Photo Credit: The New York Times
History was made last night when an African-American man became our 44th President. No matter how you decided to vote in this election, you can’t deny that this was a truly memorable moment. Many voters, one as old as 106, didn’t know whether they’d ever see this happen in their lifetimes. Now, it’s evident.
It’s important that we come together now and work to heal as a nation. As President-elect Obama asserted in his acceptance speech last night,
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.
I promise you, we as a people will get there.
It can’t rest solely on the shoulders of one man. The young vote, who overwhelmingly helped put Obama in the White House, must continue to mobilize in their support of the vision of change for America. One University of Pittsburgh student, I think, really summed things up best as he pointed to his fellow students celebrating in the streets (1:11):
“Down there, that’s what’s really going to change things – that’s what I believe in. That’s what’s really going to make things happen for this country. So I hope that the energy that we feel right now … I hope that’s what we carry on for the next four years and as far as it can. ‘Cause that’s what’s really gonna make things better, not our President.”
Congratulations, Barack Obama, on your historical victory. I truly hope you lead us well and help us find the change we need.
As a side note: Congratulations, John McCain, on a hard-fought battle and a classy concession of the race. We know you will continue to serve your country well.
Can We Talk? 