There is reason to rejoice today, and to feel deeply proud of our country.
Virtually all nations have at least some deep racial or tribal divisions. Many countries include relatively small racial minorities who are despised, oppressed, and devalued. Even in Europe, where we seem to think they are somehow more enlightened than us jingoistic redneck Americans, the racist leanings are much more overtly hostile and frequently and publicly displayed, in ways that in America would result in lawsuits, outrage, and relentless public shaming of the perpetrators.
What makes America such a freakish exception to the history of the world was on display in the electorate last night. I don't know of any other country where such an aforementioned minority has gone in a single generation from the former status to having one of their sons elected to the highest public office in the land.
The peaceful transition of power from one President to the next in this country is a miracle in itself. That Americans have once again put history on its head not only by continuing this rare and precious tradition, but also by electing a member of a racial minority as chief executive, when such an event was considered a complete impossibility even earlier in my own lifetime, shows an amazing and admirable idealism among our citizens. This idealism is one of the chief strengths of this nation, the greatest to ever arise.
Of course I have still some serious misgivings about the ideology and mettle of Barack Obama. No objective reading of his past record, statements, and associations can leave the serious mind completely without worry in that regard. But he will be the President of the United States, and I believe that the solemnity, the magnitude of that office's power may chase away some of the radical silliness he has exhibited in the past.
So congratulations to President-Elect Obama, and my gratitude for John McCain's statesmanlike words in his concession speech. I hope that Obama's expressed commitment to bipartisanship and to being the President of the entire country is sincere and that he finds a path to make it a reality. My hopes and prayers are with our new President to be, his family, and the nation he has been called upon to govern.
So today I thank God once again for the miracle of American representative government, and implore His blessings upon America, our leaders, our citizens, and that He smile on our continued liberty and prosperity.
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3 comments:
Here here! I heard a very bitter person on the radio this morning intone that Barack Obama would never be his President despite having won the election.
That is one of the most Un-American sentiments I have ever heard. While I too have misgivings about his ideals, I am an American and he will be My President.
President-Elect Obama gave an inspiring acceptance speech, and I hold out a hope that his election will heal many wounds of the past, and that a spirit of bi-partisanship can arise.
I understand how the system works and Barak Obama understood that very well; he is now our President. His eloquence is almost unmatched but what he promises will not make this a better nation. It is unfortunate as well that so many people believe only what they want to hear and are swayed by promises of "more government" help. The more government we have the less freedom we enjoy.
I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN. Be it Obama or McCain, Bush or Clinton every one of our nations greatest leaders have and continue to have their share of misgivings but for one man to unite a county the way Barack did says a tremendous amount about the direction of the people of this country. I received and email yesterday and the title was "How to Fight Back Against the Left". It left me speechless. This country is moving forward and yet so many want to take us back. It has always been God's plan to unite this world and on the eve of Nov 4th we saw just a glimpse of that. The world rejoiced for the most powerful nation in the world made a statement about the New Life we are all to soon live. Nothing is fixed overnight but I change is coming. I heard someone say "Rosa Parks sat so MLK could walk, MLK walked so Barack could run and Barack ran so our children can fly!" Each of these individuals represent the hope and truth that Change happens. My prayer for this country and world is that one day we will all stand in peace together. The only reason Barack isn't going to be someone's president is because he is black not because he is a democrat. Shame on those simple minded people and may God bless their minds and open their hearts because change is coming and no one is going to stop it.
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