Who is the real Barack Obama? Our friends at Planet magazine have a simple answer that we felt worth republishing here:

'Dear Planet Readers. You’ve probably heard that Sarah Palin has been baiting audiences with questions like, 'Who is Barack Obama?' and suggesting that he’s not the same kind of American as her, John McCain, and the Republican faithful. It’s a dangerous and, dare I say, despicable tactic that has already elicited an alarming amount of hatemongering at McCain-Palin rallies.

I recently came across a T-shirt that is a succinct retort to the Palin line of political attack, and, more importantly, that I feel sums up the immense appeal of Barack Obama and the powerful identification many Americans have with him, and I wanted to share it with you. The T-shirt reads, simply: 'I AM BARACK, BARACK IS ME'.'

Of course, I suppose I’m showing my true colors. Neither I, nor PLANET, [nor Jamble - Ed] are supporting John McCain in this election, but then, you had to know that about PLANET already. We love the idea of a highly qualified candidate becoming president whose mother was Anglo-American and whose father was Kenyan and who spent formative years living in Hawaii and Indonesia. The prospect of Barack Obama becoming President of the United States is a defining moment in our history, a profound evolutionary change that is, ultimately, reflective of us, of who we are as Americans.'

Yes, this is an immense moment for African Americans. But let’s not overlook how important it is for all Americans, including European Americans, Hispanic and Asian Americans, nearly all of whom entered this country as ethnic minorities that have never achieved the highest office in the land. Barack Obama is a capable politician first and foremost, but he’s also a symbol of the efforts of all Americans – black and white and every shade in between – to achieve authentic representational government.'

I’ll be wearing my T-shirt on Election Day, and I hope you will be too. - Derek Peck'

As an immigrant myself, one without the power of a vote, I urge you not to forget how important this election is to non-American's too. The upcoming November elections represent an opportunity for America to start taking a leading role, rather than lagging behind, with environmental efforts, and regain some of the respect that Bush has wittered away over the last eight years. And all you need to do to help save the planet is make a vote. Ian Everett - Editor, Jamble Magazine.

Visit the Planet Store to buy a 'I am Obama' tee.

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