Soon, we will be electing another American president. After the last presidential election, we all know how close a presidential election can be and how even one vote can truly make a difference. Regardless of whom you support, this office urges you to vote and to support your candidate. This office supports Barack Obama.

Barack Obama has not been afraid to share his drug abuse as young man with the public. Because he actually has broken the law and has been rehabilitated not in a jail cell, it is hoped that he will approach the complex problem of drug abuse from other just a penal perspective. Mr. Obama has not declared himself to be unconditionally against the death penalty; however, he did urge former Illinois Governor Ryan to impose the moratorium on the death penalty in Illinois which resulted in the commutation of the sentences of hundreds of condemned inmates to life sentences. On the campaign trail, he has spoken out about the dangers of executing "the wrong guy."

Finally, Barack Obama impresses this office as the most independent candidate and independent thinker. He is not entrenched in the political machine to the degree that Hillary Clinton is and does not appear to owe as many people favors. It should be remembered that Bill Clinton was not always a champion of constitutional rights. During Bill Clinton’s presidency, AEDPA ("The Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act") was passed, which has greatly curtailed the "great writ" of habeas corpus. It says a great deal that the First Lady of California, Maria Shriver, who is said to be a close friend of Ms. Clinton’s, is supporting Mr. Obama along with the Los Angeles Times newsapaper.

Risking alienating the powerful anti-Cuba lobby in Florida, Mr. Obama has called for an immediate end to the Cuban embargo. This is in sharp contrast to Mr. McCain who has recently stated that Cuba should dealt with "down the barrel of a gun." John McCain’s pro-war statements exclude him as a viable possible for president. At a recent rally, he parodied the Beach Boys song,"Barbara Ann" by singing gleefully," Bomb- Bomb, Iran."

This country is at a low point in morale and also in the eyes of the international community. What we need now is certainly not an escalation of war in the Middle East, nor more stale politics from a professional "name-brand" politician, but a charismatic leader who can work to restore both domestic and international confidence.

Barack Obama may not be a panacea, but he is clearly our best hope. He deserves his shot at greatness as he restores the United States of America to greatness in the next four years.