There is a joy, a new joy in America, a crying tears of joy in America. No words in this vocabulary can describe what must be felt out there in the hearts of so many. The reactions from around the world say it all. It is a moment as unique as the election of John F. Kennedy or the campaign of Robert F. Kennedy. That kind of moment has returned once again in America and the torch that has been claimed to have been passed so many times by so many politicians has this time truly been passed and it has been waiting 45 years for this moment.
I'am amazed and I'am astonished. Consider the backdrop of the post 9-11 world. With the goading of the Bush administration the country has been in a state of fear of terrorist attack for 7 years. We are at war in Iraq and Afghanistan with the constant drumming from the whitehouse of the continuing threat of an expanding al-qaeda terrorist network. National security and war prepardness is at an elevated level yet the American people are prepared to elect the first African-American to the highest office in the land and an African-American with only two real years of experience in congress but also rated as the most "liberal" senator on capitol hill. If that is not enough he has a name, Barack Hussien Obama that sounds like a terrorist's name that you might have thought would be perceived as an unsurmountable political obstacle by Democratic operatives, yet despite all that Barack Obama has moved through the process successful at almost every stage and to be met at the critical point of this political process with the largest economic collapse since the Great Depression is the most fortutious timing any candidate could have asked for and needed but especially one trying to break the racial barrier. The timing and all of it is amazing, absolutely amazing and it is a credit to the courage and intelligence of the American people and the foresight and perseverence of all those involved with bringing Obama to the stage. To be the nominee of the Democratic party is amazing enough but to be elected over a former white Republican war hero during a time of war regardless of the economic backdrop is nothing short of a political miracle and evidence of the deeper common sense of the electorate.
Congratulations America, you have once again ignited the spirit and imagination of the world reminding them of the hope and possiblity of opportunity for all that is meant to characterize this nation and brought into fulfilment the promise that here and everywhere all men are created equal raising the dignity of all to the standard of God's love . A promise and a standard envisioned by early black leaders, civil rights marchers, Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and a part of a larger dream of a better world, a better world that can begin again on this good day, on this very good day.
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