Obama for president

These difficult times call for a president who can both inspire us and challenge us to tackle the major problems we face. Sen. Barack Obama is the candidate who can best provide this leadership.

This is a generational election and we will feel the consequences if we fail to act on long-term issues such as global climate change energy independence and the creation of a 21st-century economy.

Obama articulated these challenges and provided a promising vision of a country that is once again respected in the world.

He has laid out a vision of government's role not as the only answer but as a positive resource and safety net.

This vision comes out in his focus on national service and health care reform plans which appeal particularly to young people.

He plans to expand AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps programs and would also award college students who perform 100 hours of service in a year a $4000 college tuition credit.

Obama's heath care plan also appeals to young voters. Not only does his plan reduce the number of uninsured by millions more than his opponent Republican Sen. John McCain but will also allow young people to continue receiving coverage through their parents' plans until age 25.

In addition he has brought countless numbers of Americans into the political process — including many young Americans — to voice their concerns share their solutions and work together.

His campaign has actively courted young voters and in the process empowered them to voice concerns not only through votes but  through an increased level of activism seen on college campuses across the nation.

We're under no illusion that Obama will be able to solve every problem we face. And he's frequently been criticized for his lack of experience.

But throughout his grueling 21-mouth long battle for the presidency he has remained unflappable and has proven himself adept at quickly mastering complex issues and presenting them clearly.

He is the right candidate to inherit the mess of the last eight years and lead us through the next four.