“This is a new chapter in both American history and the world’s history.”
– British Prime Minister Gordon Brown
I’ve been gathering my thoughts and reflecting on the events that have transpired over the last several months and while it’s been an emotional ride, I’ve finally been able to put some of my thoughts into words…
A few days ago when Barack Obama was sworn in as our 44th President, I felt such a strong sense of hope and overwhelming pride as an American. It was an incredible feeling and words were hard to come by while I was capturing every moment, watching the people in the crowd with tears streaming down their faces and an overwhelming glimpse of optimism in their eyes. The size and diversity of the crowds during the inauguration was extremely powerful. The message President Obama gave to the United States and the rest of the world during his speech instilled the notion that American ideals are still alive and he’s prepared to lead the country into a new chapter of optimism, hope, and dignity. The significance of this particular inauguration brings out the best of America and allows other countries the opportunity to see our country from a new perspective.
A few days ago when Barack Obama was sworn in as our 44th President, I felt such a strong sense of hope and overwhelming pride as an American. It was an incredible feeling and words were hard to come by while I was capturing every moment, watching the people in the crowd with tears streaming down their faces and an overwhelming glimpse of optimism in their eyes. The size and diversity of the crowds during the inauguration was extremely powerful. The message President Obama gave to the United States and the rest of the world during his speech instilled the notion that American ideals are still alive and he’s prepared to lead the country into a new chapter of optimism, hope, and dignity. The significance of this particular inauguration brings out the best of America and allows other countries the opportunity to see our country from a new perspective.
“We are eager for him to get to work so that with him, we can change the world.”
– Nicolas Sarkozy of France
Only in America would a woman and a black man debate over who is more qualified to become elected as a presidential candidate. What other country would elect a once-oppressed minority as their chief executive? We’ve proved wrong the idea that institutional racism is so entrenched in America as to block the election of a black president.
There has been a clear generational shift in the American electorate and there’s always been a paradox between Democratic values preached and they way they are practiced. This country was founded in slavery that expresses democratic ideas, which has always been a paradox. It’s fascinating that in 43 years, we’ve gone from a lack of voting rights to an audacious run for the white house that was actually taken seriously and resulted in a win. It’s more than just race that makes this such a remarkable breakthrough in both American and world history, due in part to the aspirations of earlier generations.
The campaign team and Barack himself did an incredible job of downplaying the issue of race throughout the entire campaign. America did not elect Barack Obama because he was black; he was elected as a candidate who happened to be black. He won the election because of his eagerness for a new approach and hope in America, and because his charisma has inspired so many Americans who have felt their voice would never be heard, especially during a time where our country has fallen. We’ve come together because we believe in the hope that Barack Obama stands for.
There have been several historical breakthroughs in American history that makes this Presidential election so significant. In 1948, President Harry Truman broke the line on racial segregation and discrimination in the military. Rosa parks had a pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement when she refused to give up her seat on the bus in 1955. In the early 1960’s, Martin Luther King Jr. focused on his challenge of legalized racial discrimination in the south and after passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, he continued to challenge the nation’s fundamental priorities. The election of our first black president has such a powerful importance to both American and world history, signifying a revitalization of the national spirit.
There has been a clear generational shift in the American electorate and there’s always been a paradox between Democratic values preached and they way they are practiced. This country was founded in slavery that expresses democratic ideas, which has always been a paradox. It’s fascinating that in 43 years, we’ve gone from a lack of voting rights to an audacious run for the white house that was actually taken seriously and resulted in a win. It’s more than just race that makes this such a remarkable breakthrough in both American and world history, due in part to the aspirations of earlier generations.
The campaign team and Barack himself did an incredible job of downplaying the issue of race throughout the entire campaign. America did not elect Barack Obama because he was black; he was elected as a candidate who happened to be black. He won the election because of his eagerness for a new approach and hope in America, and because his charisma has inspired so many Americans who have felt their voice would never be heard, especially during a time where our country has fallen. We’ve come together because we believe in the hope that Barack Obama stands for.
There have been several historical breakthroughs in American history that makes this Presidential election so significant. In 1948, President Harry Truman broke the line on racial segregation and discrimination in the military. Rosa parks had a pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement when she refused to give up her seat on the bus in 1955. In the early 1960’s, Martin Luther King Jr. focused on his challenge of legalized racial discrimination in the south and after passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, he continued to challenge the nation’s fundamental priorities. The election of our first black president has such a powerful importance to both American and world history, signifying a revitalization of the national spirit.
We’ve come a long way and there is a new beacon of hope in America with the election of our new President. While this is only the beginning, we’ve reached a monumental breakthrough in American and world history, and this should not go unrecognized by anyone. Whether you supported Barack during the election or regardless of your political views, you must admit the unparalleled historical significance of this election and embrace the future with continued hope for America and the rest of the world.
“Today is a great day not only for the United States of America, but for the entire world.”
– President Shimon Peres of Israel
– President Shimon Peres of Israel
2 comments:
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Ralph
Wow! Beautifully written!
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