pavlovsdog

It is truly an historic time we are witnessing. You can feel it, excitement is in the air, spirits are lifted, and hopes are high. Maybe it actually is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, or maybe I'm just a bit sleep deprived. It's not that I never thought I'd see a black president, I knew that someday it would happen, but to see it happening right now astounds me. Obama's acceptance speech alone inspired me more that anything in a long time. He wasn't all sun and roses, things are bad and he knows it, but I like how he said that he couldn't change things by himself, he needed our help. This illustrates, I think, the vast sea change between previous administrations and Obama's vision for his; when was the last time that you felt a president needed you? We don't need the president, he needs us; think about that.
He did indeed make me feel that this is the beginning of something better. He does have a mighty tough road in front of him. I feel bad for the situation that is left to him, a tanking economy, a ruined reputation around the world, an unpopular war, and a world on the brink of massive climate change. It's a Herculean task for any administration, and, unfortunately, one that could make or mar his place in history. It really not fair that he takes the office with the deck stacked so much against him. Not only does he have to prove that he's a great leader, but on top of that he has to prove that he's as good as, or better than any white leader out there. He's already at a disadvantage, but I think that will go further in making him one of America's greatest leaders.
Also I want to say how proud I am of my city, county and state. Although North Carolina still hasn't been called, just the fact that so many people of all ethnic backgrounds came out to support Obama really infuses me with a warm sense of civic pride. Forty years ago this would have been unfathomable, even eight years ago I think this situation would have been unlikely, but to see this state on the front lines of a great campaign, and to see such change in a place that has seen so little change in the last thirty years gives me yet another reason to be proud that I'm a new generation southerner, and the ability to say, "Hell yes I'm from North Carolina!" without any shame.
Finally I am hopeful that maybe Obama will serve as a much better role model for today's youth, especially African-American youth, than all of the movie stars, athletes, musicians and rappers that I think they mistakenly look up to now. What a great time for the black community, and all communities that have been so desperate for a great leader for so long.