I listened to the radio yesterday and today — NPR for the most part — as I was not able to watch on television any of the process.
It was, without a doubt, an historic event which was remarked on over and over again.
What was also remarked on was that it’s a new era where the United States has at her helm a man of mixed nationalities and mixed race. Much was discussed about the path to this taken by others such as Martin Luther King Jr.
I was part and parcel of this movement to bring equality to African Americans. I was part and parcel of the movement to bring true equality to all Americans regardless of their race or gender or religious affiliation or political affiliation.
I truly believe that the founding fathers meant “one nation under God. Indivisible with justice and liberty for all”. I say and have said these words nearly every day of my life.
I wonder when, though…I wonder when we will be able to look at the person standing next to us and NOT SEE his color, his facial makeup — the tilt of his eyes or the breadth of his nose — because its only going to be when we no longer NOTICE a person’s race that we are truly blind to it. It’s only when we stop TALKING about the DIFFERENCES between races, creeds and begin focusing on the LIKENESSES of one to another — focus on our COMMON CAUSES — those of peace, prosperity, harmony that the specters of discrimination, oppression and race can be eliminated.
I confess — I did not vote for this man. I am still afraid of some of the things he stands for. I am still opposed to others, but I share with all the world the hope that he will bring about the change he promised and that those changes will result in good for us all.
Mr. Obama, I pray for the Lord to guide you in your work, for your tasks are many and difficult. I pray that He leads you to set us all back on the path of morality, the values of honesty at all costs and fair dealings with one another. I am inspired by your seeming to put the onus on WE THE PEOPLE once again instead of indicating that government must legislate what is proper behavior by it’s citizens. WE KNOW HOW TO ACT. We just need to be reminded of that fact.
I’ve often been told that the best way to lead is by example. Our previous examples have been lacking….it’s my hope, my wish, my prayer that you, Mr. Obama, set a better example for us.
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I’ll second that prayer with a hearty Amen!
What’s curious to me, and I spent a lot of time thinking about this last evening, is that no other nation that I can think of is blind to race/culture differences. England might be the closest exception. Perhaps we lead the world in becoming a global melting pot?
Uh-oh. I feel a post coming on.
Thanks, Carol — I’ll be over in a minute to see what you came up with.
Great Post. I agree with everything you say. I didn’t vote for him either and it’s with guarded optimism that I watched the festivities yesterday. You can read more at MTMD and Inside Government. I love your new template, btw.
I didn’t watch much at all just bits and pieces, but I will also second your prayer. I am hoping for a change, but I have my reservations, I also didn’t vote for Obama, but it wasn’t because of skin color, I simply didn’t think he was qualified, but we shall see.. Take care.
Funny… I read your post and was going to comment very similarly to you, Jude and Matt… I didn’t vote for Obama, however, he was chosen.. and I have much hope he will do great things while in office. Our country certainly needs a good leader right now.
As for seeing color, etc of other people. I found that color gave description to people when I was talking to my boys. They never (4 & 7) mentioned color… and I was hesitant to do so either. But the fact is people do look different. I don’t comment negatively in regards to looks (except maybe to giggle at the old lady with curlers in her hair or the girl wearing slipper to the grocery, but its in fun, not to make fun).. I hope people know the difference, yk?
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The correct phrase is “With Liberty and Justice for All.”