Change Has Come To America.
Today on the 4th of November 2008, Barack Obama,47, has entered the history books and become the first African/American person to be elected as the 44th President Elect of the United States of America.
The atmosphere was electric in the great hall in Chicago as the crowd took in the enormity of this moment as they awaited their President. This was a monumental and defining moment in the history of America. 100,000 people lined the streets.
There was overwhelming sense of glory in the crowd as they praised and wept tears of joy and felt honoured to witness history in the making, as they awaited the first black president of the United States of America.
Barack Obama strolled onto the stage to a huge cheer which erupted from the crowd, his charisma reaching out to the multitude of people who had gathered to welcome their president. “Change” he said; “In this defining moment, change has come to America”. He continued “This is your victory” We, as a people will get there.
The history books are now being re-written. As Obama delivered his speech, he began, “There will be no blue states, and no red states. There will just be the ‘United States of America”. This is very much his message; he wants the America people to come together as one. “We will reclaim the American dream”.
He used Abraham Lincoln as a basis for a quote: “On this stage. With this election. In this defining moment. Change has come to America”. And ‘change’ was very much at the heart of his speech.
Watching the coverage on Sky News, I sensed the impact that Obama was having on the crowd was similar to the effect that JFK had on his followers. This is not so much about the reds or the blues, this is more about Obama the man, his enthusiasm and passion, and what he stands for.
People are drawn to his easy manner and sincerity and believe that what he says he will do, he will actually implement. Obama said times will not be easy, when talking of the issues that need addressing. it will take years. I may not be able to sort everything out in this office. But I shall try.
He spoke of his great respect for McCain and what a great fight he had put up in his bid for Presidency and said he looked forward to working with him. Senator McCain fought long and hard against what was basically a bit of a foregone conclusion. He battled on through the key states, and on the eve of the election he covered 3, 500 miles in whistle stop tours, whereas Obama covered only 700.
Obama did say “This is not a time for complacency” and he too was campaigning up until the very last minute. He was carrying the hopes and dreams of the black race on his shoulders, and the history of their fight against oppression, of their rightful need for basic rights, human rights and the acceptance and social standing of their white counterpart.
With the struggle and history of his ancestors ringing in his ears, this was definitely not a “time for complacency”. For a young man to have come so far so quickly, this was a race that he simply ‘had’ to win. His recently departed grandmother scrimped and scraped so that Obama could attend Harvard. She was in effect, grooming him for greatness, and he hasn’t let her down one little bit.
Obama touched all the important issues which are evident in America today: Alliances, The credit crunch, recession; a recession not seen since the likes of the 1930’s ‘Great Depression’. American troops serving abroad and their futures when returning home. Obama has great plans for them.
New schools to build, colleges, medical centres, he touched on most things. Obama talks a great rhetoric, only time will tell if he can pull off all these things in the wake of the devastation caused by George Walker Bush.
At the end of his speech, the Vice President Elect and his family came onto the stage with Obama’s family, and in a moment of congratulation, when all members of both families hugged, kissed and shook hands, it was a very moving and profound moment, when both the black and white race came together in greatness. -
Christianna Garrett-Martin