I listened to Obama' s Speech on Race today and as an Asian-American I was floored by it. It was both raw and down to earth and at the same time uplifting and visionary.  Barack is in a unique position in that he is both Black and White and raised overseas.  A combination that I think probably afforded him benefits, disadvantages and experiences similar to us Asians who are difficult to peg and fairly under-represented in this country.

But here is the most important aspect: His background widens his perspective.  It bestows him with a unique sense of empathy and allows him to understand the viewpoints of people of many different backgrounds. It allows Barack to see the world not by what makes us different but rather what makes us similar.   Although Obama didn't address any issues specific to Asian-Americans, I felt as if he touched on many bases that are also important to us and that when push comes to shove, he would not make biased on race, culture or religion.   Even if all Obama has to offer is rhetoric, then that in itself has immense value.  It breaks down walls and opens up channels of discussion that allows us to exchange our personal experiences.

A truly monumental speech today.  I feel doubly -- nay triple-y inspired that if he does get into the White House that maybe our country will finally take the huge strides necessary to both heal racial tensions and achieve economic equality.  And that maybe, there will finally be someone in government who will understand what its like for a peculiar little Asian non-Christian like me to grow up American.