I recently saw Senator Obama Goes to Africa, recorded in 2006 on his diplomatic mission to Kenya. A couple of things struck me. First, he’s not afraid to bring up sensitive and controversial subjects, whether it’s corruption in the Kenyan government or a dangerous health policy in South Africa.
Second, he leads by example. HIV testing is almost a taboo subject in Africa, where in South Africa alone, 3.2 million women are living with HIV/AIDS, and an estimated 1.4 million children have been orphaned as a result of AIDS. While on his visit to Kenya, he and his wife, Michelle, both took a public HIV test, to encourage Kenyans to know their status and take charge of their health.
I’m looking forward to a leader who has connections and concerns outside the US, who can reach out and build consensus with other nations, who can tackle the difficulties that face our country with intelligence and sensitivity, and who has a genuine care for the common people. Change is coming, and not a moment too soon.
