Obama Day

Let me join the seething masses who will be writing about "Obama Day" today and into the future. After all, I had my 5 cents worth in the run-up to the elections: now the rubber has met the road. So how does it look now from my corner of the world? I began watching the TV coverage moments before John McCain made his bowing-out speech. I was amazed at the fervour and eloquence of the man And how he too inspired hope in the hearts of his listeners I couldn't help feeling that he might have fared a lot better if he had shown more of that in his electioneering campaign. But all that paled when Obama stepped up. Inexplicably, I found myself fighting back tears. What the heck was that about!? Some thoughts on that . . . . How must it be for black folk to be validated after decades (centuries?) of feeling less than . . . . . It's not only that one of theirs now holds the top position in the world but, vitally, that it was predominantly white people who put him there. What that must do for Americans in terms of unity is hard to imagine. You could sense in the TV footage of the crowds, their almost explosive emotion at the hugeness of the moment. Then the sense of purpose, determination and strength that Obama wears like a garment, reminds me of Jack Kennedy who was also an inspirational leader and one who was way too soon taken out of the picture. Also the awakening of hope for the future in the faces of the crowds was like floodlights being switched on. They believe a bright new day has come to their country after a very dark and difficult time And this in the face of Obama warning them of hard work and sacrifice that lies ahead. But you get the feeling that, now - with a strong and purposeful leader - the Americans actually relish the challenge and will take it up willingly. There must have been many many people all over the world that found themselves fighting tears with me this morning.