Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Congratulations to President Elect Obama

Without saying where I stand on who I voted for this election I have to say that I think it's a really big deal that Barack Obama was just elected President of the United States. In the lifetimes so many people who read this blog we've had race riots in this country, discrimination, real bigotry, and a real belief, even five years ago, that there wouldn't be a black president in our lifetimes.

Now, his being black, or half black, maybe being half is worse if you ask some people, shouldn't be a reason for someone to vote for him? I don't know. I was raised by a couple who wouldn't, and didn't, and don't, raise racist kids. We weren't brought up that way and while I'd be stupid to say I am color blind, I'm not, I don't think I was brought up to make decisions about people based on race. But I am glad, as an American, that my country has, in my lifetime, elected a non-white guy president.

I hope the next four years are good ones. I hope we're not tested really soon and get to enjoy the idea of an America that has really begun to heal in earnest from a disease we trully began recovering from during the civil rights movement.

Good night all. I'm closing with a quote we'll probably hear a lot over the next few days.
Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
 Martin Luther King

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