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.
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