Rick Sharp is probably best known outside of Vermont as Howard Dean’s partner in the campaign to build Burlington’s waterfront bike path back in the very early 1980s. An effort which marked the beginning of Howard’s storied political career.

Well, the same Rick Sharp penned this inspiring letter to the editor that appeared in the May 17th, 2007 edition of the Burlington Free Press.

Sharp writes…

Obama exudes hope, optimism

After reading Barack Obama’s book, “The Audacity of Hope,” I must say that I agree with William Swenson’s statement that Barack Obama is the first presidential candidate in a long time who reminds him (and me) of Bobby Kennedy (”Obama top Vt. Fund-raiser, too,” April 19). Like Kennedy, Obama exudes a hope and an optimism about our future that I find missing in other candidates for president this year.

We simply cannot afford to continue to make the kind of mistakes we have made over the past six years due to the election of a third-rate president like George W. Bush.

We need someone who is very smart, has good judgment, has a diverse background and is compassionate about the problems of ordinary people. Barack Obama fits that description.

Barack was editor of the Harvard Law Review. That position is strictly reserved for the very best of the very brightest. Unlike some other Democratic candidates for president, he has already demonstrated good judg- ment by opposing the disastrous war in Iraq from before the invasion. His family reunion is said to resemble a United Nations conference, with black, white and Asian members. His work as a community organizer to Constitutional law professor, Illinois State legislator to U.S. Senator has prepared him well for the presidency. In my opinion, he will be a great president. He deserves our support. Before you decide who to support, read Barack’s book. I think you, too, will be a Barack Obama supporter when you have finished.

RICK SHARP
Colchester

Couldn’t agree more. Do yourself a favor and read The Audacity of Hope.