One week before Barack Obama takes the oath of office as the 44th President of the United States, my wife and I should be bringing our first child into the world. I've never talked about this here because it's not been relevant, but we are a mixed-race couple--I'm white, she's black. It's good to know that it's a world where a mixed-race kid, just like ours, can be elected President of the United States.
I didn't want Obama to win because of his ancestry or the colour of his skin. I wanted him to win because our neighbour to the south needs change and I believe he was the best candidate available to bring that change. But that said, I can't help but think about what he's done to lower the barriers that my son or daughter will face, and I cannot help but be grateful for that.
Thank you, President-elect Obama. And thank you, America.
Congratulations to all the American friends who worked for this wonderful change.
I believe, I hope, that this victory speaks to the power of RESPECT for the people, all the people. I haven't seen the total voting figures yet, but the GOTV efforts I've watched online and the way that people responded have been very moving.
There is going to be lots to criticize in the days to come, but I believe that millions voted to get their constitution back, to reaffirm their belief in the rule of law, and they voted for the team that promised to work on that. Given the nightmare of the Bush/Cheney years, that is inspiring.
Obama/Biden -- isn't that the best team you've seen since forever? Yay!
Congratulations on the coming addition, KB.
I am not sure that Mr. Obama will be the be-all and end-all in healing the country from the depredaions of Mr. Bush and Co. - a fact he noted in his victory speak whn he said he may not please everyone, even his supporters.
Still, it seems America did not vote for "second verse, same as the first", but was serious about change ..... it remains to be seen whether the change is what was desired.
What skdadl said!
And congratulations to you and your wife, Kevin!
Plenty o' things to celebrate today... in the car on the ride in to work this morning, I looked at my carpool driver/friend/co-worker and started singing the theme song to the Mr. Rogers show, "It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood, a beautiful day in the neighbourhood..."
:D
Oh, and Happy Guy Fawkes Day, everyone!
Croghan,
I don't know if Obama will be able to deliver either. I just think that the chances of him managing to deliver are better than they would have been for anyone else who had a realistic shot at winning. It's a first necessary step.