Four years ago, an unknown contender for the Illinois senate race stepped out onto the national platform at the Democratic National Convention. I wondered who he was and considering he was unknown, why he was given such prominent placement in this forum. It only took a few seconds for me to see his Light. This man was different from any other politician I had ever seen in my lifetime. Within approximately two minutes I announced that after Bush wins his second term, this man will be the next president. Everyone laughed at me. For four years, I have repeated my prediction over and over again with much of the same response. Many thought that he would be president someday in the future, but as a first term senator there was no way he could possibly win. I am happy to report that I was right.
I awoke yesterday morning and the clouds from the storms from the previous 3 days had passed. The sun was shining brightly on this Election Day morning. It was a sign that the tides were changing and today we would vote for change. Later as I watched the news in Chicago reporters were wearing their suits without any overcoats. Even there, one of the coldest cities in the continental United States, the weather was demonstrating its pleasure with the political outcome.
I have said this before that without President Bush’s atrocities this man of Light would never be able to be president in his freshman term at the senate. Our world is changing and we are desperate to have our political landscape reflect that change.
Like the little engine that could, Obama faced a slow uphill battle to yesterday’s election. Hillary Clinton was thought to be the successor to the title, but all throughout his candidacy he remained true to his convictions. Seemingly one by one citizens listened to his eloquent speeches. They watched this man maintain his composure throughout the political slamming sessions and they began to sway towards his side of the road.
Obama has been able to unite the country already like no one has before. Even members of the republic party respect him…how could they not? While watching Larry King interview John McCain, he asked the candidate what he thought of the comment his political strategist said earlier in the day. According to King, the strategist said something to the effect that if Obama became the Democratic opponent, he would have to quit, as he would not be able to say anything bad about him. In fact, the worst thing I ever heard about Obama is people criticizing his middle name, claiming he was a Muslim. I find it interesting that the media tried so hard to make such a ridiculous claim, but even through the mudslinging that Obama received he remained calm and composed. Isn’t that how our commander-in-chief should react with calmness and composure?
As I watched the news with anticipation last night, tears of joy streamed down my face as the west coast closed their polling places and the new President-Elect was announced. I gave him a standing ovation in my own living room taking a break only to wipe the tears from my face.
History was made. We elected the first African-American president. African-Americans rejoiced as they saw a true representation of the change in our cultural climate from slavery at the onset of our nation to marches for equal rights only a generation ago, to someone reaching the highest office in our nation. Anything and everything is possible.
Barak Obama’s appeal far exceeds racial boundaries, however, and you could see the rainbow of colors on all the faces at his Victory Speech in Chicago and in Times Square in New York. Yes, African-Americans voted, but Americans from every cultural heritage voted. Voters waited in long lines across America to cast their ballot for their new president. Blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans all came out in force. This man represents us all.
After the victory speech, I looked up headlines from newspapers all over the country and around the world: “Obama Wins,” “America Votes for Change,” “The 44th President of The United States: Barack Obama.” Even the French newspaper Le Monde's headline read, “Barack Obama is Elected President of The United States.” All of the captions showing photos of the incredible presence of this man.
We celebrate a dawning of a new era not only for The United States, but for the world at large. As groups on every corner of the globe celebrate in recognition for the ultimate racial barrier finally being broken; where the best person regardless of their skin color can hold the highest office in the land. The winds of change are upon us. A time of peace is upon us. Who better to lead us in this new era? My heartiest congratulations go out to our new leader, President-Elect Barack Obama, 44th president of The United States.
Thank you for reading and Namaste! (The Light in me recognizes the Light in you!)
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