I Just watched a smiling Barack Obama energetically exit Air Force One, and give a slap handshake and a hearty half hug to one of his staff members. It immediately dawned on me that America has a Black President. For all of you who are wondering what rock I was hiding under for the last few years, I offer up my long winded explanation. I spent a good part of my time the last few years campaigning for Barrack Obama, disseminating misinformation, and attempting to quell the fears of White Friends and Co-workers who felt threatened by the possibility of a Black President. Even bigger challenges where the fears of success by many African Americans and other people of color. You would not believe the amount of people who didn't hesitate to say that they would not vote for him for fear of him being assassinated. Those fears where well understood and quickly preyed upon by the opposition, who floated it in the air during much of the primaries as well as in the general election. My walls are adorned with pictures of Barack Obama, his family, and his inauguration, so how could it just hit me that we have the First Black President of the United States.
Michelle Obama Once stated that 'for the fist time she was truly proud of her Country' in reference of her husband election, many took immediate offense and denounced her as unpatriotic. I knew immediately what she felt and what she truly meant by this statement. I'm a lifetime Civil Servant. I've served my Community, City, State, and Country from my Youth and will continue to do so as long as life permits. I see no greater service than that to the general public. There are many flaws in this great American Society that go unchecked even when challenged. I've seen a level of greed and lack of empathy that surpassed criminality and crossed into the realm of evil, but throughout my limited 50 years of existence I've never come to a point where hopelessness prevailed. No matter how discourage I became by the actions of any group or individual, it would not take long before I was inspired by another group or individual. Although I screamed loudly and protested often, I've always loved my Country and my goals were always to make it better. The Election of President Barack Obama is the pinnacle of individuals and groups coming together and inspiring a nation. People from all walks of life in the most diverse nation in the world selecting a new direction for a great country that was rapidly loosing it way. Seeing past race, not succumbing to fear mongers, and navigating their way through a sea of malicious misinformation. In America will still have a seemingly growing racial and religious intolerance, as well as a propensity to blame those who suffer instead of the system that causes (or at least allows) their suffering. We blame home owners instead of bankers, the unemployed instead of corporations, and the sickly instead of insurance companies. These facts make the election of a Black President with a Muslim name all the more a great testament to the ability of the American people to overcome their own demons. The election of President Barack Obama was not a panacea, The challenges for the future are great and the opposition strong. Although we must still contend with a mass media the feeds us what we tend to crave (sensationalism and controversy), as well as politicians and pundits that put their careers above the well being of the entire Country; the great majority of the American People are intelligent and will continue to strive for the best America possible. The election of President Barack Obama is a big step in the right direction and should bring pride to the entire nation.
We must not forget these great feelings of pride and accomplishment, and never take for granted these milestones in achievement. We cannot rest on laurels, there will always be opposition to the development of this great nation (both external and internal); so the struggle to educate them must continue as we continue to be progressive in our endeavors.
