No Handouts, No Bailouts, No Shortcuts.

He was born of an interracial couple in an unfortunate time of American history when such relationships were frowned upon. As a result he would experience the scathing sting of racism throughout various encounters in his life. His parents were divorced when he was two, and because of this he would never get to know his father. Eventually, it would be his grandmother who would bare the largest responsibility for his upbringing.

He went to two different colleges to achieve an undergraduate degree, and from there decided not to use that education to supply himself with a good salary, but rather went to work in the rough part of town in order to help the struggling lives of others. He saw that this work wouldn't be enough to make the difference, and so he went back to school to achieve a law degree hoping that by eventually achieving political power he could better shape the lives of those he had seen suffer.

Achieving political power is exactly what he did. First in a State House, then as a U.S. Senator, and on January 20, 2009 we saw Barack Obama elected as the 44th President of the United States.

It may sound like I am a fan, and to a certain degree I must admit that I am. I am a fan of anyone who can face the tough blows that life throws their direction, and keep on keeping on. I am a fan of anyone who makes mistakes like experimenting with drugs yet overcomes that to achieve something. I am a fan of one who works hard and makes the grades to be accepted to Harvard Law School (any higher education for that matter), and is also able to complete the degree they set out to accomplish. And most of all I am a fan of anyone who desires to make a difference by serving their fellow man, and those less fortunate among us.

However, I only wish he would expect the same hard work and sacrifice of others that he himself put in to get to where he is today. No handouts, no bailouts, no shortcuts. Be honest with those who find themselves in dire straits, either of their own making or just unfortunate circumstance. He should look them in the eye and say, "I know what it's like. I've been there. If you work hard and sacrifice your dreams too can come true, like mine have. Keep on keeping on, and I will leave you alone to achieve."

Oh well, I guess it's easier to get votes by telling people, "Relax, everything is going to be fine. Big Brother is here now."