Addressing the countless problems the United States faces today, Barack Obama announced recently that he would run for president. Surrounded by thousands, Obama carefully laid out the goals he has for the US and how those can be achieved.

“All of us know what those challenges are today - a war with no end, a dependence on oil that threatens our future, schools where too many children aren’t learning and families struggling paycheck to paycheck despite working as hard as they can,” Obama said. Obama spent a good portion of his speech relating to the “common” man. He explained that he understands that it is not fair for people to work long hours and still live in poverty. This is one issue he hopes to address.

Referring to himself as a, “tall, gangly, self-made Springfield lawyer,” Obama explained that a change for the future is not only possible, but completely necessary.

Among the thousands of supporters, there were many protesters as well. Lining the streets surrounding the Old Capital, Pro-Life groups held giant signs depicting fetuses, claiming that Obama is not a worthy candidate because he supports such things.

<B>Nothing to dowith race</B>

“I don’t really know what he plans to do, but I know that he is pro-abortion,” Carol McCanna, a member of the Pro-Life Action League, said. “It has nothing to do with his race either. I just want to see the women and babies in danger get the help they need.” While many pro-life activists were present, there were also a few that were outwardly supporting Obama. Several people could be seen holding signs that said, “Pro-life and Pro-Obama.”

While the masses braved the frigid air, others crowded into nearby restaurants to warm up and listen to Obama via radio.

“Let’s be the generation that ends poverty in America?Let’s be the generation that finally tackles our health care crisis?Let’s be the generation that finally frees America from the tyranny of oil?Most of all, let’s be the generation that never forgets what happened on that September day and confront the terrorists with everything we’ve got,” Obama said. He spoke of ending the war in Iraq, as well as rebuilding important alliances with countries around the world.

On a global scale, Obama addressed the issue of global warming and what must be done to change the effects of it.

“We can set up a system for capping greenhouse gases. We can turn this crisis of global warming into a moment of opportunity for innovation, job creation and an incentive for businesses that will serve as a model for the world,” Obama said.

CALLS FOR PULLOUT FROM IRAQ

<B>Australia’s PM rips on Barack Obama as the latter </B>

■ Australia’s conservative Prime Minister slammed Barack Obama on Sunday over his opposition to the Iraq war, a day after the first-term US senator announced his intention to run for the White House in 2008. Obama said at his campaign kickoff in Springfield, Ill., that one of the country’s first priorities should be ending the war in Iraq. He has also introduced a bill in the Senate to prevent President Bush from increasing American troop levels in Iraq and to remove US combat forces from the country by March 31, 2008. Australian Prime Minister John Howard, a staunch Bush ally who has sent troops to Iraq and faces his own re-election bid later this year, said Obama’s proposals would spell disaster for the Middle East.