American Sunrise

We have before us the potential of America. We should not expect its full realization but we hope to see a substantial step forward.

Before going any further, I must congratulate Senator John McCain for his concession speech. The campaign was not something of which to be proud but that speech went a long way to repairing my impression of him. That speech truly was gracious and generous. I am convinced that it was also heartfelt.

Mr. Obama was not my first choice but I have come to appreciate his temperament, his curiosity, his empathy, the absence of cant and the remarkable efficiency and organization of his campaign. Those are traits and strengths that can prove valuable in his efforts to deal with the worst prospects of any incumbent since FDR. I continue to harbor some disagreements in his stated policies but will hope for the best. I’ll take what I can get.

I consider myself merely a sceptic, not a full-blown cynic. Last night, watching the election returns, I experienced a feeling I had not thought possible for me. My late wife was Korean. Although it was not to the extent experienced by Blacks, I did find out what it was like to be discriminated against. Even more, I knew what it was like to feel the hurt caused to my wife and children by discrimination.

Last night I fully understood and appreciated Michele Obama’s comment that she finally felt a pride in America. I understand that the Obamas felt that not in a strictly personal sense. They impress me as having a hope and vision for America based on more than just their own good fortune.

To expect people who have experienced discrimination and, more than that, to feel the effects on so many less fortunate than themselves to not have some reservations in their perception of our society is unrealistic. Only jingoists and superficial patriots refuse to admit to the hope for something better than what we have experienced over a lifetime.

I wish to thank President-elect Obama and this country for the special pride I felt last night. I know that there will be disappointments in the future but I cherish that experience and hope that some of it will last for longer than we probably deserve. I regret that my late wife did not live to see it. Given that, I think I can better appreciate Mr. Obama’s loss of his grandmother so closely before his realization of last night’s results.

Tagged as: campaign, election, history, hope, mccain, obama, president