Changing Minds of the Ignorant Even On The Last Day!

[jpertello]

from Newsvine.
http://taytaytaygen.newsvine.com/_news/2008/11/02/2065446-barack-obama-is-a-muslim

I write this article based on an event that happened to me today campaigning for Obama in Missouri. I spent a good part of my day today knocking on doors , greeting people with the question, “ Will you be supporting Barack Obama for President?” I received many answers, most of them very positive. I was very happy to hear that in a red county, which I was in, that Obama support was booming. I was actually quite surprised at the numbers I was coming up with. Obama at about 70% - McCain around 30%. Nothing scientific, but these were the percentages I was coming up with based on their answers.

As my day goes on, I come to a house that is just like every other house on the block. They have green grass, a double car garage, and clearly a family with kids as I spotted their yard toys. So I ring the bell prepared to say the line I’d been saying all day. A gentleman answers the door and he’s a white man probably in his 50’s. He didn't look too happy that I was interrupting his Sunday afternoon football. So I pose my question …” I’m with the Obama campaign and I would like to know if you’ll be supporting Senator Obama on Tuesday.” His comment surprised me. I didn't think I’d hear that comment in my door to door venture. The man tells me “I can’t support that guy. I’ve heard he’s a Muslim.” I quickly think what do I say although I had thought about my response previously.

I tell this man, “You know I can understand your fears on this issue”. I went on to explain that clearly Barack Obama is not a Muslim and gave him reason and places to go to get the facts straight. I made it clear to him not to just take my word for it, and gave him independent sources to back up what I was telling him. I said “ Just taking my word for it would be like just taking the word of someone who sends you a mass e-mail”. Then I asked him a quick question. “What is wrong with being a Muslim in this country”? He thought for a second and said “Well I guess I just assume they don’t like our country very much”. I asked him if he thought serving our country in the military was an honorable thing to do. The answer I expected came, “Of course I do”. I explained to him that by pentagon estimates there are over 3,500 members of the US Military that are Muslim. He again paused for a second and said “ You know, I didn’t realize that. We talk a little further and I ask him. “What is wrong with being a Muslim”? This time he says “Well I guess nothing”.

We go into issues about Obama and talk for about 10 minutes. My last words to him “Can I put an Obama sign in your yard”? He said “Yes”.

I walked away from this house with a new vigor, a new look that maybe being out here does make a difference. I realized from this gentleman that in this country, for the most part, people are looking for the good in other people-that truths can outweigh lies if there is someone there to explain the facts. I believe in the end, this guy all along wanted to support Obama, he was just afraid. He was afraid though of lies not truth, and in the end the truth wins the day

[ColbertWatcher]

1. Thank you for canvassing! k+r, n/t

[Anna Lee]

2. Ignorant but smart

It strikes me that this man may have been ignorant but he also seems to have been a smart, intelligent, quick thinking man who had never been given the correct data on which to formulate his opinion. I hope this is the case with many in this country who live in similar darkness.

I have often thought that one of the most important aspects of an Obama presidency is the opportunity to have a JFK moment, erasing unwarranted fears such as Catholicism and color. Leadership is a really good quality in a President in its impact on the children of the nation. It is important that he open doors in this nation and let the pent up talents of the people out to explore.

I admit that I was feeling somewhat defeated before this election. I didn't think I would live long enough to see my nation even consider leadership that was different from the last 200 years. I guessed wrongly in assuming the first would be something like a white woman in the VP slot. I would still like to live long enough to see that woman President but, kids, you don't know how full my heart is right now to see today - win or lose. Strike that, I want to win.