Clare's Dad

Wordless Wednesday is not so wordless today.  I had another photo ready this week, but to post anything other than a recognition of last night’s election of Barack Obama didn’t seem right.

I didn’t hide that I didn’t enthusiastically support Obama or McCain.  None of us can deny though that at least half the country felt disenfranchised, that far many more felt that the country was “on the wrong track,” and that many had lost American pride.  There’s no doubt that the election of Obama will energize many Americans, lift their spirits, give them hope, and polish our image with many people around the world.  The burden is now on President-Elect Obama to deliver on his promises when those promises might actually be bigger than the man himself.  In short, it’s put up or shut up time for the Democrats.  But, the burden is also on those of us who didn’t fully support Obama, who may be more fiscally conservative or right-leaning, to take the high road and allow positive change to happen.  If the same bitterness continues that has existed for the past eight (or even more) years, then the country will only continue swinging from right to left every two, four or eight years without any real positive movement at all.

It’s also impossible to ignore the incredibly historic significance of this election, and—despite party or politics—to not be proud of this country for electing its first African-American president.  Last night two young girls looked up at their dad and saw the President of the United States.  Only fifty years ago, those same girls might have needed a military escort just to walk to school.  I’m definitely proud to be part of the generation that helped to make this happen.

Other votes last night were not as encouraging.  Votes in California, Arkansas, Florida and other states exposed that discrimination, hate and fear still exist.  We can’t move forward while we’re busy holding others down.  This country is making progress and will continue to be the greatest nation on earth.  Next time that we want change though, let’s just be sure to try to take everyone with us.