On November 4th, 2008 it was a day that a vast majority of Americans listened to their inner-angels in electing President-elect, Barack Obama and Vice President-elect, Joe Biden in this historical election. In taking this all in, I said to my daughter this will be one of America’s defining moments were one can say, I know where I was when America elected its first African-American president. We as Americans can say, we took back our country and must herald all that showed up to vote for this momentous election. It was a clear victory for all and where it will not be called into question by anyone with President-elect, Barack Obama winning 62,443,218 in the popular vote and 349 electoral votes.
Yesterday a vast majority of Americans turned away from the fear and hate promulgated by folks like Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh and Bill O’Reilly by answering them back with a renewed sense of patriotism filled with hope and promise. They have thankfully lost and we a brave people finally won our time in history.
The words used by Senator John McCain at the end of his speeches lately, “We never hide from history, but make history.” Those words came to fruition as America elected this new president. All of us acknowledged our history and yes we did make history. Good for all of us.
As many Americans stood on long lines with a singular purpose in electing President-elect, Barack Obama, it became a purpose driven moment not only for them, but we the people.
In looking at photo-after-photo of the millions around our country who celebrated this election, I was also struck at the many faces of disappointment gathered at John McCain’s concession speech. To them, I know where you are coming from especially having felt that same way when Al Gore and John Kerry did not prevail. It is my hope that all will join with their leader, John McCain in supporting this new president. For the good of this republic, you too must listen to your inner-angels.
The most telling photos were the ones of hundreds-upon-hundreds who took this victory to the fence surrounding the White House. Those who did were not there with fists raised in anger, but joining hands to clearly state to President Bush his failed policies did not work and where we the people will heal a broken nation.
As I watched both Florida and Ohio turn blue last night, it was a redeeming moment when both states went to the Republicans in both 2000 and 2004.
I suppose there are some who want an immediate retribution coming from President-elect, Barack Obama for the eight long years many have suffered through, but I do believe his first priority is correct and that is to build a consensus to get America back on track and restore our good name around the world.
We as Americans have come so far and we still have a long ways to go. But yesterday we joined hands to better this democracy of ours. Last night’s resounding victory in electing President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect, Joe Biden, Americans said, “Yes, we can!”
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
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