"We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."

[DrFunkenstein]

Am I the only one who got chills when Obama said that line last night?

In 2004, I had wished that Kerry would have focused more on the national service vision that was so close to his heart. It was a fantastic, inspiring platform and Obama has a very similar vision (one of the reasons they are such a good match, despite different styles).

It sounds corny, but Obama really gets me fired up to help the country out in a way that I had been longing to hear since 9/11. I wonder if other people share my feelings or if it was just a passing fad before the exploits of Britney Spears and such took up the space in our head.

People dismiss Obama's ability to inspire people, but I am almost afraid to imagine what it would be like if thousands of Americans decided that now is the time to take part in our common effort to make our country and the world a better place. If people were motivated to become involved and help out with poverty relief and environmental consciousness, and were motivated to care about democracy and pay attention to how tax dollars are being spent, and became more aware of the "empathy gap" that Obama talks about, that wouldn't just be a few words slung together prettily.

That would be something to be proud of.

[Fresh_Start]

1. lots of organizations always looking for volunteers

don't wait, look for a way to help right now.

people need clothing, food, help finding shelter, help with tutoring, help in schools

[smalll]

2. Alls I know is, YOU aren't the droids WE'RE looking for.

*sigh* What will we ever do with you Obamatrons. An Asimo would make more sense. Even a Roomba - at least it would suck up crumbs and reduce dust and pet dander. Which is something.

[DrFunkenstein]

4. I Can Speak The Binary Code of Moisture Vaporators

[NanceGreggs]

3. Obama's speech last night ...

... was truly inspiring - but then, I've never heard the man make a bad speech.

I think you're right, in terms of people being too dismissive of what the spoken word can do to motivate, to inspire, and ultimately set the course for true achievement.

Tell the citizenry they can make a difference, and they will. It's self-fulfilling prophecy - and Obama encourages people to that end better than anyone I've heard in a very long time.