Four years later. Twenty nine years old.

And I’ve been waiting for a lifetime.

Four years ago, the Chicago Tribune printed my very angry letter that I wrote after the paper endorsed George Bush for a second term. I don’t think I would write that letter again.

I wouldn’t write that letter again, because I’m not angry and young. I’m older, and in need of inspiration.

  • I want to believe that my country respects human rights, and that we will treat all prisoners humanely and give all people a fair trial.
  • I want to believe that American women and girls have the same opportunities as American men and boys, that, as equal citizens, women make private choices about our own bodies.
  • I want to believe that Americans can protect our environment and become a world leader in clean energy and green business models.
  • I want to believe that as an American citizen, I can marry the person I love, no matter who they are.
  • I want to believe that my sons and daughters will never fight an unjust war.

I want to know that our President believes all these things, and that we are all working together to fill our lives with meaning.

Tomorrow, when I vote for Barack Obama, I’ll take a moment to thank the people that helped shape my life, whose lives ended too soon, and because of whom I seek to make all of our lives better. Maybe you have someone like that too?