Dream fulfilling?
I |
Julian Bond, Chair, NAACP
While the NAACP is non-partisan, and therefore has no favored candidate or party in the 2008 election, it is
undeniable that Senator Obama’s race creates a new sense of possibilities for many Americans of all races and colors.
While it is still early in the process, his Iowa victory must have encouraged many to believe that the America of yesteryear
has changed, and changed for the better.
While the NAACP is non-partisan, and therefore has no favored candidate or party in the 2008 election, it is
undeniable that Senator Obama’s race creates a new sense of possibilities for many Americans of all races and colors.
While it is still early in the process, his Iowa victory must have encouraged many to believe that the America of yesteryear
has changed, and changed for the better.
State Sen. Lena Taylor
In January, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. We come together to honor his spirit, his undying faith in justice
and his many acts to bring about change for not only his fellowman, but a nation.
More importantly, we assemble and recommit ourselves to Dr. King’s vision for our society, a vision he called “Beloved
Community.” In a time of violence and racial hostility, Dr. King had the courage to call for a change … a new way of doing things.
Against the prevailing culture of hate and exclusion, he proposed unity and cooperation. Instead of giving in to age-old divisions
based on skin color, he sought to bring attention to people’s common humanity, shared values and interests.
In a culture where distrust was the norm, Dr. King’s notions were truly radical and he suffered for them — not just at the hands of
Whites, but also within the ranks of some African Americans, who labeled him an Uncle Tom and a traitor to his race. Rightfully,
history has looked more favorably on Dr. King and his ideal of “Beloved Community.” Today, he is hailed as America’s preeminent
civil rights leader and his notion of an inclusive society, in which all groups are represented, is the paradigm to which our nation
aspires.
Every time I turn on the TV or pick up a newspaper these days, I think about “Beloved Community” and what it means at this
moment in history. As racial divides become less overt, many of us continue to wonder have we arrived at the door of the “Beloved
Community.” Many folks will say that we have. Others will note that we still have work to do, but we are closer than ever. Even as
observers of the current presidential campaigns, we have certainly been inundated with an endless stream of candidates
announcing that they will “heal our broken nation” and “bring us together again.” The need for political unity is the theme in this
year’s race.
Although all of the candidates have adopted political cooperation as a point in their campaigns, of note is Senator Barack
Obama’s (D-Illinois) call for residents to become “agents of change.” His message of shared goals and common purpose has given
rise to something of a revolution in this country. Rather than focusing on partisan differences, the candidates are now highlighting
the things that bind us together as a nation, and the need to make sure that all Americans are given a voice in the future of this
country. That way of thinking, as I have observed, is reminiscent of Dr. King’s ‘Beloved Community’.
There may always be critics — from all parties and walks of life — who strive to minimize the importance of political or community
unity in America. Touting it as unrealistic and citing deep ideological divisions, many would seek to undercut the significance of
King’s vision.
However, Obama’s mere candidacy and outcome in the Iowa primary lends support to Dr. King’s belief that ultimately, our
country would reach a day in this nation when a man’s character and not color would be the deciding factors. As we celebrate Dr.
King’s birthday and his legacy, we can best pay tribute to him by continuing to honoring his ideas and working to apply them in all
aspects of life.
In January, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. We come together to honor his spirit, his undying faith in justice
and his many acts to bring about change for not only his fellowman, but a nation.
More importantly, we assemble and recommit ourselves to Dr. King’s vision for our society, a vision he called “Beloved
Community.” In a time of violence and racial hostility, Dr. King had the courage to call for a change … a new way of doing things.
Against the prevailing culture of hate and exclusion, he proposed unity and cooperation. Instead of giving in to age-old divisions
based on skin color, he sought to bring attention to people’s common humanity, shared values and interests.
In a culture where distrust was the norm, Dr. King’s notions were truly radical and he suffered for them — not just at the hands of
Whites, but also within the ranks of some African Americans, who labeled him an Uncle Tom and a traitor to his race. Rightfully,
history has looked more favorably on Dr. King and his ideal of “Beloved Community.” Today, he is hailed as America’s preeminent
civil rights leader and his notion of an inclusive society, in which all groups are represented, is the paradigm to which our nation
aspires.
Every time I turn on the TV or pick up a newspaper these days, I think about “Beloved Community” and what it means at this
moment in history. As racial divides become less overt, many of us continue to wonder have we arrived at the door of the “Beloved
Community.” Many folks will say that we have. Others will note that we still have work to do, but we are closer than ever. Even as
observers of the current presidential campaigns, we have certainly been inundated with an endless stream of candidates
announcing that they will “heal our broken nation” and “bring us together again.” The need for political unity is the theme in this
year’s race.
Although all of the candidates have adopted political cooperation as a point in their campaigns, of note is Senator Barack
Obama’s (D-Illinois) call for residents to become “agents of change.” His message of shared goals and common purpose has given
rise to something of a revolution in this country. Rather than focusing on partisan differences, the candidates are now highlighting
the things that bind us together as a nation, and the need to make sure that all Americans are given a voice in the future of this
country. That way of thinking, as I have observed, is reminiscent of Dr. King’s ‘Beloved Community’.
There may always be critics — from all parties and walks of life — who strive to minimize the importance of political or community
unity in America. Touting it as unrealistic and citing deep ideological divisions, many would seek to undercut the significance of
King’s vision.
However, Obama’s mere candidacy and outcome in the Iowa primary lends support to Dr. King’s belief that ultimately, our
country would reach a day in this nation when a man’s character and not color would be the deciding factors. As we celebrate Dr.
King’s birthday and his legacy, we can best pay tribute to him by continuing to honoring his ideas and working to apply them in all
aspects of life.
State Rep. Robert Turner
As we again prepare to celebrate the life and death of Dr. Martin Luther King, I reflect back to the March on Washington, D.C.,
that was attended by 250,000 people or more. Dr. King’s speech at the March remains one of the most famous speeches in
America’s history. When he departed from his prepared speech, and shifted to the “I Have a Dream” theme he’d used on prior
occasions, he was speaking of an America where his children would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of
their character.
He spoke of envisioning the day that this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: that we hold these truths to
be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and that the sons of former slaves and sons of former slave-owners will be able to
sit down together at a Table of Brotherhood.
We have reached a crossroads in our nation when our country will be tested to see how far we have come to living out the
creed that Dr. King talked about. No nation is tested more than that for the election for the high office of President of the United
States. Although we have had a very few token candidates who are not White males, none other than White males have ever
come close to being elected. As we continue to witness what is shaping up in this election year so far, we are fortunate to have an
African American male and a woman who are leading candidates in this contest.
In light of what happened in Iowa, a state with a population that is 95 percent White, this is a barometer of what Dr. King
envisioned in his “I Have a Dream” speech. Then I submit that we are moving closer to a society that Dr. King so eloquently spoke
about, although he believed that the “teachings of Christ take time to come to the earth.” I personally believe that such an attitude
stems from a tragic misconception of time, i.e., the strangely irrational notion that there is something in the very flow of time that
will inevitably cure all ills. Actually, time is neutral — it can be used either destructively or constructively.
More and more I feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will.
Human progress will never roll in on wheels of inevitability. It will only come through the tireless efforts of men and women willing
to be co-workers with God. Without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must continue
to use time creatively, in the knowledge that time is always ripe to do right. Now is one of those times, and Senator Obama is one
of the messengers doing this work. Through his efforts, he is bringing Dr. King’s “beloved community,” closer to the hearts and
minds of the American people.
As we again prepare to celebrate the life and death of Dr. Martin Luther King, I reflect back to the March on Washington, D.C.,
that was attended by 250,000 people or more. Dr. King’s speech at the March remains one of the most famous speeches in
America’s history. When he departed from his prepared speech, and shifted to the “I Have a Dream” theme he’d used on prior
occasions, he was speaking of an America where his children would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of
their character.
He spoke of envisioning the day that this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: that we hold these truths to
be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and that the sons of former slaves and sons of former slave-owners will be able to
sit down together at a Table of Brotherhood.
We have reached a crossroads in our nation when our country will be tested to see how far we have come to living out the
creed that Dr. King talked about. No nation is tested more than that for the election for the high office of President of the United
States. Although we have had a very few token candidates who are not White males, none other than White males have ever
come close to being elected. As we continue to witness what is shaping up in this election year so far, we are fortunate to have an
African American male and a woman who are leading candidates in this contest.
In light of what happened in Iowa, a state with a population that is 95 percent White, this is a barometer of what Dr. King
envisioned in his “I Have a Dream” speech. Then I submit that we are moving closer to a society that Dr. King so eloquently spoke
about, although he believed that the “teachings of Christ take time to come to the earth.” I personally believe that such an attitude
stems from a tragic misconception of time, i.e., the strangely irrational notion that there is something in the very flow of time that
will inevitably cure all ills. Actually, time is neutral — it can be used either destructively or constructively.
More and more I feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will.
Human progress will never roll in on wheels of inevitability. It will only come through the tireless efforts of men and women willing
to be co-workers with God. Without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must continue
to use time creatively, in the knowledge that time is always ripe to do right. Now is one of those times, and Senator Obama is one
of the messengers doing this work. Through his efforts, he is bringing Dr. King’s “beloved community,” closer to the hearts and
minds of the American people.
Frances Huntley-Cooper, Former Mayor of Fitchburg, Wis.
As I sat glued to the TV watching history in the making, I had all kinds o f emotions flowing through my body. I had a box of
tissues as the excitement, enthusiasm of the crowd and Sen. Barack Obama numbers placing him in first place of the Iowa
primary. Tears of joy and tears for his victory were uncontrollably coming and I did not know why. Later, it dawn on me that
because of the struggles and obstacles he, like many African American have to overcome had to be what was prompting these
emotions. I was born in New York City but grew up in North Carolina during the 1960s – 1970s and I truly know what it is like for
Barack to win in Iowa. So Jan. 3, 2008 is a day that I will always remember for Barack’s winning the Democratic Iowa primary.
Having been in politics, I can truly attest to the fact that the outcome of any election is truly left up to the voters. Polls, signs,
electronic and print media, campaign strategies perhaps may serve as a tool to guide the candidate on issues and opinions …
but what truly makes the difference is the fact that people listen and then go to the polls to vote for the candidate who they
feel understands their issues.
Can Sen. Barack Obama be the first Black presidential candidate to win the nomination of the Democratic Party? Can
Barack Obama be our next President of the United States of America? I would argue “yes, he can.” It is the issues and sincerity
that Barack relates to the American people that have put him in first place in Iowa and a close second place in New
Hampshire. While my experience in politics has been limited and on a very, very small scale compared to Sen. Obama, I
would argue that if I could win elections in Fitchburg as two-term alderperson and made history winning as Mayor in this great
City of Fitchburg, Wis., Sen. Barack can win on the national. I can recall folks saying to me, “You don’t have a chance, but I
will vote for you anyway.” I always had to work hard to win in the primary both as an alderperson and mayoral candidate. I
remember former Mayor Tom Capp telling me, “Let’s just make it through the primary and then we will worry about the general
election.” I came in second in the mayoral primary but I came in first when it really counted the most, the general election.
My supporters were telling me it didn’t look good on Election Day as they drove to the polls to cast their vote for me and saw
my opponent’s signs all over. Some were saying if there was ever going to be an African American mayor it would never be in
Fitchburg but it could only happen in a place like Milwaukee.
Barack Obama’s appeal is truly exciting to watch because he talks about issues that touch the majority of people eligible to
vote. The issues affect everybody but particularly seem to be more appealing to young voters, women of all ages, rural and
urban voters, and voters from all educational, economic and cultural backgrounds. His message touches the lives of American
voters and it is truly clear that he will prevail as a presidential candidate, not because he talks the talk but because he truly
can walk the walk of the dreams on behalf of the American people.
Finally, whether he holds the number one slot in every state primary or sometimes share it with one of his opponents, I truly
believe that the American people want a change and Barack Obama is that person. Let’s watch the primary results unfold. Let’
s be proactive and provide Barack Obama all the support, votes and finances that he needs to win the nomination of the
Democratic Party!
As I sat glued to the TV watching history in the making, I had all kinds o f emotions flowing through my body. I had a box of
tissues as the excitement, enthusiasm of the crowd and Sen. Barack Obama numbers placing him in first place of the Iowa
primary. Tears of joy and tears for his victory were uncontrollably coming and I did not know why. Later, it dawn on me that
because of the struggles and obstacles he, like many African American have to overcome had to be what was prompting these
emotions. I was born in New York City but grew up in North Carolina during the 1960s – 1970s and I truly know what it is like for
Barack to win in Iowa. So Jan. 3, 2008 is a day that I will always remember for Barack’s winning the Democratic Iowa primary.
Having been in politics, I can truly attest to the fact that the outcome of any election is truly left up to the voters. Polls, signs,
electronic and print media, campaign strategies perhaps may serve as a tool to guide the candidate on issues and opinions …
but what truly makes the difference is the fact that people listen and then go to the polls to vote for the candidate who they
feel understands their issues.
Can Sen. Barack Obama be the first Black presidential candidate to win the nomination of the Democratic Party? Can
Barack Obama be our next President of the United States of America? I would argue “yes, he can.” It is the issues and sincerity
that Barack relates to the American people that have put him in first place in Iowa and a close second place in New
Hampshire. While my experience in politics has been limited and on a very, very small scale compared to Sen. Obama, I
would argue that if I could win elections in Fitchburg as two-term alderperson and made history winning as Mayor in this great
City of Fitchburg, Wis., Sen. Barack can win on the national. I can recall folks saying to me, “You don’t have a chance, but I
will vote for you anyway.” I always had to work hard to win in the primary both as an alderperson and mayoral candidate. I
remember former Mayor Tom Capp telling me, “Let’s just make it through the primary and then we will worry about the general
election.” I came in second in the mayoral primary but I came in first when it really counted the most, the general election.
My supporters were telling me it didn’t look good on Election Day as they drove to the polls to cast their vote for me and saw
my opponent’s signs all over. Some were saying if there was ever going to be an African American mayor it would never be in
Fitchburg but it could only happen in a place like Milwaukee.
Barack Obama’s appeal is truly exciting to watch because he talks about issues that touch the majority of people eligible to
vote. The issues affect everybody but particularly seem to be more appealing to young voters, women of all ages, rural and
urban voters, and voters from all educational, economic and cultural backgrounds. His message touches the lives of American
voters and it is truly clear that he will prevail as a presidential candidate, not because he talks the talk but because he truly
can walk the walk of the dreams on behalf of the American people.
Finally, whether he holds the number one slot in every state primary or sometimes share it with one of his opponents, I truly
believe that the American people want a change and Barack Obama is that person. Let’s watch the primary results unfold. Let’
s be proactive and provide Barack Obama all the support, votes and finances that he needs to win the nomination of the
Democratic Party!
Dr. Al Felice
A lanky young teenage lad steps from the 85-90 degree searing heat of the streets of Kenya into the doorway of a simple
dwelling. He is home. He is a macaroni thin lad. So thin, yet from a country where every night they throw away tons of food.
This boy needs fattening up! He hugs his iya-baba (Yuruba for grandmother). She caresses his face with her beautifully worn
jet-black hands of wisdom and safety.
Yes, Barack is home.
Home is not merely a physical space. It is where you are taught your beginnings. Home is your launching pad. Barack did
not start in Hawaii. He started in Africa … Kogello, Kenya to be precise. And without understanding that and giving it the
reverence it deserves, he would never have found his footing. He would have been another “lost ball.”
Does he signal a fulfillment of Dr. King’s dream? HELL NO!!!!!!! But he offers an opportunity to move beyond the anger and
resentment of disproportionality to the hope of a collective solution.
Let us never place that burden on him nor lose ourselves in that conversation.
Once you give people the leverage to say, “Okay, now we have given you yours.”
Once you have allowed people the freedom to use that statement to cleanse themselves of the responsibility to participate.
Then you place the burden of carrying us on the shoulders of one who had enough trouble carrying his own white cloth
bag.
No – he is not the fulfillment … and he musn’t be.
Over the past 20 years we have had a large infusion of Africans into our population. Many of these first generation African
Americans … these children … these young people are our teachers. They go back and forth between /amongst cultures
while holding a strong knowledge of a cultural self. They are the seeds. These are the messengers.
Young White students are picking up on those messages and are participating in larger and lager numbers in cross-cultural
partnerships. Young African American students are picking up on those messages – not nearly in the numbers of their white
counterparts but it is building. These young people do not hold the same fears and prejudices that we were taught and that
many of us are married into.
Congratulate yourself. That our children are there means that you have worked hard to teach them that difference must be
celebrated.
I must close as I have been offered neither time nor space here to explicate fully. Two final statements.
The children of Africa/North Africa/India/Iran/Latin America/The Caribbean are the ones who will lead us to better
understanding of our cultural selves. Please get out of their way.
Barack Obama simply legitimizes that movement. He does not, must not, and cannot fulfill it. We must do our part to shut up
long enough to learn about the difference.
If you want to have further conversation on that of any other burning issue of relevance, you may contact me at Dr.
AlFelice@yahoo.com or checkout my blog at http://culturalbridgescb.blogspot.com.
A lanky young teenage lad steps from the 85-90 degree searing heat of the streets of Kenya into the doorway of a simple
dwelling. He is home. He is a macaroni thin lad. So thin, yet from a country where every night they throw away tons of food.
This boy needs fattening up! He hugs his iya-baba (Yuruba for grandmother). She caresses his face with her beautifully worn
jet-black hands of wisdom and safety.
Yes, Barack is home.
Home is not merely a physical space. It is where you are taught your beginnings. Home is your launching pad. Barack did
not start in Hawaii. He started in Africa … Kogello, Kenya to be precise. And without understanding that and giving it the
reverence it deserves, he would never have found his footing. He would have been another “lost ball.”
Does he signal a fulfillment of Dr. King’s dream? HELL NO!!!!!!! But he offers an opportunity to move beyond the anger and
resentment of disproportionality to the hope of a collective solution.
Let us never place that burden on him nor lose ourselves in that conversation.
Once you give people the leverage to say, “Okay, now we have given you yours.”
Once you have allowed people the freedom to use that statement to cleanse themselves of the responsibility to participate.
Then you place the burden of carrying us on the shoulders of one who had enough trouble carrying his own white cloth
bag.
No – he is not the fulfillment … and he musn’t be.
Over the past 20 years we have had a large infusion of Africans into our population. Many of these first generation African
Americans … these children … these young people are our teachers. They go back and forth between /amongst cultures
while holding a strong knowledge of a cultural self. They are the seeds. These are the messengers.
Young White students are picking up on those messages and are participating in larger and lager numbers in cross-cultural
partnerships. Young African American students are picking up on those messages – not nearly in the numbers of their white
counterparts but it is building. These young people do not hold the same fears and prejudices that we were taught and that
many of us are married into.
Congratulate yourself. That our children are there means that you have worked hard to teach them that difference must be
celebrated.
I must close as I have been offered neither time nor space here to explicate fully. Two final statements.
The children of Africa/North Africa/India/Iran/Latin America/The Caribbean are the ones who will lead us to better
understanding of our cultural selves. Please get out of their way.
Barack Obama simply legitimizes that movement. He does not, must not, and cannot fulfill it. We must do our part to shut up
long enough to learn about the difference.
If you want to have further conversation on that of any other burning issue of relevance, you may contact me at Dr.
AlFelice@yahoo.com or checkout my blog at http://culturalbridgescb.blogspot.com.
Annette Miller
The Capital City Hues asked me to reflect on how Barack Obama’s campaign is living up to the Martin Luther King, Jr. (Dr.
King) “Beloved Community.” In order to do that I wanted to know more about what the Beloved Community meant to Dr. King. I
found the following explanation1:
“As early as 1956, Dr. King spoke of The Beloved Community as the end goal of nonviolent boycotts. As he said in a speech at a
victory rally following the announcement of a favorable U.S. Supreme Court decision desegregating the seats on Montgomery’s
buses, the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the Beloved Community. It is this type of spirit
and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the
deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the
hearts of men.”
I found the most poignant piece to be the underlined. I believe that this is exactly what Barack Obama is bringing to all
Americans. Here are several examples that I see:
1) Fundraising: Obama has found other ways than through PACs – to garner the financial support to run in this Presidential
Election. In fact, he has lead in the number of individual contributions from Americans that were $200.00 or less2. A signal that
he is creating a “Beloved Community.”
2) He also has demonstrated a strong candidacy in the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries where the voters are predominately
White. This is a signal that he is “transform(ing) opposers into friends.”
3) Many discuss Obama’s lack of foreign policy leadership – In a global economy where most leaders look more like Obama
than less. Perhaps Obama brings about a better edge to this arena not only from an intellectual perspective but from a human
relations perspective. He reflects what the global leadership looks like and in all honesty what America really looks like. This
offers an opportunity to bring people together and mend bridges with our friends and perhaps create new ones. Again he has the
opportunity to “transform opposers into friends.”
4) He has engaged and developed relationships with Americans who have in the past been apathetic in the political process.
Obama’s message does reach out and touch people. He is not transcending race, his message and his commitment to bring
about change has transcended America. To me this demonstrates a “love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men
(and women).”
5) Obama has crossed racial lines and is bringing a message to many of renewed hope and faith. Iowa and New Hampshire
are behind us and with such an exciting showing many that are on the fence and did not want to trust in the possibility of his
“elect ability” may now come off the fence and BELIEVE. Even though the New Hampshire primary did not have him in the lead
he made a strong showing. Obama is “transforming the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age.”
Yes, we have 48 more states to go, yet Obama gives us a renewed sense of trust in the political process and our vote; and the
belief that perhaps America will be truly represented. Represented as it should by someone who can rebuild our integrity,
commitment, and respect for not only our own people whatever status they represent but to those across the world.
Moreover, Obama’s message brings to us a new way of leading our country, taking care of the people, and leaving behind the
“good ole’ boy” way of doing business. It is time to recognize that our country is dying and choking on the old ways of politics and
neglect of our own people and their communities. He is intelligent, fresh, innovative, and he is a man who has the potential to
represent America, well, if we give him a chance. Will he be perfect – no, will he make some mistakes along the way – yes; but
any good leader will have these as obstacles and will also overcome them. He should be given the chance to prove his
capabilities.
I will leave with Dr. King’s own words3:
“Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.
And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the
American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-
evident, that all men are created equal.”…
... 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.
I have a dream today!”
Barack Obama is that dream … your vote counts!
The Capital City Hues asked me to reflect on how Barack Obama’s campaign is living up to the Martin Luther King, Jr. (Dr.
King) “Beloved Community.” In order to do that I wanted to know more about what the Beloved Community meant to Dr. King. I
found the following explanation1:
“As early as 1956, Dr. King spoke of The Beloved Community as the end goal of nonviolent boycotts. As he said in a speech at a
victory rally following the announcement of a favorable U.S. Supreme Court decision desegregating the seats on Montgomery’s
buses, the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the Beloved Community. It is this type of spirit
and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the
deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the
hearts of men.”
I found the most poignant piece to be the underlined. I believe that this is exactly what Barack Obama is bringing to all
Americans. Here are several examples that I see:
1) Fundraising: Obama has found other ways than through PACs – to garner the financial support to run in this Presidential
Election. In fact, he has lead in the number of individual contributions from Americans that were $200.00 or less2. A signal that
he is creating a “Beloved Community.”
2) He also has demonstrated a strong candidacy in the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries where the voters are predominately
White. This is a signal that he is “transform(ing) opposers into friends.”
3) Many discuss Obama’s lack of foreign policy leadership – In a global economy where most leaders look more like Obama
than less. Perhaps Obama brings about a better edge to this arena not only from an intellectual perspective but from a human
relations perspective. He reflects what the global leadership looks like and in all honesty what America really looks like. This
offers an opportunity to bring people together and mend bridges with our friends and perhaps create new ones. Again he has the
opportunity to “transform opposers into friends.”
4) He has engaged and developed relationships with Americans who have in the past been apathetic in the political process.
Obama’s message does reach out and touch people. He is not transcending race, his message and his commitment to bring
about change has transcended America. To me this demonstrates a “love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men
(and women).”
5) Obama has crossed racial lines and is bringing a message to many of renewed hope and faith. Iowa and New Hampshire
are behind us and with such an exciting showing many that are on the fence and did not want to trust in the possibility of his
“elect ability” may now come off the fence and BELIEVE. Even though the New Hampshire primary did not have him in the lead
he made a strong showing. Obama is “transforming the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age.”
Yes, we have 48 more states to go, yet Obama gives us a renewed sense of trust in the political process and our vote; and the
belief that perhaps America will be truly represented. Represented as it should by someone who can rebuild our integrity,
commitment, and respect for not only our own people whatever status they represent but to those across the world.
Moreover, Obama’s message brings to us a new way of leading our country, taking care of the people, and leaving behind the
“good ole’ boy” way of doing business. It is time to recognize that our country is dying and choking on the old ways of politics and
neglect of our own people and their communities. He is intelligent, fresh, innovative, and he is a man who has the potential to
represent America, well, if we give him a chance. Will he be perfect – no, will he make some mistakes along the way – yes; but
any good leader will have these as obstacles and will also overcome them. He should be given the chance to prove his
capabilities.
I will leave with Dr. King’s own words3:
“Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.
And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the
American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-
evident, that all men are created equal.”…
... 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.
I have a dream today!”
Barack Obama is that dream … your vote counts!
