Now as Barack Obama appears to have won the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, the official general election campaign has begun. It is now time to look at the slogans and try to find some sort of meaning in them. At almost any Obama campaign stop, people are waving signs that say “Change” on them. I have asked people what exactly that means but I have not yet gotten any answer. It is a brilliant campaign sign because it sounds good yet is utterly meaningless. It expresses no position on anything and hence can never be looked at later as an empty campaign promise.

Ask any Obama supporter just what it is that they would want to change. Other than the increasingly popular “Which President will give ME more stuff” attitude,  some responses that I have heard are:

– “Just look at everything! I don’t like the path that this country is taking.”

If they are pressed to name just one thing in particular about this path that they are referring to, people have replied such vague generalities such as “the economy” or “gasoline prices”.

Very well then. If one believes that there is something that they would like to see changed about the economy or that something should be done about gasoline prices – what exactly is your candidates plan? What is this “change” that he is proposing. First, please explain why it should be the job of the President of the United States to do “something” about “the  economy” and then please state just what in particular your plan would be. Be specific so that we can have an issue to discuss and that on which, we can then either agree or disagree. Maybe I’ll vote for your guy! But saying that your candidate plans to “make things better” is meaningless because everybody wants to make things better – it is just how they plan to do it.

 – “Look what Bush did to this country!”

This is puzzling to me primarily because George Bush is not even running for President. On a side disussion, what in particular did he do that you didn’t like? But more importantly – what is your candidate’s plan specifically?

No one that I have spoken to can say with any specificity exactly what Obama has to offer that they like so much. If you find this as an insult, then perhaps it is just a matter of a poor presentation of his core beliefs. I personally don’t want too much to change – particularly those things that a president would or should have any control over.

It is clear that Barack Obama has an earnest desire to become President and seems willing to be anything that you want him to be in order to win the election. We have seen him quit his membership in a church that he has attended for many years only after public outcry over the opinions of his pastor. He is seemingly willing to change religions if that would help get more votes.

In closing, please let me say this to those that seek to be President. It matters not which party you represent. I need someone who has – above all – integrity; a steadfast adherence to some moral code. It is actually okay for me that I disagree with your point of view. I need someone who has experience as well as a clearly thought-out plan. Please do not be afraid to state your position on an issue and be ready to explain and defend your position – even if some poll may make you want to change it. Tell me specifically why you should be the next President. Even if I wind up voting for your opponent, I will at least know where you stand and I will respect you for your beliefs.

?