As I watched Obama's speech last night, I paused to take in the historic magnitude of what was unfolding. (Even now it is being compared to our landing on the moon in 1969.) Peoples from all around the world cheered and danced and applauded the possibilities of America's future.
I couldn't help but think about Martin Luther King Jr.'s words, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
Joe Biden announced in a speech a few weeks ago that Barak Obama "will be tested." Already the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has thrown down the gauntlet challenging our next President-elect and our nation.
He did not congratulate Obama in his address...
He harshly criticized the U.S. over security issues and the global financial crisis. He said Russia is not inherently anti-American but suggested it is up to the United States to take the initiative in improving ties.
Let the games begin.
I, for one, am not at all surprised by where we are at today. Obama has inspired people. He inspired people to get involved, to give to his campaign, to hope once again in our great country and its possibilities. He is now living proof that indeed, anyone can dream big, work hard and become President of the United States.
Indeed his time of testing will come. My inbox has been flooded with emails questioning his loyalties, his faith his intentions and his policies. His character will be tested. His leadership will be tested. The mainstream media that anointed him will turn on him in time. He will enjoy this honeymoon period, and he should. But he has his work cut out for him.
Mark my words that eventually, those same reporters will dig and smear and question. They cannot resist tearing down what they have built up.
I for one hope that Barak Obama lives up to the expectations he has created. It would be great for America to once again be respected by the other nations of the world, for our greatness, not just our military strength.
I thought John McCain gave a gracious consession speech last night as well. (I would love to see Obama offer McCain a cabinet position in his administration to drive the point home that he really does want to reach across the aisle. Not likely, but a nice sentiment...) Although Obama's hero Abraham Lincoln did it in his administration appointing what is now known as his "Team of Rivals."
Perhaps Obama will take this opportunity to do the same?
Only time will tell what will happen with our economy, the war in Iraq and our reputation around the world... will taxes be raised or cut, will there really be healthcare for everyone and who will pay for it?
To all those who are disappointed in the outcome of this election, I ask you to join with me in basking in the pure historic value of this occasion and the possibilities of what lies ahead.
