Inching Closer to a More Perfect Union

I'm so full of different emotions that it's hard to bring all of my thoughts together. We are so fortunate to be able to witness this history. As cliche and contrived as it may sound, I finally feel like this government truly represents its people. While no single person can erase the transgressions of the past, or right all the injustices done, a single unanimous act can start the hard work of repairing the schisms in our society. A single unanimous act can legitimize the struggle that so many have taken for granted, or regarded cynically as "the past." A single unanimous act can awaken people to the power we Americans can wield if we truly focus on the greater good. I personally now feel like I truly have a stake in our nation. It's weird because I know I have always been politically aware and studious and involved. But now, instantly, I feel different. it's hard to put into words, but I know you know what I mean.

E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, one. That was the un-official motto of the United States of America adopted back in 1782. Think of what that means now with Obama as the president-elect. To me, it indicates how America is moving toward a reality as great as it's promise. The electorate chose with a decisive and clear conviction this man to be our new leader and representative to the rest of the world. Out of all of the candidates, agendas, philosophies, and perspectives offered, a clear majority of diverse Americans converged on the selection of this one person whom we believe will be the best America has to offer to lead our country. Because of E Pluribus Unum, I see this as THE single unanimous act. A significant number of people voted for the other candidate, but in our democracy the majority rules. The majority in America has always sought the promise. Obama embodies the promise. That promise, simply stated, is that if you work hard, do right by people, and have faith in a cause greater than your own interests, you can achieve your destiny. I choose the word "destiny" instead of the cliche "dreams" because I believe anyone who abides by these simple tenets is destined for success. Our Father has determined what that destiny is for each of us. Obama's is apparently 44.

No doubt, he is anointed by our creator. But, being blessed and highly favored comes at a tremendous cost. We know that it's the good people who get tempted and besieged the most by evil because they have acquired the inertia and leverage to do the most good. But I'm so inspired by Obama because his life has been one of modesty, temperance, and hard work. He has intimately experienced the painful realities of abandonment, bigotry, identity crisis, poverty, and failure. He also has been rewarded by diligence, discipline, scholastic achievement, and true service to others. His life has not been one of privilege and entitlement, but it has been one of honesty and measured success based on hard work. I think that's why he has connected so personally with so many people. He is the closest embodiment to the average person's experience. He's just a man. But he's been able to tap into his natural gifts in a way that can benefit so many other people.

I think that's why 250,000 people flooded Grant Park last night. That's why people reveled outside the front gates of the White House. That's why citizens of foreign nations celebrated his victory, as if he somehow was also going to be their leader. It's because somehow, in a very intuitive way, people know where his heart is.

We are so fortunate to be able to have seen this day with our own eyes. There are so many loved ones of mine whom I wish could have still been here so that I could selfishly feed off of the tremendous pride and satisfaction that I know they would have in this moment. This moment instantly qualifies for the short list of "where were you when" moments of world history. This moment is also so pivotal to young inner-city and disadvantaged youth across America who have had nothing to aspire to except being the best of the worst. We've got to cultivate it.

Now, the real work begins for Obama. He needs prayer and protection like never before. His beautiful family needs prayer and protection like never before. He is just a man, but he's been called to do great things.

As I look over the past posts on this blog, and go through my volumes of notes (mental, written, bookmarked, and otherwise), I'm stricken by how insignificant and trivial they all seem now. As I think about all the slanders and mud slung, and it all seems so meaningless. It was all squelched by Obama's OVERWHELMING margin of victory last night, and the hundreds of thousands of supporters who have unashamedly demonstrated their trust and belief in his leadership throughout his candidacy.

I'm looking forward to the renewed feelings of being proud of America, of feeling like I'm part of the collective, and the feeling that there is true opportunity for a "we" approach in the national discourse instead of the familiar emptiness of "us and them". Just one man's opinion.

Peace,