The Inspiration Nation

I get a lot of forwards in my email inbox from friends and family.  I'm sure you do, too.  To tell the truth, I generally skim over them pretty quickly and then hit the delete key.

This morning, something moved me to give more than cursory treatment to a YouTube video -- sent to me by my sister, Tahirah -- that I also want to share with you here.

Far more articulate than me, recently-naturalized US citizen, Derrick Ashlong, offers an answer to would-be critics of Obama who assert that he is heavy on emotional appeal, but lacking in substance.  Derrick illustrates with incredible reasoning that nothing can be further from the truth, and shows with equal power the depth of engagement young people have in this politcal process at this historic time.

This spontaneous, impromptu interview (where it is clear the interviewer intended to catch Derrick unprepared and uninformed) is just shy of 6 minutes long.

Awesome, don't you think?

Those who know me know that I have been won over by Senator Obama.   I am inspired by the message and politics and consistency of Senator Obama, particularly his broad appeal and commitment to collaboration and unity -- as opposed to a hardline, go-it-alone attitude -- as the vehicle through which positive change can occur.

This has been my impression of the man already.  Derrick's interview only served to further seal the deal. 

In fact, the response was so great, Derrick was moved to record a follow-up response to this interview to explain his deeply personal and emotional reasons for supporting Obama.

I hope you'll take a moment (about 7 1/2 minutes) to also view the following video by Derrick Ashlong.  I think you'll find it inspiring and moving, regardless of whether you agree with his choice of candidate to be the next President of the United States or not.

I would love to hear from you about your thoughts and your impressions.

For now, I leave you with Derrick Ashlong: