"When I grow up, I want to be the President of the United States of America"
This is not an aspiration for most youngsters these days, as a matter of fact, it's amazing that anyone in their right minds would put themselves through such a grueling, and expensive process, just for the opportunity to serve. It certainly requires a very special individual, with a specific skill set and a sincere commitment to this country and her citizens. With a lifetime of leadership and community service to his credit, complete with a fierce determination, he asks us simply believe. Only a select few in history have possessed this level of commitment and fortunately for us, this year, our country was blessed by the rise of profoundly historical character, absolutely driven to make a difference. Back when I was in grade school I remember the teacher asking the class who and what we thought we wanted to be when we grew up, it was an exciting day, A day filled with the dreams of children who had every reason to believe that they could truly be whatever they wanted to be, one day. There were several boys who agreed that the job of the President had to be just the very best job possible. As they considered being "the boss of everything" including the entire military, these boys were giddy at the thought of so much power. And yes, even back in my mid 1960's classroom, there were at least a couple of forward thinking girls who agreed and stated that they too would love to be President as well. Of course, none of us ever really expected that a girll would ever really serve. Needless to say, things have certainly changed.
The 2008 Presidential Election was historical on every level, truly a turning point for our country. Not only was there a strong Female candidate, she actually enjoyed tremendous support. She energized her party and the nation, Hillary Clinton a senator from NY, rallied millions to her call. Alas in the end, she fell just short of her parties nomination. Clearly, the country was determined to achieve a new and different direction. Ultimately, the fact that she is forever linked to the past by the "Clinton Factor" which turned out to be both a blessing as well as a closer for her campaign efforts.
Our nation was moving forward, this was the ultimate goal of the entire election, out with the old and in with the new, the message was clear. Barack Obama was elected to serve as President of the United States on November 4, 2008 with a wave of support never before achieved by any Election or Candidate in the history of our government. This young, "inexperienced" senator, according to the "other candidate". Was the first Black American ever nominated by the Democratic Party to serve this post. History will reflect not only the obvious facts of the election and campaign, as there are many profound and significant elements of this achievement with significance reaching far beyond the events which have come to pass. Of course, we will endure challenges and opposition to this President for potentially his entire term however, his determination and humility will continue to serve him well. This polished, articulate politician has evoked the trust, even the hopes, of people from all walks of life throughout the country consistently attracting crowds in huge numbers. His experiences growing up were consistant with the experiences of many making him easy to relate to and his message of Changehas resonated with a weary nation who truly needed a reason to believe. His impassioned speeches were delivered across the nation with an earnest and sincere message of Change and a vision for the future shared by many. Intelligent and fully prepared at every step, Barack Obama embodied the accomplished professional. Maintaining his composed manor through out the campaign despite the political theatrics of the "other campaign" which he consistantly managed to transend. Through out the course he refused to allow himself, nor his campaign to resort to "Politics as Usual" choosing instead to maintain his position. His ability to stay the course of his campaign so carefully crafted, for maximum impact at each stump. This posture was a significant element of his campaign, which contributed to the turnout of this election as effectively as any other. This single detail spoke volumes and was the most glaring difference between the candidates. Ultimately he presented an organized and well established plan for the future as he saw it and that was truly what mattered to most Americans at this juncture. His composure and diligent efforts to remain on task resonated with voters allowing for a delivery of his message, his vision that voters could actually consider, despite the efforts of his opponent to "muddy the waters". With his ojectivity and deliberation of the content he delivered, maintaining his edge by refusing to engage in the political tactics or the past. Our country has endured these nasty games for far too long and apparently we have turned the tide on ethics in politics, another historical element worth considering, we hope. The idea that an election could be successful, to WIN, by denouncing dishonest and dishonorable behavior and unsavory tactics, historically considered part of the process, business as usual. Dare we hope to place these at rest, finally.
Our first elected President George Washington, deliberately maintained his boyhood integrity through out his service His "I can not tell a lie" mantra remains evidence of his personal beliefs and what ultimately he left as his legacy, which offers an effective model for decorum even today. Then there was our 16Th President "Honest Abe" Lincoln who by the way, practiced law in Chicago before serving in the the Illinois House of Representatives, where he fought for the little guy on his way to the White House. Once elected he fearcely defended our constitution, enacting sweeping and signigant change that would forever alter the American experience. Somehow that resume sounds a bit like this other candidate I have heard so much about lately, hmmmm? Only time will tell how deep Obama's commitment to serving with Integrity, Honesty and his Determination to enact real change for our country, for now we have hope. Hope that we can, with dedicated leadership and ethical practices, provide our children with a future worthy of every American child. I am so very proud and hopeful about this opportunity and this President, May God Bless him and our Precious Country! AMEN!
