We Are On Our Way

Greetings Fellow Americans!

Last night it was so moving to watch crowds of people in all corners of this nation celebrate and share in such a momentous historical event.

It was emotionally touching to take in all the faces of all colors expressing joy and shedding tears. So many people had a look of hope shining in their eyes. Through their smiles and tears and shouts of "Yes We Can" or "Obama" there was such a sense of pride.

This is such an extremely proud moment for this country.

Throughout this election the words of Martin Luther King have played in my head: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

I was so moved by the African American newscasters who spoke last night. Several shed tears as they shared some personal story. I reflected on how there are already African Americans who have reached positions of power, wealth and great success in this country. Yet it is clear that there were still deep rooted beliefs in limitations and inequality. This election gave so many young people hope and it inspired older generations who never thought they would live to see this day.

All I can think is that a Barack Obama victory is so incredibly and powerfully good for the soul of this nation.

This country has shown that we are moving past the old stories of inequality. We are moving past an outdated era when people were judged by the pigment of their skin. We are moving past a time of discrimination. We may not be there completely yet - but we are on our way!

Obama has stated that he is not a perfect man and that he will not be a perfect president. Asking for perfection from anyone is too high an expectation. But I have believed, since I first read his books a couple of years ago and as I've heard him speak over the course of the last two years, that he does have a very special ability to bring people together and to inspire a nation to be the best it can be.

The thing is - it isn't just up to President Obama to solve all of our problems. I don't expect him to be a "savoir" who can solve all the worlds ills. I don't expect him to do everything right. Yet I have been listening when he has emphasized in speeches and debates the things he values. He consistently has shared how he values education, how he values the environment and how he values the people of this country having access to the health services they need.

These three values represent for me three basic needs of all people on this planet.
1) Anyone who has been really ill knows that one's health is often taken for granted and that a quality life is dependent on good health.
2) If we don't tend to our environment this planet we all call home will suffer and in turn our lives will suffer too.
3) Lastly if we don't value education and make sure everyone has the opportunity to receive a good one, the consequences of ignorance are incredibly complex and lead to such things as unemployment, poverty, crime, extremism and violence. As my wise and longtime friend Karin put so well "Where there are no jobs and/or opportunity for a nation's young, you find hatred and intolerance."

Responsibility lies with each and everyone of us. It is also up to us to make a difference in our own communities of family, friends, city, county and state.... And that is the power of inspiring people to believe that "Yes We Can!"