As I was on I-435 driving to work this morning, I noticed something I've never seen before (well at least in the morning). There was a rainbow in the sky - very vivid and bright. I thought to myself, "How fitting is that?!". The morning after America shocked the world with a historic decision, a rainbow was cast across the sky. For me, it was symbolic of hope that a new president will bring to this country.
Can you believe it? History has been made - the first black (bi-racial would be a better term) American has been elected as the president of the United States. All party affiliations set aside, you have to look at how historic this is for our nation. I have to admit that I did shed a few tears. This is something I truly thought I'd never see in my lifetime. I think those who lived through the Civil Rights Movement are even more stunned. I know that many of them shed tears of joy last night knowing that another aspect of Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream has been fulfilled. President-elect Obama is the best indication of progress. I think it's clear now, more than ever before, that race is no longer a barrier that any person of color has to overcome. Yes, there are still prejudices that all races will continue to face, but this election proved that racism is no longer a huge issue in America. Black people will claim it was our vote that put him there. Yes, we did help but lets be serious; we could not elect him all alone. The break down of voters was 61% white, 23% black, and 12% hispanic. Those are the facts - now you tell me who carried him? We need to move past this issue of race.
What impresses me most about the election of Obama is the worldwide reaction to it. On Good Morning America (GMA), a correspondent showed a series of overseas papers praising America for our presidential pick. Is it possible that the election of Obama will improve our national image in foreign affairs? Will he be able to bridge the gap between the Eastern and Western worlds? That remains to be seen. They interviewed multiple persons from several different countries, asking for their personal opinion on the decision. All feedback was positive. A young man from a Middle Eastern country said that it restored America's image as truly being the land of possibilities. An Italian woman said that she hopes his election begets a wave of young, fresh faces in politics. It is also speculated that his election will influence race relations in other countries. Hopefully, minority groups in other countries will be inspired by America and believe that they too can achieve greatness against the odds.
It's too early to tell what an Obama presidency will mean for America but I am hopeful that he will bring the needed change we so desperately need. To all the naysayers, I say give him a chance. We don't know what he's capable of and won't know until he's in the White House. God bless Obama and God bless the USA!!
