Monday, February 4, 2008

Joan Baez Endorses Barack Obama

60s icon Joan Baez endorsed Barack Obama yesterday in the San Francisco Chronicle.

The 60s movement brought about a revolution in civil, women's, gay, environmental and other rights. Without that movement, there would still be segregation in the South and back alley abortions, and no Miranda rights, no EPA, no Clean Air/Water Act.

Barack Obama is starting a new movement to take back the government for the people from corporations and lobbyists. An empowered people can achieve universal health care, they can end the war in Iraq, and they can make the government express the will of the people. Let's make tis happen by getting out the vote for Barack on Feb. 5 and beyond.

Editor - I have attempted throughout my life to give a voice to the voiceless, hope to the hopeless, encouragement to the discouraged, and options to the cynical and complacent. From Northern Ireland to Sarajevo to Latin America, I have sung and marched, engaged in civil disobedience, visited war zones, and broken bread with those who had little bread to break.

Through all those years, I chose not to engage in party politics. Though I was asked many times to endorse candidates at every level, I was never comfortable doing so. At this time, however, changing that posture feels like the responsible thing to do. If anyone can navigate the contaminated waters of Washington, lift up the poor, and appeal to the rich to share their wealth, it is Sen. Barack Obama. If anyone can bring light to the darkened corners of this nation and restore our positive influence in world affairs, it is Barack Obama. If anyone can begin the process of healing and bring unity to a country that has been divided for too long, it is Barack Obama. It is time to begin a new journey.

JOAN BAEZ

Menlo Park

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