Don't be Scared!

I had a very interesting (read: FRUSTRATING!) conversation with a taxi cab driver yesterday on my way to the airport. We just finished listening to the tail-end of an NPR show in which someone suggested that although it appears that people support Barack Obama, when these same people go into the voting booth and are all alone, they will vote for who they think "will really win." My Nigerian taxi cab driver immediately agreed: "Come on, now! We all know that 'America' is not ready for a woman president, and certainly is not ready for a black president," he exclaimed. The driver continued by stating that although he liked Obama and wished Obama could win, he wouldn't "waste his vote" on a "lost cause."

I couldn't let the comment go unanswered...

I don't remember all that I said, but I do remember trying to let him know that if he doesn't vote the way he wants just because he is so concerned about how everyone else is going to vote, then he is just as bad as them! I must admit, it's a bit frustrating to hear friends and family who say they like Obama on the one hand, but don't think he can win, and therefore plan to cast their vote for someone else. America won't be "ready" for anything until people start being honest with themselves and their desires...Do people really want change? Are they dissatisfied with the status quo? Do they really see a candidate who is offering a new perspective on government and politics? If they can honestly answer yes to these questions, then I can't imagine how they can go against their "gut" because it seems "too good to be true." Or is the answer really "No" for many, and they are just too scared to admit it?

Maybe it's just me, but I just wish people would stop being scared and stop waiting for "America" to get ready for something they want right now!

What do you think?