One Choice: Obama

     Gen. Colin Powell has just endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president. In explaining his decision to Tom Brokaw on “Meet the Press” this morning, Powell cited McCain’s choice of the inexperienced Palin for VP, the insidious robocalling efforts making it sound as if Obama is a terrorist and the GOP’s prejudicial comments toward American Muslims. In a quite moving moment, Powell told of a photo he saw of a mother weeping for her son at his grave in Arlington Cemetery. The young man was 14 when 9/11 occurred, and he’d gone to Iraq recently where he earned a Purple Heart among other awards for service to this nation. At the top of his tombstone, Powell said you could see that there was a crescent moon and star — the symbols of Islam. This young man, too, was a proud American.
     Other newspapers endorsing Obama for president include The Boston Globe; Las Cruces, New Mexico, Sun-Times; Portland’s Oregonian; the Philadelphia Inquirer; the Miami Herald; the Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Salt Lake Tribune; Bangor Daily News; Times-Record of Brunswick, Maine; Kansas City Star; Southwest News Herald (Illinois); the Sacramento Bee and The Columbian.
     √ The Miami Herald writes: “Sen. Obama’s early dissent amid the war fever of 2002-03 took courage. It reflects a clear-eyed appreciation for the proper use of U.S firepower and a cool temperament that rejects employing military force except as a last, necessary resort. His insistence that U.S. power be focused on the conflict in Afghanistan — which he rightly calls the central front of the war on terror — represents a better, more effective use of military resources.”
     √ The Kansas City Star writes: “Despite his age and previous health problems, McCain chose a vice presidential candidate who is so clearly unqualified for high office that the thought of her stepping into the presidency is frightening.
     “That irresponsible decision casts serious doubt on McCain’s judgment at this point in his political career. And over the past eight years, Americans have come to know, all too well, the high price of carelessness and ineptitude in the White House….
     “Obama’s ascendancy is a tribute both to him and to the ideal that the United States is a land of opportunity for all. His achievements are the result of hard work and merit. His election as America’s first biracial president would be a milestone in the nation’s long journey toward racial equality.”
     √ The Sacramento Bee writes: “While his career in public service has been relatively brief, he has shown a resolute sense of purpose. His campaign for the presidency has demonstrated his even temperament, his discipline and his ability to create coalitions. His life story is uniquely American and uniquely compelling.
     “He has shown that he is comfortable surrounding himself with people – notably his choice for vice president, Joe Biden – who can help compensate for his lack of broad experience. Most important, he has demonstrated an ability to inspire – an ability that will be essential as the next president works to restore confidence here and abroad.
     “But for all its admirable qualities, McCain’s record also is dotted with instances of impulsive actions and dubious judgments. The most recent is his choice of a stunningly unqualified running mate.”