinking like a grade school boy would think, I thought that JFK would be a better looking President then Nixon. I liked JFK's accent and his wife was very beautiful. Now we all know that this would not be a real good reasons to vote, but remember, I was in grade school.

After JFK won the election, life went on and mom and dad were fine. I can remember getting new book covers for my school books and they had pictures of all the presidents on it leading up to the picture of JFK. I can recall exactly thinking we have a very modern looking president compared to all the others in the past. I can remember Jackie Kennedy on TV speaking Spanish and thought, wow not only is she beautiful but very smart too. They also had a big family and children my age.

Then that dark day came, I was in school when the principle came in and directed us to all go home, that our president had been killed. I walked home to my Grandmother house where all eyes were focused on the TV. It was as if everyone had stopped what they were doing to watch TV and to some how figure out , why? When I watched the funeral, and saw the horse walk by with the riding boots backwards in the stirups, this was the first time I saw a man weap. My Grandfather, WWI veteran openly cried when he saw that image. When JFK's son saluted his Father, it made me cry. I had never seen or felt such emotions and thought only why would someone do such a terrible thing to such a nice man and his family. I haven't seen or felt that type of emotion for any other person since.

Now, fast forward over 45 years, hear comes this fellow, Barack Obama.

I first saw Sen. Obama on TV giving a key note speech at the Democrat convention. To say I was impressed would be an extreme understatement. I can remember saying "Wow" a lot. He was so articulate and came across so friendly. Right away I felt like I could trust this guy and came away feeling better after hearing and seeing his speech. Since his speech we all know that he is now running for President and Im sure by now you know that we plan on voting for Sen. Barack Obama. Much like JFK, Sen. Obama gives me the same feeling of hope for the future of our great country.

I would encourage everyone to vote, but before you do, atleast give Sen. Barack Obama your consideration. Please give a look at the below link and may Peace and Freedom prevail.

http://www.myspace.com/clarkstonforobama

Richard