My President Barack Obama
Congratulations to Barack Obama on a well deserved victory!
As you’ve heard me comment before, I believe Barack Obama to be a smart man and there is much that I admire about him beyond my policy differences with him. I didn’t watch the election coverage last night for two reasons: I knew Barack was going to win, and I’m completely worn out on it all by now, but as I woke up this morning and turned on the television, I was surprised at what my first thoughts were upon receiving the anticipated news. The first emotive thought that fired through my synapse was pride for my country. I share wholly in the historical significance of this event. It is a time that is long overdue, and all Americans should now stand proud that the fundamental charter of our constitution is more than just words a bunch of old guys jotted down, but words that actually mean what they say. Proud that only forty years ago, during MY life time, black citizens were being treated so horribly and many of those who suffered through the civil rights movement of the 50’s and 60’s and points before are now seeing the fruits of their perseverance. It must assuredly be an even more glorious day for these aged soldiers. We too often forget while celebrating and thanking America’s past warriors that we owe an equal debt to those who fought, suffered, and died in the struggle for racial equality. It is a proud moment for America indeed.
The next forward thinking thought I had beyond recognition and acknowledgement of the event was; what will it mean? What I hope it means is that the black community can now honestly address the issues that plague it as a group. I’ve talked to friends about what TRUE equality would mean in reality and the philosophical sense. TRUE equality means that NOBODY is more special than the other in the eyes of god, courts, government, etc. IMHO, this is the most challenging idea that black community must come to terms with and this election is an opportunity to embrace the concept. The problems are broad and systemic. Continued help from the government will of course be needed to solve them, but with a black man now holding the position of President of the United States, it’s time take a look inward. Single motherhood, dropout rates, black on black violent crime. I am convinced that the real solutions for these problems will not come from government programs and financial assistance, but with REAL cultural paradigm shifts and change in thought within the black community itself.
During my college days while studying the civil rights struggle, I’d lay awake at night and think about how different my feelings were on racial equality and justice in comparison to those segragationist, not just what I thought in the academic sense, but in my heart. After all, legislation no matter how well written and just does not change people’s hearts. The answer, the only answer, was that it was due 100% to my parents and the moral guidance that they provided me. They broke the chain and the results are sustained and indelible. I firmly believe that this is at the core to any solution to the problems mentioned above. It will require parents in the black community to do what my parents did for me: TEACH the idea of real equality to their children and responsibility to oneself.
While Barack Obama’s election victory is of itself a great story, how he got here is an even better one. He was blessed to have, against what some would say were insurmountable circumstances , a family member who instilled the values of equality, who refused to allow history to provide an excuse for him to fail. It’s now time to recognize what Barack Obama’s grandmother did for him is the ONLY path to solving the problems that plague the black community. I hope that is what folks will be thinking tomorrow as the streets are swept of confetti and life moves forward.
I did not vote for Barack Obama because I didn’t agree with many of his policy positions not on account of the color of his skin. There were many who did vote for him for this reason. I recognize this motive as a legitimate one for many reasons such as what I’ve written above. This moment had to happen and whether it was now or at some other time in the future, it is worthy of celebration.
Finally, to those liberals friends that I have listened to countless times run down the list of historical transgressions and blather on endlessly about how horrible our country is as I attempted in vain to counter with examples of how great we are, please take stock in this day. There were MANY more of these moments before, and there are many more to come.
There will be much to argue about in the coming days, but for now all I can say is good luck and God speed President Elect Barack Obama.
The next forward thinking thought I had beyond recognition and acknowledgement of the event was; what will it mean? What I hope it means is that the black community can now honestly address the issues that plague it as a group. I’ve talked to friends about what TRUE equality would mean in reality and the philosophical sense. TRUE equality means that NOBODY is more special than the other in the eyes of god, courts, government, etc. IMHO, this is the most challenging idea that black community must come to terms with and this election is an opportunity to embrace the concept. The problems are broad and systemic. Continued help from the government will of course be needed to solve them, but with a black man now holding the position of President of the United States, it’s time take a look inward. Single motherhood, dropout rates, black on black violent crime. I am convinced that the real solutions for these problems will not come from government programs and financial assistance, but with REAL cultural paradigm shifts and change in thought within the black community itself.
During my college days while studying the civil rights struggle, I’d lay awake at night and think about how different my feelings were on racial equality and justice in comparison to those segragationist, not just what I thought in the academic sense, but in my heart. After all, legislation no matter how well written and just does not change people’s hearts. The answer, the only answer, was that it was due 100% to my parents and the moral guidance that they provided me. They broke the chain and the results are sustained and indelible. I firmly believe that this is at the core to any solution to the problems mentioned above. It will require parents in the black community to do what my parents did for me: TEACH the idea of real equality to their children and responsibility to oneself.
While Barack Obama’s election victory is of itself a great story, how he got here is an even better one. He was blessed to have, against what some would say were insurmountable circumstances , a family member who instilled the values of equality, who refused to allow history to provide an excuse for him to fail. It’s now time to recognize what Barack Obama’s grandmother did for him is the ONLY path to solving the problems that plague the black community. I hope that is what folks will be thinking tomorrow as the streets are swept of confetti and life moves forward.
I did not vote for Barack Obama because I didn’t agree with many of his policy positions not on account of the color of his skin. There were many who did vote for him for this reason. I recognize this motive as a legitimate one for many reasons such as what I’ve written above. This moment had to happen and whether it was now or at some other time in the future, it is worthy of celebration.
Finally, to those liberals friends that I have listened to countless times run down the list of historical transgressions and blather on endlessly about how horrible our country is as I attempted in vain to counter with examples of how great we are, please take stock in this day. There were MANY more of these moments before, and there are many more to come.
There will be much to argue about in the coming days, but for now all I can say is good luck and God speed President Elect Barack Obama.
posted by Tony Alva @ 11:52 AM
7 comments
7 Comments:
Truly awesome words, Tony.
It's another testament to the greatness of America and its citizens that people can look forward to a new day even though the person they didn't vote for won the election.
This world needs more of it. You are a good man.
Only a mere 8 years ago, I thought the Democrats were done. Over. History. I saw no new leadership. I even thought it might go the way of the Whig Party. I also thought that the Republicans could have their way with the running the country and I hoped they would do a good job. Now I feel that way about the Dems. They can now do just about whatever they want, but the country's watching and they better not fuck it up. I was glad we had Bush as president in the months following 9/11, but I don't think we need someone pushing our weight around in the world. We need someone who can lead us without the rest of the world hating us. That's why I think McCain lost and O'Bama won. It's not O'Bama I'm worried about.
Falwless's posting was hilarious today BTW, and you wouldn't be in the same country with us if she had her way.
Well done sir. Now, where were we?.... .oh yeah.....blather blather blather....
Seriously though, when we grumble, we grumble out of love, we criticise out of desire to improve. I think that's going to be a big takeaway from this election, or at least I hope so, that somehow one ideology is not more American than another, that dissent is not anti-American. I sure hope we killed that bugger.
As long as he doesn't engage us in a needless war, he'll be doing a better job than the current president.
Great job!
I sat on the political fence for most of the presidential campaign, but in the end, I voted for Obama. After watching his incredible acceptance speech, I think I made the right choice.
I was digusted to read Al Sharpton's Daily News editorial THE MORNING AFTER THE ELECTION. He was oh so eager to remind us that racism isn't dead (lest he lose his career).
Yeah Al, we know racism isn't dead, but can we have at least 24 hours of euphoria.
That was quite eloquent and poignant dude.
That takes me over my 'two big words of the week' allowance.
Awesome post. It needed to be said in just that way. I live in Southern California (could be worse, I USED to live in NORTHERN CA!) and I have gotten beaten down and practically jeered at for voting for McCain. One of my "acquaintances" was harassing those who did not "agree" with her stance on Obama and on our very heated Prop 8 (reinstating traditional marriage). When I told her that she had the right to her opinions, and that's what our country was about, she turned around and accused me of being "racist" because I wouldn't vote for Obama and then further told me I was racist because I didn't support gay marriage. (??) Welcome to America, folks, and more importantly, welcome to "Caleeforneea". I should send her to this blog entry, as it says so eloquently what I WANTED to say to her, but didn't (I was too busy counting to 1000, because, once again, she can say what she wishes as that is her right as an American!). I, too, respect Obama and what this means for us, but I, too, did not vote for him because of policy differences and because I do not find him qualified to be Commander in Chief. Period. I sincerely wish the "race" discussion would go the hell away. ALL races have their issues; what's important to note and an important lesson to the black community, and others,is that it's what one DOES with the life one is given, rather than trying to find every excuse in the book for what's wrong with the system.
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