Friday, November 7, 2008
A new age in America
When the framers of the constitution wrote the constitution they had in mind a government that was for the people and by the people. On Tuesday night such a government was revived with the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president. With Obama's win several factors arise that reveal what America is about the good and the bad. Obama's win is the ultimate example of the American dream that if you work hard enough and remain focused anything is possible. Who would have ever guessed that an individual from a single household with a mixed race could become an American president. About 2 years ago no one really knew about Barack Obama and now the whole world knows about him. I think that our national image has shifted into a more favorable one in the international community. The prestige that America once had seems to be coming back. Along with all the positive impact that the election of Obama has had on the American people some negative aspects arise. It saddens me to realize how closeminded people are. I would have imagined that several gaint steps have been taken to harmonize the American people to look beyond what's on the outside and consider what's on the inside. A disagreement with an individual's policy and stance on multiple topics is valid as long as that disagreement is based on the topic matter and not the individual's skin color. I think that a majority of our current generation is open (although not in agreement) to others that are different but there is still a percentage who base their ideas on an individual's outward characteristics. In Obama's acceptance speech he mentioned the events that have taken place over the last century and the change that has occurred in this country. The challenge to see what kind of changes can be made over the next century will not only impact America but also the international community. Entities are being linked closer and closer together internationally. The election of Obama was one that was witnessed not only by the American society but also by the international society.
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I think that you eloquently summed up the significance of Obama's election. Although I was a McCain supporter, and I am ashamed to say - a little too drawn into the media hysteria about Obama - I could not help but feel proud that Obama had won the election. I immediately called one of the most important women in my life. An African American neighbor who has more intergrity than most of the people I know. My child was about 8 years old before he realized that she was not his biological grandmother. I was so happy that she was finally - completely included in our political system.
My father, a white - blue-collar - NRA member - ex military - typical white man voted for Obama. He is a simple man of few words, but he said "if he is the best man for the job, it doesn't matter what color his skin is." So, for those who thought there was little hope, there may be more than we thought.
And even many McCain supporters were not disappointed that Obama won. Any misgivings or concerns I had prior to the election will be set aside. I honestly wish him success because that means our nation will succeed. And our races will move a little closer together.
As for the world, as a united nation we have proven that our citizens may disagree politically,but our democracy and our ideologies are a shared culture that each race and individual cherishes- collectively.
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