By Ethiopians for Obama

Senator Obama’s rally at the Nissan Pavilion was truly astounding. In the baking sun on a Thursday afternoon, thousands upon thousands of Virginians came out in full force seeking a change. After eight years of a foreign policy and economic disaster, Americans are ready to turn the page on the Bush administration. Nowhere was this hunger for change more evident than the Commonwealth of Virginia . Once a deep red state that voted continuously for the Republican Party, Senator Obama promises to turn this once conservative bastion into the forefront of a new day in America .

It was with this hunger for change that Ethiopians for Obama arrived at the Nissan Pavilion ready to work hard and dedicate their efforts to getting Senator Obama elected. Symbolically, the Ethiopians for Obama platoon was tasked with manning the entrance gates. Inspite of the scortching heat, Ethiopians for Obama worked tirelessly to ensure that rally attendees entered in an orderly manner. This act of volunteerism was rife with symbolism, members of Ethiopians for Obama were a significant part of the gatekeepers to the rally.

After they completed their efforts at the entrance gates, the Ethiopians for Obama crew were able to view Obama’s great speech as they stood directly in front of the stage. The number of Ethiopians who turned out to the event was astounding; young, old, men, women, and children took it upon themselves to view history in the making. This is how change happens in our community; by being inspired and inspiring others, we have the ability to move out of the shadows of this great country and take our place as an important constituency in American politics and policies.

Just as Ethiopians for Obama were gatekeepers at the rally, Ethiopian-Americans could be the voice that act as the gatekeepers to the presidential election. There are untold thousands of Ethiopian-Americans who reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia . We hold in our hands the ability to elect the next President of the United States . Our ability to organize and encourage every Ethiopian-American we know to vote is vital. As the Ethiopians for Obama who worked hard at today’s rally remind us, we all have the responsibility of reaching out to Ethiopians everywhere to encourage them to register. Continue to reach out to your friends and family and encourage them to register and to join the Ethiopians for Obama group.

Join Ethiopians for Obama at: http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/ethiopians forobama/