Such strength is something we have not had for a long time. We need someone like Obama, who is not just smart enough, but diplomatic enough to guide essential changes into being. Testiness or confusion, such as some of the other candidates have recently revealed would not stand them well in international confrontation. When one remains calm, one can think. Obama thinks well on his feet indeed, and it is, I think, because of his calm sense of purpose and an unrelenting regard for others and the truth. He is unflappable, but not because he is patient. We have all surely waited overlong. He is impatient as we are for relief and leadership of which we may be proud.

In these days preliminary to the primaries, how difficult for the candidates to get out their details so that people may understand their differences. People often wonder what this, or that candidate, actually stands for. But why? The candidates have websites. They provide issue pages on almost every relevant topic.

Obama's positions [barackobama.com] are well detailed; organized and filled with sensible originality. They are workable too, because of those he keeps close. Al Gore has been the primary resource for his environmental plans. He has Colin Powell and other experienced Generals advising him on the war. He has the help of Bloomberg, and Gates, in fact a whole stable of involved, motivated others who advise and have influenced his policies. These are a far cry from the "good people" with which Bush supposedly surrounded himself and a sharp contrast to some of those that Hillary Clinton has chosen to draw close.

Aware of the technology now available, Obama plans to integrate it within his new measures, with plans to support the creation of new technological venues. Not embroiled in the bitter political battles of the past, he is in a position to effectively guide solutions for cities, small business and pensions; and to implement workable plans for health insurance and social security. Moreover, he well recognizes the needs of the third world, as do his advisors. He says influencing the well being of others around the world helps insure security for us here in the US.

Obama's relevant background goes on and on. Some of the Democratic candidates have experience in foreign relations. Obama would undoubtedly employ ambassadors with qualifications such as theirs, though his choices may be younger. He will probably be the first President with an actual degree in foreign relations. As a senator he has served on committees charged with setting foreign policy.

Did the Democratic opposition work in Indonesia? Barack lived there...getting to know the Muslim mindset intimately. Not a part of it, but observing it, taking it in, understanding it, as only a bright child can.

Have they been to Africa? Obama is out of Africa, learning of the place from his father, visiting there extensively as an adult. Did they meet people from other cultures? Barack spent his adolescence in Hawaii, getting to know people of a dozen or more different lands.

Are they familiar with rural areas? Barack's family was of Kansas.

Did they serve in big cities? Barack married the city. He walked the streets of Chicago during a most desolate time, helping the people, working as a cause-driven public-service attorney. Ultimately he wed Michelle, a successful product of the city's struggle.

Finally, in this time of great damage to the Constitution - namely the blatant and overstepping extension of the current Administration's powers, comes this man, Barack Obama, who taught constitutional law for 10 years. Ron Paul may love the constitution, but Obama really KNOWS the constitution. Not less motivated than Paul, who could be better than Obama to set these criminal infractions to right?

There was a song in the 60's: "To know, know, know him, is to love, love, love him." I ask the reader to really get to know Barack. His book, The Audacity of Hope, is an amazing read. His position papers can be found at barackobama.com. If and when you love him too, please let me know [jrbjhb@hotmail.com], because I believe you will want to act on it. And...I REALLY don't want to be the only one standing for Barack at caucus.

Our area Democrats know Barack Obama inspired the last Democratic National Convention at a time when it was most needed; AND that he came to Kansas to inspire our state's gathering a couple years back. Now we can be there for him. It is not just loyalty; it is the embracing of the best we have.

The White House sits "empty;" it's waiting. It is not just waiting for someone nice, or merely capable, it is waiting for someone Great. Let's send it the best we've got...not just anyone, but Barack Obama - OUR man for OUR White House.