Democrats must unify for Obama

All the states and territories have had their voices heard.

The votes have been counted in record-breaking numbers.

The delegates have been awarded and super-delegates have decided.

Now that the primary election season has finally come to a close, it's time for us as Democrats to come together and unite behind our Democratic nominee, Sen. Barack Obama and refocus our attention on the issues that are at stake in this historic presidential election.

With the general election a short five months away, we have an opportunity to make history and change the course of this country by electing our nation's first African American president.

As important and historic as that is in itself, we must not lose sight of the issues that affect us each and every day.

We can and must take action to turn around this economy and address the mortgage crisis we currently find ourselves in.

We need to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home efficiently and strategically.

We must not let another opportunity go by without passing universal health coverage for every American.

We have to invest in alternative fuels and end our dependence on foreign oil.

We truly need to leave no child behind with an education policy that looks at the development of the child as a whole, not just as a test score.

We must invest in the aging and crumbling infrastructure of this country and we must respect one another regardless of race, creed, gender or sexual orientation.

The contrast between Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain couldn't be clearer.

Sen. Obama wants to chart a new course for this country and change the way we do business in Washington, DC.

Sen. McCain on the other hand wants to follow the path we are currently on and continue the failing policies of the Bush administration.

We cannot afford to stay the course we are on. Can we change? "Yes, we can."

Brian J. McPartlin

Committeeman

Democratic Party

Elk Grove Township