I agree. This is an historic night for America. It's ironic that so many people still see nothing but a racist nation when the look at the US, yet at the same time we are in the midst of an influx of African-Americans in high positions of leadership in politics. Colin Powell. Condi Rice. Many others in the House and in the Senate. And now Barack Obama will officially become the presidential nominee of one of the major parties of our country. It says something good about the US. Only a few generations ago, blacks were still segregated. Blacks who tried to vote were often lynched. "Separate but equal," it was said. And now, just a few decades later, a black man is a finalist to assume the presidency. Truly remarkable, and truly historic.
I will not vote for him. But my lack of support has nothing to do with his race. In fact, in some ways my not giving him my vote is a perfect example of how far this nation has come. Because here he is, running for the presidency, and my support or non-support for his candidacy has absolutely nothing to do with his race. I choose to support him or not support him based solely upon his qualifications for the office, or lack thereof. And isn't that, when it all comes down to it, the culmination of Martin Luther King Jr's great dream? A color blind nation. A color blind electorate. A color blind choice.
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.
So congratulations, Barack Obama. You've come a long way to make it here today. Our nation has come a long way. And while I do not want to see you actually win this race, I am glad that you have been able to run it, and I'm glad, in the end, that this day for America has come.
