Obama won. "Yes we can!" Yes we did!" What can we expect in the future? This is only the beginning.
The hope cannot stop. The massive grass-roots following, the indistinct fire underneath Obama's bum, the support and the impetus cannot stop. There is no coherent social movement agenda of Obama pushers, there are only those who look to him with hope and preference. We must ensure that he does and is what we want him to do and be.
There is no doubt that this is an historic moment. An African American is president of the United States. Obama is a symbol figure, and as such, he is revolutionary. Perception of the racism that exists in the United States will change, for the better. Who will question the heights of the potential of the youth of color now?
Obama is not only a symbol of racial equality, but he is a symbol of intellectualism and professionalism, a beacon of light for the US. He is a figure that can and will be embraced on foreign soils. He is a "chance for change" on all fronts, internal and external. He is a moderating force, I think, more than anything else. Look at his policies, even his social policies (homosexual marriage and death penalty, for example). He is not overwhelmingly liberal, despite the rhetoric of the McCain campaign which pointed to him as a "redistributor of income," and a "socialist." He is, to some extent, because he is a Democrat. But, he is not very socialist, he is a moderate, he is a moderate, he is a moderate.
He will TRY to bridge gaps - racial/ethnic, partisan, foreign relations, class-based, etc. I pray to the souls of the river of the dead that he will make moderation, reason, and pragmatism the cornerstones of his presidency. These are the most important points. He has a tremendous potential. To live up to the potential, to be a transformational figure he MUST live up to the perception of the conciliator, he MUST reconcile differences, he MUST despise and condemn divisiveness, discrimination, and hate. If he does not do this, he remains a symbol of racial equality, he remains a symbol of excellence and reconciliation for the world at large, he remains a Democrat, and a talented one at that. Of course, Obama's efficacy as president will be hamstrung by, if nothing else, the economic situation.
Movement towards equality in all things is and should be the goal, on national, global levels. Obama is a step forward. And, I trust him, I believe in him, his character, his capacity. I think his goals are as pure as politically feasible. He might be an enlightened being, but that is probably pushing it, and even if it is not, he is human. I think he is limited by this country, this society, which is just as unexceptional as all or most societies. I love America, I really do, but when we get caught up in our own uniqueness and self-worth, we forget those things that make our society wholly imperfect, we ignore our shortcomings. That is both ignorant and impeding to progress.
Who really knows about any politician, though? We live amongst social constructs of everything, where most things are arbitrary, where masks and superficialities are popular, and where money determines most everything. It has been said that today's event is a reason to discard cynicism. If not cynicism, I maintain a healthy suspicion, a vigilant critique. We must keep our eyes open, Obama or the folks behind and around and within Obama could hoodwink us just as easily as the powers that be have deceived and manipulated us for the last four years.
I hope, but I hope with words and gestures, while eyes and heart maintain sober heaviness that I cannot shake. Obama's oration represents me. His speech this eve made me want to cry. Whether from exultation or fear of being let down, I have not yet decided.
The hope cannot stop. The massive grass-roots following, the indistinct fire underneath Obama's bum, the support and the impetus cannot stop. There is no coherent social movement agenda of Obama pushers, there are only those who look to him with hope and preference. We must ensure that he does and is what we want him to do and be.
There is no doubt that this is an historic moment. An African American is president of the United States. Obama is a symbol figure, and as such, he is revolutionary. Perception of the racism that exists in the United States will change, for the better. Who will question the heights of the potential of the youth of color now?
Obama is not only a symbol of racial equality, but he is a symbol of intellectualism and professionalism, a beacon of light for the US. He is a figure that can and will be embraced on foreign soils. He is a "chance for change" on all fronts, internal and external. He is a moderating force, I think, more than anything else. Look at his policies, even his social policies (homosexual marriage and death penalty, for example). He is not overwhelmingly liberal, despite the rhetoric of the McCain campaign which pointed to him as a "redistributor of income," and a "socialist." He is, to some extent, because he is a Democrat. But, he is not very socialist, he is a moderate, he is a moderate, he is a moderate.
He will TRY to bridge gaps - racial/ethnic, partisan, foreign relations, class-based, etc. I pray to the souls of the river of the dead that he will make moderation, reason, and pragmatism the cornerstones of his presidency. These are the most important points. He has a tremendous potential. To live up to the potential, to be a transformational figure he MUST live up to the perception of the conciliator, he MUST reconcile differences, he MUST despise and condemn divisiveness, discrimination, and hate. If he does not do this, he remains a symbol of racial equality, he remains a symbol of excellence and reconciliation for the world at large, he remains a Democrat, and a talented one at that. Of course, Obama's efficacy as president will be hamstrung by, if nothing else, the economic situation.
Movement towards equality in all things is and should be the goal, on national, global levels. Obama is a step forward. And, I trust him, I believe in him, his character, his capacity. I think his goals are as pure as politically feasible. He might be an enlightened being, but that is probably pushing it, and even if it is not, he is human. I think he is limited by this country, this society, which is just as unexceptional as all or most societies. I love America, I really do, but when we get caught up in our own uniqueness and self-worth, we forget those things that make our society wholly imperfect, we ignore our shortcomings. That is both ignorant and impeding to progress.
Who really knows about any politician, though? We live amongst social constructs of everything, where most things are arbitrary, where masks and superficialities are popular, and where money determines most everything. It has been said that today's event is a reason to discard cynicism. If not cynicism, I maintain a healthy suspicion, a vigilant critique. We must keep our eyes open, Obama or the folks behind and around and within Obama could hoodwink us just as easily as the powers that be have deceived and manipulated us for the last four years.
I hope, but I hope with words and gestures, while eyes and heart maintain sober heaviness that I cannot shake. Obama's oration represents me. His speech this eve made me want to cry. Whether from exultation or fear of being let down, I have not yet decided.
No comments:
Post a Comment