As an immigrant to this country, I don’t understand why race is such a big issue in America, especially, when it comes to politics.

Recently, Sen. Barack Obama announced his presidential candidacy. Since then, his background profile is on every news program. Why is it such a big issue? Just because he has a black father, does that make him incompetent to do the job? Then again, does presidential candidacy require a special prerequisite?

It is sad to see this kind of situation happening in the 21st century in America, the “the land of opportunity.”

Sometimes I wonder if that statement is true. After 43 presidencies in the history of the U.S., during which no black has ever held the Oval Office, are all black males unskilled to perform this job?

This is a sad situation to be happening in the 21st century, after men and women walked on the moon and after civilization is at the highest peak and yet growing. When will America be ready for a change?

Why not vote for Obama as presidential candidate for 2008? Let us show the true progress in America.

Let us judge the man by his character and not by the color of his skin. America is starving for a change at this moment. The candidates who have the solution should be qualified for the job.

If Sen. Obama is the right candidate, he should become president.

Hibo Omer, Auburn