Bastions of Hope

Cynical and pessimistic sentiment about life is a poison that causes wide spread apathy and lethargic will power. This lack of will power and defeatist's attitude is what the few with power and wealth are banking on. As long as most people do not care, then things cannot change and will only evolve at the slowest possible pace. I myself have been one of these individuals that looks at the world with that same cynicism and feeling of helplessness. Fortunately, I have been able to study and observe two great leaders recently, who have been able to fortify my will power in the hope of making a difference and working towards a better world. I do not want this to become political so I will simply refer to these leaders without political party affiliation and attempt to only illustrate their message of hope. As I read Barak Obama's book tittled "The audacity of hope" some of his words impacted my optimism more so then any other literature of recent memory.

"Our failure as progressives to tap into the moral underpinnings of the nation is not just rhetorical, though. Our fear of getting "preachy" may also lead us to discount the role that values and culture play in addressing some of our most urgent social problems. After all, the problems of poverty and racism, the uninsured and the unemployed, are not simply technical problems in search of the perfect 10-point plan. They are also rooted in societal indifference and individual callousness—the desire among those at the top of the social ladder to maintain their wealth and status whatever the cost, as well as the despair and self-destructiveness among those at the bottom."
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream - Barak Obama

The politics and ideas, the issues and solutions are all part of the political process however Senator Obama is able to transcend these factors and focus instead on the hope of all people, no matter political or social allegiance. This is why he has captured my heart and mind with a message that is one of optimism, but remains true. He maybe just too honest to be an effective politician, but I am hopeful that people are ready for a leader who can tell the truth while still delivering a positive message of progress and optimism. This is not a political endorsement or attempt to plant my political seeds rather a confession of true inspiration and enlightenment to the hope that we can still make the world a better place. Idealism and hope, meshed with truth and realism, imagine the power these concepts can obtain when used together. The people will listen, the people will care, and above all else people will use these motivations as a driving force to bring about the kind of change that can improve each of our lives and the world we live in.

Closer to home, I have had the good fortune of meeting a leader who will shape the landscape of the Canadian way of life. I met Justin Trudeau two years ago at a benefit event for youth and had a chance to hear his speech. His ideas and vision for Canada is one of positive and effective strategies for getting young people involved in their community and begin to tap into the abundant resource that is young Canadians. It was not long before I was truly thinking of Justin as the future of Canada and my support for his leadership has grown ever since. He also has an honesty, that while rare in politics is very much refreshing and energizing. More recently I was again able to meet Justin, this time as a assistant at the JobMarket2008 event, and while I did not use my chance to speak to him about my support for his work, I did get to see a side of Justin less public, and more personally speaking briefly to him about his son and wife. He remembered my name and used it a few occasions during the day. And while I was very much flattered and again impressed by Justin's words, it was his down to earth and yet highly charismatic attitude that really inspired my support. I find myself highly motivated to become a part of these evolutions we are seeing in leadership. No longer the sweep it under the rug mentality of the past. Now I see hope in confronting the major issues of our life and our society. I see the possibility to make changes and bring about new ideas and a coherent vision for the future of our great civilization. These are my bastions of hope.