Dear GOD,We pray for optimum health, mental clarity and political prosperity forBarack Obama. We praythat what he lacks in political 'experience' you make up for withsupernatural wisdom andpower. We also pray that when his enemies come upon him they willstumble and fall; and thatyour love will fill his heart to the end that 'Your will' will be donethrough him.We pray mightily for his protection.We ask you to dispatch legions of angels to protect them from all hurt,harm, danger, and fromall accidents and incidents as he seeks to become the next President ofthese United States .We thank and praise you for answering the sincere prayers of therighteous. In Jesus' Name,AMEN
I never thought that in my life time that "it" could ever happen I can't for the world of me even look at my four sons without tearing up because my grand parents and parents passed away and did not live to see this event! I tear up because I remember when my mother would take me to the bus station a a boy in the 1950's and yank my arm out of place for trying to drank from a "white only water fountain", or sitting on my dad's shoulders watching a MLK rally we as a people have come a long way, Amercia has resoundingly spoken. The nearly two-year campaign for President has finally come to an end. Consequently, America has decided that it is time for CHANGE – and Barack Obama is THE ONE to lead this country through that change. This is truly historic – but not only because Barack Obama will be the first President of the United States who is Black – but because there were record turnouts at the polls where Americans of all ages were exercising their right – their power – their voices – to send a loud and clear message that we need to change courses. Even more significant is the fact that the results showed that in a majority of the instances where folks indicated that “race” was a factor in their vote, both Black and White, the votes still strongly favored Obama. That says that many people put aside their racial hang-ups and voted based on their conscience. While there were so many negative and mean-spirited comments during this campaign, in the end people were able to sort through it and make informed, intelligent decisions. At 11 PM EST on November 4, 2008, it became official: Barack Obama will become the 44th President of the United States. He will now begin the arduous task of putting together a cabinet and transitioning into the White House. There are 77 days before inauguration and a lot of work to be done. After losing his beloved grandmother the day before the election, President-elect Obama needs to take a break – perhaps a mini-vacation – to spend time with his family, recharge, and then get on with the business of planning how to get this country back on track. Our allies around the world are elated with the election results. They respect and admire President-elect Obama and are excited about the prospect of renewed cooperation, diplomacy, and leadership from the United States. We now have reason to hope – reason to believe – reason to feel good again. Let me be clear – while it is wonderfully significant for our country and for minorities, this is not about having a Black President, but rather we now have a President-elect who is Black. He was elected to be President of the United States - not of Black America. I will go on record to say he will not only live up to the task, but he will exceed expectations and help unite our country and the world. Unequivocally, President-elect Obama will be an all-inclusive President and truly a leader for our times. The magnitude of challenges that he will face far surpasses those of any previous incoming president (economy, deficit, two wars, etc.) and although he will not change things overnight, positive change will come. I am happy for Barack and for his family – but more importantly, I am happy for the United States of America. Tonight we all have much to be proud of – regardless of what part of the country you reside in or whom you voted for. It’s time to put aside the petty bickering and unite behind our new President. Some people will point to this and say all the racial ills of this country are now over. Let’s not go overboard. There are still a number of problems and issues with race. There are still a lot of differences and there are still a lot of “closet” racists that harbor hatred and help instill it in their own select groups. But hopefully we are at least moving in the right direction. There will be some small-minded idiots that will utter racial slurs toward the new President as well as other minorities. But the better person rises above it. It’s a new day for Americans. Let’s embrace it. The television images from across the country after Barack was declared the winner were astonishing. Crowds were exuberant and excited. These were not just Black people or Latinos. These were crowds made up of many races, men and women, young and old – all who came together and made a difference; all who believed in “THAT ONE” – and placed their trust in his ability to unite us all and lead us to higher heights. Lastly, I was extraordinarily pleased with the gracious and sincere comments from Senator John McCain in his concession speech. He reminded me of the John McCain I admired four years ago but lost much faith in during this campaign. I am encouraged by his remarks that he will continue to serve our country as the Distinguished Gentleman from Arizona.Congratulations to all of you for your diligence and for making a real difference. This is only a sample of what we can do when we all come together.
Today we are privileged to witness history in the making. 20-30-40 years from now we will be telling our children and grandchildren about the night that Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for President – the first African American to ever do so. 45 years ago today, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the speech that still lives and rings in our hearts and minds (I Have a Dream). Now, today, Barack Obama is living that dream. As a result of the sacrifices, struggles, and efforts of great Civil Rights Leaders as Dr. King, Barack Obama is poised to become the first Black President in our Nation’s history. What a ride it has been for Barack. Just four years ago, he gave the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. He was a relative unknown at the time. In January 2005 during a Super Bowl Party I was hosting, I told the attendees to look out for a guy named “Barack Obama”. I went on to say that he would soon become a major player in National Politics. However, even I did not know the true magnitude of what he would accomplish in such a short time. As much of an optimist as I am, I must admit that I never would have thought he’d be a candidate for President in short a short time. Yet, here he is. He has mesmerized the Nation in a way that has never been seen before – not during the JFK years, not during the Clinton years. Barack is unquestionably the right guy at the right time. This country needs him and he will be great for America.
I have watched, with great interest, every night of the Democratic Convention. I have been thoroughly pleased with the speeches and outpouring of support from people of all backgrounds. Opening night featured the unexpected appearance by Ted Kennedy – and what a powerful speech he gave – and only a short time after brain surgery. Michelle Obama followed with a speech that will long be remembered as one of the best speeches ever by a presidential candidate’s wife. I was pleasantly surprised. Night two featured Hillary Clinton. We knew she would be supportive but no one knew if it would be sincere and genuine. Yet, she dispelled any doubts. I am convinced that Hillary is solidly behind Barack and wants him to win. Her dramatic stoppage of the roll-call vote on Wednesday night to make a motion that Barack be nominated by “acclamation” as the Democratic choice for President was classy and needed. Above all though, I was blown away by President Bill Clinton’s speech. No one knew what to expect from him. He stepped up to the plate and unquestionably hit a home run. President Clinton left no doubt that he is supporting Barack for President and he was very convincing when he proclaimed to millions: “Barack Obama is ready to be President”.
Barack helped his cause by demonstrating his wise decision-making when he chose Joe Biden as his Vice Presidential running mate. Of all of the candidates in the running, Joe is the ONE candidate that adds the most value to the ticket. He and Barack will be a great team for the next four years and beyond. We can look forward with anxious anticipation to real change in our country and to a more prosperous America. We need a true revitalization and there are many issues that Barack and Joe must face - and I believe they are up to the challenge. They will not disappoint. Everyone from Al Gore, to Mark Warner & Tim Kaine, the Clintons, Bill Richardson, Mark Udall, Nancy Pelosi, Dwight Eisenhower’s grand-daughter – Susan (a lifelong Republican), Harry Reed, Ted Kennedy, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Tom Daschle, Kathleen Sebelius, John Kerry, and many, many others, including everyday citizens, have stepped up the podium this week in Denver to express why they are supporting Barack Obama for President.
Al Gore suggested that the presidential race is close only because people are afraid of “change” and Barack represents real change. It is time for us to step up – like never before – and make a real difference. There has never been a more important election in my lifetime and I am not sure there will ever be another in my lifetime that is as important or significant as this one. We have ONE chance to get it right. America got it wrong eight years ago when we allowed a close contest to be stolen and it sent George Bush to the White House. Most Republicans I know, including many that have voted Republican their entire lives, have said to me that Bush was a big mistake and they can hardly wait for him to be out of office. Let’s not look back at this opportunity four years from now and wonder “what might have been”. As I write this edition, I am eagerly awaiting Barack’s acceptance speech to provide the final points. The Nation is eagerly awaiting it and we all anticipate that Barack will erase any lingering doubts that “this is HIS time” – and this is OUR time.
John McCain ‘claimed’ that the majority of “retired” military officers support him for President. Yet, donations to the Obama campaign from active duty military personnel outnumber those to McCain’s by six to one. Then, in a strong show of support, a number of general/flag rank officers from all branches of service marched to the stage in Denver tonight to show their support for Barack Obama as “Commander-in-Chief”. Joe Biden put it best: “America does not need another good soldier, America needs a good Leader”. John McCain repeatedly boasts about his military service and his time spent as a prisoner of war. That’s great. However, this country has plenty of great soldiers from all branches of service. What we need NOW is a great leader! Barack Obama will be just that.
Showered with thunderous applause and waving flags, Barack Obama took the stage at Denver’s Mile Hour Stadium tonight and announced: “…with profound gratitude and great humility, I accept your nomination for the presidency of the United States”. Then during the course of the next 43 minutes, Barack laid out the clear and undeniable differences between him and John McCain. He attacked the failed Bush policies and declared: “Eight is Enough!” Barack cleverly and clearly outlined his intentions and his plans for America. He did not shy away from any subject – health care, veterans’ care, economy, education, social security, taxes, jobs, military, leadership, and the great American spirit. Barack was tough and direct throughout his speech, and he took on all the criticisms McCain and the Republicans have poured on him.
Barack declared to all of us: “this election has never been about me – it’s about YOU; you understand that at this defining moment, the change we need doesn’t come FROM Washington, the change we need comes TO Washington.”
In a rousing close, Barack reminded us of Dr. King’s speech 45 years ago, and he urged us to move forward. “America, we cannot turn back. Not with so much work to be done. Not with so many children to educate, and so many veterans to care for. Not with an economy to fix and cities to rebuild and farms to save. Not with so many families to protect and so many lives to mend. America, we cannot turn back. We cannot walk alone. At this moment, in this election, we must pledge once more to march into the future. Let us keep that promise - that American promise - and in the words of Scripture hold firmly, without wavering, to the hope that we confess.”
A great speech – by a great man – and he will be a great President. Put aside the issues of race and gender – and commit to working hard to help elect the person that will best restore this country to greatness. That ONE man is Barack Obama
I hope and pray that the media does not “spin” this speech and make it solely about Rev. Wright. Because it was soooooo much more than that. This is as pivotal a speech I feel as any we have had in our modern times, because the issue of “race” has always been talked about in either volatile environments or extremly passive environments. We need to move toward a common ground once and for all!
Having grown up in Brooklyn New York through the Civil Rights movement, to traveling in the South in the late 1950's and early 1960's drinking from a "whites only water fountain" with my mother we have come such a long way and last but not least , “we’ve waited a long time for a leader whom the country needs as badly as we needed John Kennedy in 1960 and Robert Kennedy in 1968,“And today, I’m more convinced than ever that Barack Obama is that leader.”
This is a speech for the history books - a speech from a time when politicians were thinkers, not bureaucrats. Obama is re-awakening that America?
As a 51 year old who have been in the military over 28 years dealing with young black Americans I can tell you making remarks to a generation gap among African Americans is not based on age but was born on a period of American history of the results of single parent house holds of the poor and disenfranchised and the lack of recreation programs for our youth. Focus on your solution and stop the path you going down because you’ll lose the youth, get on BET and explain your position rather than going down the Bill Cosby route otherwise you’ll be viewed as an uncle tom. And as to the Obama aides who say "It's very important because of who votes," said one Obama adviser, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "The generation that is of the civil rights era are pretty reliable voters." Don’t count out the youth because there is NO DRAFT therefore the amount of black youth who are not being drafted like Viet Nam are right here watching and hearing every word you say. I have 4 sons ages ranging from 5 to 17 they are doing very well in school and none are viewed as “acting white” " They are NOT little shorties, AND THE ONLY THING HAPPENING TO THEM IS THEY ARE GROWING UP believing through education they can be anything they set their hearts out to be “after all isn’t that the American dream?” the only loss of hope is from our leaders and yes, “We've got work to do" and it begins with stopping the condescending way we talk to our youth. You have my vote and I will do all within my power as a voter to help this cause but...not at the cost of how you address black america.
v/r
KVG
So why are some black voters so uneasy about Obama not being Black enough? Its it the press like a pack of dogs looking for a story or is just the lack of support from our Black leaders in their distant non-support fueling this fire? I am a Native New Yorker but I could never see supporting Senator Clinton, in the battle for African-American support and if we are not very careful the media will create Super Fight #1!
The press and media has pointed so much to race to Mr. Obama’s heritage — he is the American-born son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas — and the fact that he did not embody the experiences of most African-Americans whose ancestors endured slavery, segregation and the bitter struggle for civil rights STILL makes him a blackman period, its not about color its about "the dream" its about transending color but most importantly its about gaining the support of all americans not just the Black vote.
But with that being said the black vote is looking for someone who will take on the issues of mimimum wage, jobs going overseas, education of our poor, health and yes I'll say it.... I'll say the dirty word that no one wants to hear Affirmative Action, housing and then and only then will they want to hear about the War; but make no bones about it the poor and middle class are the ones who are fighting in it.
The fine Black line among many blacks, the awkward and painful debate about race, immigrant heritage and the presidency has got to be put to rest BEFORE 2008! It's been bubbling for months and is picking up steam white america does not care but the powers to be (whoever that is you fill in the blank). Is going to play dirty and Mr. Obama MUST stay above that. He has a real shot at the presidency but must remember all those who have paved the way before him. As a supporter I feel his background will only enhances his appeal as someone who has addressed the concerns of black Americans as a community organizer in Chicago, a state legislator in Illinois and a senator in Washington.
The time is NOW but remember the fine Black vote line MUST be disspelled NOW! His growing up in Hawaii and Indonesia with his mother and his maternal grandparents and of his struggle to define his own racial identity will resonate with voters across ethnic and color lines.But must touch the urban and southern Blacks to truely get their support! It can become the Key issue if not addressed because for some blacks who argue that he is distant from the struggles and cultural identities of most black Americans. The black columnist Stanley Crouch has said, “When black Americans refer to Obama as ‘one of us,’ I do not know what they are talking about.” He must define that...
We have nothing but love for the brother, but we don’t have anything in common and that in lies the challenge before he can even go after that Black vote he must define himself as "one of us". Tiger Woods is the only other Blackman to have endure the same type "who is he" when Blacks tried to define him as well maybe for the first time in our history a multi-racial person will rise ot be our first president of color.
Now, for the record I support him 110% he is black and African-Americans better wake up and begin to endose him now. that includes Julian Bond, the chairman of the NAACP and all other black groups to include our black Democrats in Congress we all must get past this Fine Black Vote line....
God Bless America & God bless Mr. Barack Obama and his family!
