psychiatry
Yes We Can
Wed, November 12, 2008 at 07:24PM 
What can I write this evening?. . .
The world became a different place a week ago. It was inevitable yet unbelievable as America rose up and opened the possibility to live out the true meaning of its creed. It is still too incredible for many to comprehend at times. The genie is out of the bottle and no matter what the future holds it cannot be put back in that bottle. Though I have done little to express it, I have never been more proud of my country nor more proud to be identified as an African-American. I was at the same time saddened to see many cling to the bitterness and ignorance that has divided us since pre Civil War days. But the good part is that it doesn't matter in the same way as it did before the 2008 election. John McCain's greatest moment, to me, came during his concession speech. He sincerely buried the hatchet and set the stage for healing and unity when he didn't have to. I will forever respect him for being gracious and showing class at a difficult time.
Scholars of Dr. King understand that the issue has never really been about black versus white but the true issue has been about an America that is fair for all people. Where a man such as Barack would not be judged by the color of his skin but instead the content of his character. Some, including myself, doubted it would ever occur in our life times. But the right man came on the scene at the right time and rose to the challenge. History was made. His most important promise was hope and he has already delivered. The rest is up to us as citizens to re-examine our personal selves in the way that JFK so eloquently challenged us to ask not what our country can do for us but ask what we can do for our country. To me, that is what true leadership is about. If each citizen threw into the pot the best they have to offer the possibilities would be endless. These words may come off as rhetorical but I find a rhetoric consisting of hope preferable to one based on fear. This is where I believe Obama will really make history. He holds the power to destroy forever all of the myths and stereotypical beliefs perpetuated to the world about the Black man. If you've never been a man of color you may not understand why I would even write such a thing. I'm so glad that America has grown and majority rejected the knee jerk reaction to lies of Obama being a terrorist, that he would change the national anthem, paint the white house, and to the extremely bizarre of him being the anti-Christ signalling the rapture in forty days. All of these ideas are totally nuts but there are actually people among us who believe such.
I am quite aware that it is a waste of time and rarely productive to discuss politics or religion. It can be enlightening, however, to do such with one who is learned. Even more so with one who is learned and passionate. Politics, I have found to often be a dirty, cut throat kind of game. The game is roughly 80% based on psychological principles which makes it interesting for me. Sometimes I don't feel fear when I should and I also have a burning desire for truth. I don't like being lied to or tricked. Give me the facts and let me make up my own mind. Religion is different from politics in that it is mostly faith based. You have to believe in order for it to have any real meaning or power. The facts often have to be interpreted in religion. The ability to incite the emotions of fear or anger within people is what makes politics and religion such volatile and controversial topics. Friendships have been severed and countries have gone to war over disagreements with religion or politics. Is it really worth it?
For the first time in quite a while, I feel no animosity and no anger within. I feel a sense of hope that I have never experienced before. I feel validated. My life is far from perfect. There is much work to be done. I understand that President Elect Obama is powerless without the support and efforts of the people. I sense forward motion and reject all negativity headed my way for the years to come.
Reader Comments (6)
I feel like you do that we just passed a landmark in history that will forever change the perception that others have about us and the perceptions we hold for ourselves. I couldn't agree more.
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para kazan
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Alena
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Thanks for this article..
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Perdeci