Tonight, I listened in awe as Barack Obama gave his victory speech in Madison, Wisconsin. In the audience, I saw Black and White, young and old, blue collar and white collar, and some people moved to tears as Obama spoke. They seemed to embrace the notion that America is ready for real change and that they can be a part of it. In other words, they can participate in a movement that will make this country better. They can be history making.
As Obama spoke, I saw a crowd that appeared to move mentally and spiritually inside the picture of possibilities that Obama so eloquently painted for them. It was truly amazing and gratifying to think that America could move to a higher plain. It's a higher plain where there is less political strife and more collaboration for the common good. A higher plain where people actually want to live together in peace and harmony. A higher plain where we as Americans care more about each other and come together to solve problems regardless of race, religion, political party affiliation, or economic status.
With Obama, we see that plateau as a possibility that we can experience and we want that experience also as a reality for our children. For too long, we have been running in place, but Obama represents real change. Obama has all the candidates talking about change because they see it as good politics given the connection Obama has made with the American people. But some of them seem to embrace the concept in name only. Witness Hillary Clinton, a person whom I admire and think could be a wonderful president. When Hillary's campaign appeared to falter, she turned to a ridiculous and divisive strategy that alienated Black voters in order to appeal to White and Latino voters. That's not change.
So as much as I personally admire Hillary and Bill Clinton, I think that the prospect of real hope and positive change is personified by Barack Obama. And as Obama said tonight, he realizes that change will not come easy. And if Obama indeed becomes the nominee, forces and principalities in high places will work day and night to try and prevent him from being successful in his goal to unify the country. However, Obama reminds us that we the people can force the issue and be a firewall against naysayers and against those who prey upon and profit from the misfortunes of others. Tonight, I saw Barack Obama leading a movement.
Sidebar: Tonight, I saw it in their faces and I can't see the people of Ohio, Pennsylvania or Texas being any less affected or hopeful of the change that Barack Obama represents. Tonight, I saw it in their faces.
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