Four years ago, I met a remarkable man running for the Illinois senate who gave a speech in my hometown of Waterloo, IL. I listened to him speak. I shook his hand. I talked with him and heard what he had to say. We stood side-by-side, his hand on my shoulder, as a photo was taken of us and a group of the other students who came to see history in the making.

I knew that day that something incredible was on the rise. This man had big ideas, ideas much bigger than those containable in the state of Illinois. Ideas that could change the face of the nation, and the world. And I knew, that day, as I shook the hand of the next senator of Illinois, that if he ever decided to run for president, he would have my vote.

And he got it.

Four years ago, I met Barack Obama. Two weeks ago, I voted for Barack Obama for President of the United States. And on November 04, 2008, Barack Obama became our next president.

I have always been grateful to live in this country. But for the first time in my adult life, I am proud to be an American. I can only hope that the change we voted for, and the change I believe Obama can bring, will indeed take place, and the reputation of America that has been tarnished by eight years of failed policies will once again be restored.

I believe in Barack Obama. I believe in the hope has has instilled in the youth of America. I believe we can do this.

Yes
we
can.

-Tyler