The Obama Presidency

Witness To History

From campaign to inauguration, Obama
brings home message of hope.

Sam Kaufman
Special to the Jewish News

0

n Jan 20, I was one of the
lucky individuals to witness
firsthand the inauguration of
Barack Obama. This emotional event
held a special place for me because I
devoted a considerable amount of time
and energy to this election, and I felt
that attending the inauguration was a
great way to close out my investment in
the campaign.
Several months ago, I took an extend-
ed leave of absence from my successful
marketing agency in New York City to
join the campaign in my home state of
Michigan. I was inspired when I saw
Barack Obama speak at the Democratic
National Convention in 2004, and was
attracted to his vitality and the energy
of his campaign.
I felt he was the best candidate, not
only for the issues facing our country,
but also for the concerns of the Jewish
community. Barack Obama filled me
with hope and an increasingly fervent
desire to get involved in this election
and ensure his victory. I did not want to
be a spectator. I needed to be an activist.
I spent five weeks working with and
eventually running the Rochester field
office. As one of the more Republican
areas of Oakland County, Rochester
was a particular challenge; however, we

were able to grow our volunteer base
to more than 300 people — including
many former GOP members. In the
process, I learned firsthand how to be
a community organizer and developed
many skills applicable to running my
business.
After witnessing the momentous vic-
tory, I eagerly anticipated the inaugura-
tion. Even before we won the election,
Oakland County was buzzing and some
had already booked accommodations in
D.C. This was testament to the positive
energy and feelings about the campaign.
While I was initially provided with
staff tickets through my work with the
campaign, at the last minute, I won a
drawing for very special tickets from the
office of U.S Rep. Gary Peters, D-Mich.,
whose candidacy I also had supported
while in Michigan. After navigating our
way through security, my guest and I
eventually wound up in a surprisingly
close location directly in line with the
stage.
That night, we went to the Eastern
Inaugural Ball at Union Station, where
we got the chance to get within mere
feet of President Obama (as well as fea-
tured performer James Taylor).
I left D.C. with a newfound outlook
on our country and my life. When
diverse groups of people join together
to produce change, a special bond is
created. Having seen the seeds of my

Former Detroiter Sam Kaufman with
friend Stephanie Lau

efforts bear fruit, I personally feel even
more empowered to make a difference.
I also further understand how valuable
this sense of empowerment is to our
country.
I have great hope that, just as it did
in the campaign, Barack Obama's presi-
dency will bring people together in new
ways.
Already, I believe that he is bringing
back a sense of the possible — a belief
that together we can change things for
the better.

An Alternative View

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January 29 2009

wo major con-
for these 250 prisoners and
cerns of mine
eliminating President Bush's
are: security of
"enhanced" anti-terror prac-
the United States and
tices I feel is a mistake of huge
support of Israel.
proportions. I truly fear for
The political pressures
our security and the future of
on our new, young presi-
our children and grandchil-
dent, who was elected on
dren. Time will tell as to the
the platform of "change"
correctness of the administra-
and a willingness to
tion's new policies.
negotiate with dicta-
Two accomplishments that
Mickey L evin
tors the likes of Iran's
Bush undeniably deserves
Special to the
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
credit for:
Jewish N ews
and Venezula's Hugo
• He kept our country safe
Chavez, will be enor-
since 9-11, which would not
mous, more so than normal because of have been deemed possible to most
the extremely high expectations from
Americans on the morning on Sept. 12,
friends and foes alike.
2001.
Closing Gitmo without a place
• His support of Israel was unrelent-

ing and continual right up to his final
days, including the venture into Gaza.
George W. Bush was vocally support-
ing Israel's right to self-defense and
its mission till the waning days of his
administration, even while pictures
of dead, innocent civilians were being
circulated widely and United Nations'
condemnations prevailed.
If America has no terror attacks for
the next 4-8 years, if President Obama
continues supporting Israel as his pre-
decessor did and if he deals strongly
with Iran and its nuclear ambitions, I
will feel better about his policies and
advisers. '111

Mickey Levin is a Farmington Hills resident.