"There is a moment, a simple moment, before history gets recorded.
Before it goes on the books.
Before it appears as a question on a game show.
Or on a midterm exam.
A moment right before the headline is written.
There is a moment when history lives in the present.
When we can watch it unfold in real time, right before our eyes.
And we can all assume our place in it.
Some people live for history.
We live for the moment just before."
Okay, so it was just a institutional ad by CNN in the New York Times today on this election day. It was really an historic event that I was so lucky to witness. A man of color was elected to be the 44th president of the United States: Barack Obama on November 4th, 2008 at 11:00 p.m. Eastern standard time. Over 200 years ago, Black slaves put together the White House brick by brick and now, a Black man is the President of the United States of America. While people of color must be so proud everywhere, it was a great moment in history for so many reasons. I felt pride in my heart for a man whose family struggled to bring him up and educate him. I felt pride because people of his kind have suffered throughout history - every tear they cried was justified. There was a time when they couldn't ride a regular bus and now they will have one of them in the white house. People all over the world will know him as the President of America - Mr. President. A fabulous son, grandson, husband, father and now spectacular president. I felt pride for minorities will now see that they are not people who do not have a voice but will see that they can do anything they put their mind and heart into, and represent themselves. Obama has a big task ahead of him and he will do it because "He Can!" However, kudos to McCain. He really is a decent and correct man. His conceding speech was very gracious as was Obama - clearly they can work together to keep their promises of change which is very much needed. They both demonstrated what politics and democracy is all about today and it makes me very proud to live in a generation where democracy always prevails along with liberty and opportunity. Today was inspirational to people all over - You can do anything you put your heart to was the message.
Clean politics is something India must learn to use the fact that they have the biggest democracy in the world. With such grace both of them spoke to each other and about each other. Clearly a night to be proud of all over. Of course, Obama wins and the forwards start to roll into my email box. Just an example...
St. Peter was sitting at his desk in front of the pearly gates when he noticed a black man walking toward him. Peter rose to greet the new arrival.
"Welcome to Heaven. Your name, please?"
"Barack Obama"
"Well, Mr. Obama, tell me a little about yourself."
"I was the first black president of the United States."
St. Peter was flabbergasted. "You're kidding. America was finally able to shake off the old prejudices and elect a black man to the presidency? When did THIS happen?"
Obama glanced at his watch and said, "Oh, about 15 minutes ago."
Good always win and succeeds over evil - This can only happen America and it has. Yes, we can.. and we did!
/RM
No comments:
Post a Comment