President – Elect Barack Obama!


America may have her faults, but this is one of the greatest countries in the world and though other countries may not agree for whatever reasons, this is one amazing and (can’t even find the right words to describe her here) great country to be in, live in, and to experience democracy at its best, bar none! We are experiencing difficult times but this is an exciting and extraordinary day! Election Day!

Democracy! What a sweet word to have in our country, lives and world (at least some part of it) November fourth was a historical day in America. The impossible became possible and a Black man with a funny sounding name, whom, about five years ago no one knew of, became the First Black President of the United States of America!! The rookie Senator from Chicago Illinois, who saw neither black nor white but one united country, has achieved the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and has reached the ‘Promised Land’. We, as a nation is proud of him as a man who has accomplished so much in such a short period of time, we as black people are very proud and happy and nervous for him in the task that lies ahead and the insurmountable financial debt we find ourselves in, compliments in part, of the Wall Street greed.

I witness people standing in line for hours being patient ,willing and happy to have the opportunity to be there, in that historical moment in time to cast their vote. It was a beautiful sight to see so many people, young and old took their civic duty very seriously and embraced the democratic values in this country, and why not, America was built on that very same value that the government would be ‘of the people, by the people, and for the people’.

The man was unflappable, he was poised, thoughtful, articulate, confident, well-versed on the issues, never strayed from his message of unity and the economy, he was awesome, in other words, very Presidential! He won the debates without “hitting below the belt”, didn’t need to go there, always try and take the high road and as a result gained more respect. He really listens and he really understands what’s at stake, and even in his victory speech where he was humble, he understood that, ‘yes, I won, but the job starts now!’ He even reached out to those who didn’t vote for him and included them as well as asked for their help in running this country. This man is a one man unifying force!

People celebrated and packed Harlem, Times Square, New York City as if it was New Year’s Eve! People packed Grant’s Park in Chicago, churches across the nation, barber-shops, homes, and world-wide in Lebanon, France, China, Japan, Nigeria, United Kingdom, Canada, even in Kenya where today is a holiday because one of their ‘son


did the impossible! There were people of all shades and nationality present and celebrating, even foreigners from abroad. Absolutely amazing!

I can’t wait to see that beautiful family occupy the White House, I can’t wait to see Michelle Obama’s personal stamp in there. I can’t wait to see those two beautiful little black girls running in the halls and hearing the pitter-patter of their little feet making their marks, representing all little black girls everywhere, especially those that were bombed in that church in the deep South in the turbulent sixties.

I know the slaves who toiled in the hot sun in days gone by will feel vindicated now that one of our own will be on those steps (they built) at Lincoln Memorial being sworn in as President of the United States. I know they couldn’t have imagined this day, but their work was not in vain. Their cries that no-one heard, was not in vain, their plaintive songs that kept their spirits up when their ways were dark and seemed endless, were not in vain. They are vindicated!

I cried, not the racking sobs of boo-hoo-hoo, but silent tears that streamed down unabashed and I am still hoarse and I kept my son up to witness this extraordinary event that was unfolding so he knew what he was witnessing. He was excited. His school had a mock election and Obama had won, so he was very much in the moment. He went and got his American flag and waved it and sang the National Anthem, until I sent him to bed because he had school the following day.

John McCain is to be commended also for a battle well fought. It wasn’t easy and for his age, he showed true grit and strength. That same strength he portrayed when he was a prisoner of war. He has lots of experience, he loves this country and is dedicated to it and would’ve made a decent President if he didn’t have the present President hanging around his neck like an albatross with the effect of his presidency. We thank him and his family for their love of country and their dedication. He was very gracious and true in his concession speech and portrayed himself a true gentleman. May God bless him and his family.

President Bush gave a welcoming speech to the soon-incoming President Barack Obama and on behalf of him and his family warmly welcomes him to the White House which I think was very gracious and kind and that’s what makes America great, the civility, the fact that we can disagree, yet, still be respectful and gracious. The soon-to-be outgoing President graciously bowing out with grace, warmth and intelligence and making space for the soon-to-be incoming President Obama. No ego trips.

Gotta love this country and if not, gotta love the democratic process, it’s the best; it makes us all better people!
Later!
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This was supposed to be posted immediately after the election, but had computer problems and was off-line for two months, hopefully better late than never!