Obama shows ability to unite U.S.

On Tuesday, you will have an important choice in determining the future course of this country.

Let’s be clear: Both Democratic candidates are competent and would make good presidents. Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama agree on several very important issues: that America needs universal health care, that the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest should be repealed, and that we should start withdrawing from Iraq.

But as student leaders on this campus, we are convinced Obama is the candidate most capable of actually making these dreams a reality.

It is because of his clear, independent judgment, his bold vision for the future of our country and politics, and because of his ability to inspire all of us to work for a better future, that we urge you to vote for Obama on Feb. 5. In 2002, our politicians had two options: They could fall in line with conventional thinking by supporting the war with Iraq, or they could see through the case for war and oppose it.

When most politicians took the easy position, the popular position, and supported the war, Obama did not. Because of this lack of courage by our leaders, what Obama predicted then has become a tragic reality: “an occupation of undetermined length, with undetermined costs and undetermined consequences.”

Obama has demonstrated the courage to speak and act based on what is right rather than what is popular. He did so on Iraq, and he did so when he came out strongly in favor of the DREAM Act to help every student realize the dream of higher education.

Obama’s vision of ending the bitter partisanship that has gridlocked Washington for the last two decades is sometimes ridiculed as “hope-mongering.” If there is one lesson we have learned in politics, it’s that when politicians engage in pointless food fights, we all lose.

We have been furious with Bush and his policies for seven years, but what has come of it? Anger hasn’t brought better jobs for us when we graduate; blind partisanship hasn’t delivered universal health care or affordable college tuition.

With his ability to unite all Americans behind a progressive agenda, Obama is the candidate best placed to actually get things done.

It is this belief that together we can improve not just our own lot, but the lives of those around us, that is most inspiring in Obama.

Here at UCLA and across the country, we have seen our fellow students sacrifice their time, their grades and even their money in a way not seen since Robert Kennedy inspired our parents’ generation 40 years ago. If you are sick of politics as usual, if you are sick of watching politicians say one thing and do another, this is your time.

This is your moment.

This could be one of the only times to vote not only for a candidate you believe in, but a candidate that believes in you. We ask you to join us in voting for hope, change and Barack Obama on Feb. 5.

Rose is the president of Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC) and a past president of Bruin Democrats. Scorza is the student-regent designate for the UC Regents. Walker is the chair of the Afrikan Student Union.

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