This morning I awoke crying as the TV replayed video of the scenes from the Presidential Election Of Barack Obama. The tears ran down a broad smile that strained the muscles in my jaw. I was embarrassed but not much as I sat alone on the couch. later I labored to explain to my friends who happened to be white why the tears flowed. I think at least two of them vaguely understood the magnitude of meaning that the election had for African Americans ( in the future I will drop the African)and for me personally, an Air Force Veteran who felt more of a genuine American than ever before. I tried to explain that the election itself was half the journey and a solution in itself. That Black Americans by and large don't expect any "hook-ups" as one White American was over heard saying at a gas station. These type of uniformed stereotypical opinions taken from anecdotal examples of sometimes only a single instance are part of the racial problem in our country. Black Americans are under no illusions nor delusions that President Obama will solve all of the countries problems, racial or otherwise. Sadly, some Americans cannot bring themselves to embrace a President that does not look like them. Instead they embrace fear instead of change and perpetuate the very devision that has made change so necessary. What lessons are learned from being on the wrong side of a land slide victory? If at all reasonable, individuals should take the time for introspection, reflection and evaluation of the merits of ones own positions. Now is a time of unique opportunity for all Americans to map a future of a more perfect union.
