Living, not reading, history

A little over four years ago, the TV in our living room here in Snellville was on (for the evening news, I think). I hadn't really been watching but then heard some words that caught my attention.

Speaking at the Democratic National Convention in 2004 was a young senator from Illinois. He was extremely eloquent and his words were inspiring. He said what I thought and felt - about humanity, about dreams, about hope. I listened to this man, Barack Obama, and said, "He should run for president of the United States some day." Not because he was full of lofty ideals and descriptive speech but because of his heart and his mind, which came through so clearly with his words. He is such an intelligent man, but not arrogant. He has experienced life in other countries, has a multi-racial family and comes across not just as a citizen of America but of the world. And, as superficial and minor as this may sound (though not to non-Americans), he actually pronounces the names of other countries correctly! That speaks volumes to me, because it says he respects other nations and nationalities.

He loves his country but is wise enough to see it has gone off-track in a number of ways and is no longer the respected superpower and "leader of the free world" that it used to be and can be again. He knew things need to be handled differently, hence his theme of change that was embraced with such enthusiasm. He strongly believes in hope, hence the mantra, "Yes we can", which has stirred so many. He cares and makes those who listen to him want to care, as well. He wants a better nation, a better world, and makes the non-cynical want to be better people.

I have been extremely happy today. The kind of happy that just makes you want to jump up and dance. I've been that way since about 11:00 p.m. last night, actually, when the American election results were finally announced after a long, tumultuous, two-year run. It has been an emotional roller-coaster for those of use who believe in this man. There were so many times when it seemed like not enough believed, but yesterday, that wild ride finally ended on an incredible high for those of us audacious enough to trust that this man is real and feels the hope he talks about.

Last night, as I watched crowds of people on TV (an estimated quarter of a million in Grant Park, Chicago), thousands in New York and, of course, here in Atlanta, hundreds of thousands in cities and countries around the world) cheer and weep, it made me misty-eyed, as well. I have wanted Barack Obama to win for many reasons, but primarily because I believe he is "the real deal" and not just another politician saying what he thinks people want to hear. I was thrilled that enough people shared that hope and belief to make him America's 44th president. It was amazing to see so many others moved by this man, who has an astounding ability to unify.

I understood at the same time, though, what a historic moment this was for America, particularly for African-Americans. To come from a history of slavery ... to have seen, just over four decades ago, unspeakable treatment against their parents and grandparents or experienced that pain and horror themselves, to have lived through and truly understood what discrimination and lack of opportunity were ... With that as the background, there was a lot to absorb. It was almost unreal, hard to accept that America was finally at this point in its history where a man with an African father and American mother will become the leader of this nation in January. This was, and is, a joyous time. Truly a time for dancing, singing, rejoicing.

Barack Obama has tried to make the election about his ideas, his long-term views and his hopes for America, not about race, but last night, and today, his race is on the front page of every newspaper I've seen. The presidential election has certainly been about race for the people who thought they would never live to see this day, and for those who sadly still measure a person by the colour of their skin and cannot accept that a non-Caucasian will be their president in a little over two months. I have heard some mutterings about that, about how suddenly it is all about race, and I'm sorry that there are those who would begrudge African-Americans this time, this achievement.

No, the campaign for presidency wasn't, and shouldn't, have been about race, but surely it is acceptable to let it be part of the celebration, at least for today. Once Barack Obama has been sworn in and begins his presidency, then race should no longer be part of conversations about him or his job performance. Today, however, no one should resent the happiness felt by all who celebrate what really is a moment to savour in America's history.

And for those who are young enough to have grown from childhood to young adulthood in an America that has put enforced segregation behind it, consider yourselves blessed that you don't see what the big deal is and don't understand why some of your fellow citizens are making such a fuss about race today. Race shouldn't have ever been an issue in this election and at least for your generation, and those to come, it hopefully never will be again.

For a non-citizen like me, the election was never about race. It was about Barack Obama the man. The one who has managed to inspire so many in the last few years. It was about his ideals, hopes and dreams for a better America and a better world. He will not be able to be everything to all people, of course. No one can. He has huge challenges ahead of him, and I'm sure that at least some, if not many, will be disappointed by some of his decisions. Critics will judge him harshly and consistently, as they have in the last two years. Some will refuse to recognise him as their president and will deride him. The country has problems, created over the last six years, that will take at least a few years, if not longer, to resolve. The naysayers will call people like me foolish and naive, but that doesn't bother me. I, like millions of others, have faith in this man, and hope ...