Looking for an Obama

Your article "Youth and Change" really made me think and I do agree with you that the youth will be the key to change. Problem is that only a small number of us truly care about the country. I’m sure we all have our opinions about the country, the government and our economy. But not everyone is so concerned to actually act and do something about it. In fact, there are those who don’t even have their own opinions because they simply do not care about this country. But you can’t blame them if that’s how they think. I mean the Philippine government has done so many frustrating things and sometimes you wonder if there’s anything good which can actually come out of it. I think it’s time for change in our country. Not a change in the system, but a change of people who run the system. If the same families continue to be in power, the only thing that will happen is the continuous deterioration of our economy. For me, this is why Obama “clicks.” He is not from a typical political family. He has his own thoughts, opinions and outlook in life that comes from the point of view of someone who didn’t have everything as a child. “Obama and his legions of young supporters showed that it could happen in America. Can’t we do the same in the Philippines?” I think the right question to ask is WHO can we support to do good for this country; because I think it’s high time for someone to step up, and that someone should know the true meaning of being a leader. Someone who knows sacrifice and service—and that is what being a leader is all about. I am sure when the right person comes, the Filipino youth will support him just like how the Americans supported Obama. Erika Casas, Ateneo de Manila University, via e-mail