Wow (Obama)

I am very proud of the American people, I wasn't sure if in the end people would be able to get past the fact he is black- it is an amazing moment in this country's history.  I was very disturbed by all the stuff going around the internet and am glad that the scaremongering was unsuccessful

On a personal level, something that amazes me is my boys' reaction.  This month they will be 10 and 13, and they just don't "get" why race would matter to anyone.  Granted, part of that is that we've done our best to raise them to not be prejudiced.  But of course they hear racial comments from others and hear it discussed on the news.  And the fact that they just can't understand why it would matter is to me a hugely wonderful thing.

To me, color wasn't a factor, other than the fear that it would be for some.

I'm so proud of our people.  This is an astonishing first for our country.  And, I do believe in my heart that he will be a great president.  His speech last night had so many shades of Jack Kennedy.....

It is historic...all those people out there last night...it was amazing. The Int'l correspondent for CNN compared it to the "first" Democratic elections she's been to in other previously non democratic countries, vibe wise...that's saying something. World view...Kate's words in the other post were resonant with me.

Liesje

you cannot deny that the election of the first African American president of the United States (with a "Muslim" middle name even) might be the most significant thing that has ever happened or will ever happened in our lifetimes.

I agree. Although one can debate the extent of racism in America there is still a huge perception of it's existence nationally and internationally. I am so proud of the American people for standing up and proving to the world that the colour of your skin is no longer an issue in America. It must be so heartening to be a Black American today. This is going to be a turning point in your history. Be proud, you deserve it!     

I completely agree Liesje!  I didn't vote for him but I am proud of our new president.  How far we have come as a country.  Race wasn't an issue and I glad it wasn't. 

 What I don't understand is that people go on about how race should not matter, and then go on about how amazing it is to have a black president, and how much Obama and supporters went on about the previous trials of black people, etc.....so, are people saying we should *not* consider race, or we should consider it? Just a question, not an attack of any sort. It doiesn't mnake sense to say "don't consider race unless it is to the candidate's advantage"

a first...is a first whts...the first woman president...will be THE FIRST...she will prove the glass ceiling which is REALITY is maybe cracking just a bit. There can be an issue and it not be an issue when we're talking FIRST'S. The first woman Prez will be historic as will the first openly gay President or the first NON Christian President. I do think all the prior WILL occur in America...but perhaps not in my lifetime.

For me it's not about race relations but about FIRSTS. Those are always amazing...and you are always lucky when one happens in your lifetime.

whtsthfrequency

 What I don't understand is that people go on about how race should not matter, and then go on about how amazing it is to have a black president, and how much Obama and supporters went on about the previous trials of black people, etc.....so, are people saying we should *not* consider race, or we should consider it? Just a question, not an attack of any sort. It doiesn't mnake sense to say "don't consider race unless it is to the candidate's advantage"

I think the point is that race should not be considered - as a negative.  The milestone of the first black president should be celebrated and it is a big deal because it means that the majority of Americans did not consider his race a reason to not vote for him.  

whtsthfrequency

 What I don't understand is that people go on about how race should not matter, and then go on about how amazing it is to have a black president, and how much Obama and supporters went on about the previous trials of black people, etc.....so, are people saying we should *not* consider race, or we should consider it? Just a question, not an attack of any sort. It doiesn't mnake sense to say "don't consider race unless it is to the candidate's advantage"

I don't know the answer to those questions, it was not the intent of this thread.  I'm talking about what Gina is saying.  I am not black but I grew up in the inner city where white was the minority and my husband teaches at inner city schools (and loves it) and from that perspectively, last night was undeniably monumental.  People were being lynched for color not less than 100 years ago and when we watch Dr King's speach and consider what some people have experienced and witnessed in their lifetime, from then until now, I think it is deserving of recognition and respect.  I'm talking about what happened yesterday, what WE as Americans did, not what Obama did or what campaign tactics were used...

I understand the "confusion".  The race was so not about color, but the media coverage was ALL about color after the win.  But, for this nation to overcome the HUGE bias of our history, well, wow.

In my parents time, my Dad served in WWII.  He did NOT serve with black soldiers.  Blacks had their own units.  When Dad was stationed down south, my parents saw the severe lines drawn.  The "colored" water fountains, the "white only" places of business and eateries, the "colored" seats on the buses being ONLY in the back.

The civil rights movement wasn't all that long ago.  The marches, the murders, even of northern whites who went down to try to register black voters, who tried to move our country forward.....none of that is all so long ago.  I remember much of it from my youth.  And not all that many more years ago, black people were bought and sold like cattle, family units ripped apart, educating a black person was illegal.

And now, we are posed to see the first black President take the oath of office as President of the United States.  Wow.  Just wow.

whtsthfrequency

 What I don't understand is that people go on about how race should not matter, and then go on about how amazing it is to have a black president, and how much Obama and supporters went on about the previous trials of black people, etc.....so, are people saying we should *not* consider race, or we should consider it? Just a question, not an attack of any sort. It doiesn't mnake sense to say "don't consider race unless it is to the candidate's advantage"

It's kind of funny (strange) that the US has always defined itself as a country where 'every' person has the opportunity to realize their dream no matter how big.  That is what brought so many people to this country in search of - "The American Dream". Yet it was always understood that if you were not rich, white, Christian or male, you would never be elected president. I am old enough to remember the shock at a Catholic becoming president. It was unheard of and definitely a "First". I think the point is, not that the American people voted for a Black president, but rather they voted for a leader despite that fact.  It just goes to show that dreams do come true.

I'm thrilled, as I said in the other thread.  I'm not even reading the sniping threads, it's over.  I am ridiculously proud of what this new President inspired in my children.  My son, who is big on volunteering, but has never gotten into really putting himself out there got VERY involved, not just in Obama's campaign but also in his local politics and *gasp* helped to get a Republican elected in his college town.  So for him, getting involved taught him to go to the rallys and the town meetings and the debates and really examine what a candidate was going to do about the issues he felt were important and looked beyond things like color, party, etc. to the things that really mattered -- the issues.  I hope the record number of young people who were motivated by this election will continue to stay involved and help to make this a better country for everyone.

The one thing I most hope will come across through Obama's presidency was a call for us to reach out and help one another.  Ala JFK, I hope that our country will lose the "Mine, Mine, Mine" mentality and move more towards an environment of caring and community and reaching out to those less fortunate than ourselves, regardless of our situation.  There is always someone below us who could use a helping hand, in whatever way can be rendered. 

P.S. I'm not debating crap today, I'm way too happy.   

glenmar

In my parents time, my Dad served in WWII.  He did NOT serve with black soldiers.  Blacks had their own units.  When Dad was stationed down south, my parents saw the severe lines drawn.  The "colored" water fountains, the "white only" places of business and eateries, the "colored" seats on the buses being ONLY in the back.

The civil rights movement wasn't all that long ago.  The marches, the murders, even of northern whites who went down to try to register black voters, who tried to move our country forward.....none of that is all so long ago.  I remember much of it from my youth.  And not all that many more years ago, black people were bought and sold like cattle, family units ripped apart, educating a black person was illegal.

And now, we are posed to see the first black President take the oath of office as President of the United States.  Wow.  Just wow.

Glenda - reading this gave me the chills...you couldn't have said it better.  WOW!