Will America defy tradition in the next presidency?

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In past years the United States has had several African American presidential candidates, even a woman once, but it may take longer than 2008 before our nation come to grips that the country can be run by someone other than the traditional male candidates.

The United States is currently in a dilemma which is difficult to determine whether a solution will come soon. The dilemma is the on-going war in Iraq. President George Bush will be leaving behind a tramulchous task for the next president elect to clean up. Americans believe that change is going to happen, partly due to the democrats running the white house. They view this as a sign of progress. Not only concerning the war, but also middle class Americans and the elderly seem hopeful. There was certain talk about cutting back on social programs that is the life support of many Americans.

“It has been a while since the “minority” has been represented. I feel good about the future of this country,” said Tasha Smith, a Hattiesburg resident. “I don’t feel that the (current) president cares about us, but someone like Obama or Hilary running may be what we need.”

Some citizens say that the country should not worry if we are ready for our first African American or woman president, but if the next president elect can dissolve matters over seas amicably and have the best interest in mind concerning the nation as a whole. Both Barrack and Hilary have knowledge of our nation’s current state, and may hold the answer to resolve all the issue that are present.

“No matter what I will defend my country because that is what I enlisted in the military to do,” said Eddie Smith, a U.S. Army sergeant. “I have been to Iraq more than three times, not because I was made, but because I wanted to.”

Smith said he is not concerned really about who the next president will be. He said he just wants the right person elected. “But who honestly knows who that is,” said Smith.

Even though several military personnel express their devotion to the country, it is their families and friends who are home that are concerned about their future. Some families are wary of the fact that no matter who the president will be come November 2008, there still needs to be some answers of how our soldiers are going to pull out of Iraq and still maintain global peace, especially in United States.

“I just get so worried about my son over seas. I know that our future is in for a major change, but I feel nobody, whether black, white, man or woman knows what to do in our situation,” said Mildred Smith, sergeant Smith’s mother, with a worried look in her eyes.

“There are so many Americans out there who share the same pain and curiosity about the future of our nation. It really doesn’t matter whether the next president elect is black or woman, but if they are capable of providing safety for all human beings here and abroad,” said Eddie Smith, sergeant Smith’s father.