I've been reading Barack Obama's books for the past four years. His eight-year history with politics was unknown to me until I opened the first page of his first book four years ago. From the moment my reading began, I was lured by this man's incredible talent for writing. It was only then that I began to hear hints of conversations that he might run for President.

I began to watch closer, as I was a Bush supporter at the time. What I saw in Obama was a man of great conviction and resolution. He seemed to share my frustration at such an extreme segregation in our country's traditions -- Republican or Democrat, black or white, rich or poor, Baptist or Catholic. I saw him working with both parties on Capitol Hill.

Last week I walked into the Obama Southern Pines headquarters, where I found a small, unpretentious office of volunteers working in harmony for his cause.

His campaign promises include strengthening the economy and making America a fairer and safer place to live, while bringing our jobs and our soldiers back to American soil. Obama also takes a strong stance on special interest parties, orchestrating world-class education, and providing better health care for the millions of Americans who remain unemployed.

I have never met him personally. Through his books, speeches, and other tidbits of information I have gathered, I trust this man and his family unequivocally. He has given me a refreshed hope for our future and a renewed excitement.

I hope that many of The Pilot's readers have taken a close look at who this man is, and I, for one, would embrace the opportunity to have him as the trusted leader of our country.

Cindy Continenza

Southern Pines