Election Day 2008

So, we now live in a world where the United States of America has actually elected a man of African descent to be its President.

Well, bravo for Mr. Obama. His election definitely signifies that the United States has come a long way since the first African was brought here against his/her will and enslaved.

Despite my opposition to many of Mr. Obama's views, I wish him well. It does me no good to wish ill will on the leader of this country. It doesn't do any American good (other than maybe a Republican wishing to run against him in 2012 or Hillary...God, just imagine how she gnashed her teeth last night watching this young upstart take HER presidency).

That said, I will not be a quiet supporter of this president in all that he does. When he proposes ideas to the Congress that I believe to be wrong and damaging to this country, I will not be shy about criticizing him and his ideas. Not that I will make personal attacks; I haven't so far and have no intention to do so in the future...such behavior is childish and immature...usually undertaken when the attacker is out of legitimate reasons to criticize.

I am happy for the millions of African Americans in this country who have finally seen one of their own achieve a feat that only 42 men before have achieved: to become this country's leader. Especially those black men and women who were alive during the 1960s and had a first hand view during the civil rights movement.

Allow me to share about an old family friend. He is in his late 60s now...he is the former law partner of my dad's uncle. Over the last 20 years or so, this man has served Lucas County as one of its judges. He presided over the wedding of my cousin Mike. I have the utmost respect for him for so many reasons. My dad was telling me recently of a conversation he had with this old family friend of ours...when he spoke about the possibility (now certainty) of Barack Obama becoming president, tears misted his eyes. For a man who was born in the 40s and was a young adult during the unrest of the 60s, to see a man of his race have the OPPORTUNITY to become president was so moving to him. I haven't had the chance to speak with him since Election Day, but I imagine now he is happier than he could have dreamed. He actually told my father that he never thought he would live to see the day. Well, Judge Doneghy...you have. And I'm sincerely happy for you and your family. I may disagree with the man politically, but this is a monumental occurrence.

It is my hope that some of the divisiveness that has characterized American politics since Bush won the 2000 election will finally diminish. I will not hold my breath, waiting for it to happen...there are so many strong emotions involved here. But I do hope this will happen. I know that, personally, I have been on edge for the last several months due to the level of debate that has been a daily part of our lives. So many times recently, friends of mine have talked about how they were happy the election would soon be over. And I must admit, I feel very much the same way. It's over. Barack Obama won, for better or worse. God willing, the man will be a good leader for this country. I still have my doubts, but I certainly hope for the best.

To those of you reading this who also supported McCain...please consider a conciliatory stance toward our new president-elect. Mind you, I'm not asking you to support him in everything he does. But he will be our president. And he deserves our respect. Let us not act like many liberals have toward G.W. Bush over the last eight years. Such behavior is NOT constructive and serves us no good.