Dear Michelle

Dear Michelle,

I am an Indian-American, raised in Mississippi, having gone to university in California, and now working in rural India the last few years.

My experiences in India implementing community-based projects in rural areas have been difficult. With all the environmental injustice so blatantly practiced, along with all the other chaotic things happening in the world, I have found myself having little hope for the world and its inhabitants.

However, during the last few weeks, I have been gaining high spirits thanks to Senator Obama's book, Audacity of Hope. Being in a remote area isolated from media and Internet, I had not been following the race. However, having come across the book, a few weeks ago, has had a profound effect on my outlook for the world.

Great inspiration comes from Senator Obama's approach to opposition. Senator Obama has an amazing ability to look beyond his own beliefs and listen to what others are saying, in the interests of serving the marginalized. He is not afraid to engage with full respect and integrity. He seems far from the typical politician.

I can only imagine what the race has been for you and your family. I hope that your family continues to face the campaign with great heart and the best of human qualities.

For me the race gives much needed hope and inspiration. I am feeling more and more that the next best thing to world peace would be President Obama. Of course, the Presidency also has limitations...

At the same time, I am feeling helpless not being to help his campaign from so far away. ...And also very disappointed that the McCain campaign is making the worst of American thought manifest in negative, ill-conceived ads.

I hope my generation takes advantage of the opportunity to transform the ugly course the world is taking. Even if there are Americans who do not have the courage to vote for transformation, I thank the Universe for giving us Barack Obama.

Blessings to you and your family.