Obama Victory No Accident, Offers Many Lessons for the Future

Barack Obama’s victory November 4 marked the end of an era. It signaled the dominance of the World War Two generation and its influence is now over. The victories they won, the conflicts they lived with and the struggles they endured are now part of the past or left to their grandchildren to solve. To the greatest generation, as tabbed by newsman Tom Brokaw, we salute you. But the time has come for your grandchildren and great-grandchildren - the next generation - to assert its greatness.

The accomplishments of our parents and grandparents generation should not be underestimated. This generation survived the Great Depression, won World War Two, ushered in an era of prosperity unmatched at the time in the history of the country, oversaw conflicts in Korea and Viet Nam, endured the upheavals of the sixties, oversaw conflicts in Korea and Viet Nam, saw a president resign due to the Watergate scandal, sent a man to walk on the moon, almost experienced a nuclear war, saw the Berlin Wall come down, witnessed a culture clash which divided the country and experienced a the first attack on US soil since Pearl Harbor in 1941. Finally, this generation saw the rise of the Civil Rights movement which laid the foundation for the election of the first African American man to be President of the United States.

Obama’s election is an accident. It is also not an accident that the first African-American president has an African name. America’s racist past has a pall over its greatness and promises. Anyone who does not believe this country offers a person the opportunity to make the impossible possible was asleep at the wheel on November 4, 2008. God works in interesting ways. Obama’s resounding victory left no doubt that America needs to leave the racial divide behind us. It offers hope for millions – of all races and nationalities – but more importantly lessons all must learn and apply in the future.

First, it is time to stop the hate. This election generated a tremendous amount of pride. Many African Americans of all ages voted for the first time and expressed a pride in America they never felt before. Only a person so extreme callousness does not recognize the special significance of this election. More importantly, it is a time to put aside the racial bigotry and hatred for each other whether it is based on race, religion or ideology. We may take different routes to achieve our dreams but we each have one and should be able to pursue them in an environment based on respect and appreciation for each brings to their community.

Second, the impossible is possible. Obama had the audacity to believe he could become president without catering to the old guards who felt he had to “wait his turn”. Both senators – Hillary Clinton and John McCain – seem to resent the fact this young upstart was challenging what they felt was rightfully theirs. They seemed to have an arrogance of entitlement which reminded me of the mentality of welfare queens before that program was reformed. Both Clinton and McCain belittled his lack of experience but simply could not grasp the depth of his ability to inspire a cross-section of people to his cause. His ability to remain calm during the economic storm – the “October” surprise of this election – demonstrated to the voting public he could be trusted to lead this country during these trying times. After Obama’s victory was confirmed, the tears of so many African Americans said it all. In this country, every one, regardless of race can achieve the impossible. His election is a reflection of the true greatness of this country.

Third, parents must never dampen their children’s dreams. Obama was raised by the Anglo portion of this family who clearly taught him there are no limits to what he can achieve. If he had been raised by his African father’s family, he would not be standing on the brink of being inaugurated President. He would have been reminded, possibly in rather harsh language, that there are certain positions blacks simply don’t apply for. His election is a credit to his mother and grandparents who loved him, nurtured him and instilled the confidence and belief in his abilities.

Fourth, never underestimate the impact your story has on others. The criticism leveled against Obama for the books he wrote were interesting and uncalled. His critics, particularly conservative pundits, were flabbergasted he had the audacity to write two books under the assumption he had not achieved anything. They dismissed his story, denigrated his work experience and made every attempt to sully his character. Obama does have a story and it clearly resonated throughout the world. As a Christian we call this our testimony and God calls us to testify to the things He has done in our lives. While not explicitly testifying to God’s role in his life, Obama did testify to what shape his life and in turn his story helped to shape the life of others. Everyone has a story tell so tell it. As innocuous and inconsequential you think your story is it will impact some one some where.

Fifth, the African-American community, and all communities of color, can no longer allow racism to be an excuse for the problem which plagues this country. Does it still exist and needs to be addressed? Yes, but Obama’s election demonstrates it can be overcome.

Sixth, the world seems to have gained renewed respect for America. While many challenges lay ahead, the world seems to view Obama’s election as a breath of fresh air and could lead to significant gains world-wide. I am not convinced Obama’s greatest foreign policy challenges will come from the Middle East. Do not underestimate the racial implications of negotiations with Arabs. Many Arabs feel disrespected and demeaned by Americans. Sitting across the table with some one who looks more like them may lead to a different set of dialogues which could be productive.

Finally, Republicans need to take their heads out of the sand. American has changed. It is more diverse and less interested in issues that divide and want to come together to solve the issues facing this country. Republicans need to reach out to Hispanics, youth and African American voters with more respect, tolerance and issues which are relevant to those individuals. True or not, they are perceived as the party of angry, white, sometimes racist, individuals with little interest in those who don’t look like them. This election should be a wake up call to Republicans – business as usual will not work.

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