I've been following the campaign closely, in fact was a precinct captain during the primaries for Obama here in El Paso, Texas.  I've contributed money and time to his campaign. I've talked to my New Mexico based college-age employees about the importance of his campaign all summer long - and while I'd love to take credit, I know it's a much bigger force than that that's leading them and all their friends to vote in this election. In apolitical, historically very low voter turnout border New Mexico, they're all voting!! I'm so excited.

This whole time, I've been looking at Obama the man, running for president, and seeing what an inspiring, positive vision he has for the country. I've seen from the inside of his campaign, from the very beginning, an emphasis on civility and carrying a positive message. I've been impressed by his ability to clearly prioritize what he believes is important to move this country forward again, and it makes sense to me. I'm heartened by the things he's mentioned that may be unpopular with his base that he feels need to be done for true healthcare reform (i.e. lawsuit reform), showing that he wants what's best for the country, not just his party.

But just yesterday, I looked at him from the point of view of the rest of the world. For more than two centuries, people have been immigrating to the United States for the freedom and opportunity it represents. Talented, gutsy, hard-working, bright people.  And yet in the last several years, that trend has reversed.  Under Republican control, only the "blue-chip" people who already had plenty of money were invested in.  Wealth has been funneled ever upwards at an astonishing rate.  New immigrants were not welcomed, in fact often pilloried.

The election of Barack H. Obama will in one fell swoop tell the rest of the world - yes, you can. It doesn't matter the color of your skin, the sound of your name - if you have what it takes, you can make it as big as you want in these United States of America.  We will invest in you.  We will "spread the wealth", investing in people of all backgrounds, so that the next superstar in whatever arena can emerge, for the benefit of all.  In America, all things are possible.