JUDGEMENT

We had just concluded a successful telephone negotiation with a contractor when, as we walked out of the room, I remarked lightheartedly to my bright, young engineer colleague, that our discussion went a lot better than Hillary's campaign. He laughed and said, "I'm for Obama". I couldn't let this moment go without finding out what motivated this 25 y/o obviously intelligent man to want Obama for his President. So I asked him, "Why?"

He then parroted back the Obama campaign slogan of "Change and Hope". Trying to keep this discussion non-confrontational (not my strong suit!) I asked him what Obama was going to change. "Politics as usual", was his reply. I suggested that change can be good, bad or neither, and did he understand that? He acknowledged that was true, but "believed" that Obama would do great and wonderful things if President.

Moving on, I asked my intrepid engineer if he was disturbed by Obama's associations. He wasn't sure what I was referring to, so I mentioned the Rev. Wright and Bill Ayers. He honestly did not know one thing the Rev. had said, so I gave him 3 examples. His rather flippant comment was, to the effect, why condemn someone because their preacher said come controversial statements. I related to him that the Reverend's comments were not controversial. They were lies and completely untrue as anyone in the country with an ounce of sense would know. He reluctantly agreed. Further, I said Obama has picked this man to be his spiritual advisor and freely associated with him for 20 some years. He seemed somewhat befuddled with that statement as if he didn't know that little factoid. I asked him if he or any common man would associate and sit in the pew of a preacher that spewed hate for blacks? He said he wouldn't, but why should you hold bad associates against someone. I suggested that in the world we are judged by the associations we make. He did agree to that.

Finally, I suggested that the candidates, during this election, will promise all kinds of things. They always do, and they seldom deliver because of the built in inertia of our system. I said when it comes down to selecting a President it really comes down to judgement. "Who, when this very dangerous world starts coming apart, will have the good judgement to navigate the country through the mess, without making the mess worse." Then I said, "The common citizen is looking at Obama's associations, his and his wife's elitist statements, and asking, "do I want this man's finger on the nation's trigger"?"

We parted on friendly terms, but I think I gave him some things to think about. In retrospect, however, my engineer is almost the stereotypical Obama supporter. And his views can be summed up in what he told me as he left. He said, "Younger people want change."

I guess all I want is good sound judgement in my President. Something that seems to be in short supply lately.

God Bless America! We need it now more than ever.