The evening of November 4, my Facebook news feed read like a lament for a nation. My Canadian friends, inspired by the candidacy of Barack Obama, began to long for their own visionary and transformational leader.
Through their status messages, young Canadians expressed their envy of how engaging American politics had become. They too wanted to reclaim their government, but felt aimless without a compelling figure to call them to action. They wondered, “Where’s Canada’s Barack Obama?”
True, it often takes an inspiring figure to galvanize a critical mass of people. And Barack Obama’s charisma and inspiring message were certainly part of his stunning victory. But neither his candidacy nor his election would have been possible without the willingness of everyday Americans to believe in something greater than them and work tirelessly to change their country. Young Canadians looking for their own Barack Obama should start by looking at themselves.
Click to continue reading “Love and sacrifice: Finding Canada’s Obama”
