Congratulations America

November 5th, 2008

Last night we all witnessed history in the making, a glorious occasion for all those that truly thought it was not possible. I’m not among those that thought they’d never see the day. I’m from a young generation and grew up in a different time than many of the baby boomers. I’ve known it would happen for a long time and was just waiting on an ethnic candidate to seize the opportunity… To tell you the truth, the second I seen Obama make a speech early on, I knew he would win. I knew the second I saw him! I’m not lying or joking. I knew it. That’s why I’ve been critical of Obama and barely said anything about McCain, who I was also not a big fan of either. To me, I seen a man who was a GREAT speaker (one of the best in a LONG time!), inspirational, and he promised hope to a country that was lost - and to top it all off, he was Black! That was the perfect candidate! Yes, a white Democrat may have won too, just simply because of the hatred toward Bush and the failure of the Republicans, but I doubt the win would have been as strong, decisive, popular and make such a difference to so many people.

I truly believe being black was a net benefit, despite what many say. Look no further than popular culture (from movie stars to music artists, to comedians, to talk shows, athletes, etc, etc) and you can understand that being black is no longer the hindrance it was in the past, but may be sort of cool, and a benefit. African Americans play an important role in society. I’m young and have seen, I’ll call it ‘Black Culture’ for the lack of a better term (though it has morphed into pop culture), become mainstream and popular amongst all races. People in virtually every Western nation (many of the same nations we perceive as racist) wanted Obama to win! Obama got a higher vote from whites than Clinton did! He also got a higher turn out amongst various ethnic groups. People that had never voted, registered to vote for him - some of these people NEVER voted and decided they wanted to break the incorrect perception that race was still a barrier. Last night marks the official end of racial barriers for holding the highest office in the land, but many things have had to change for this moment to become reality. Obama symbolizes something special to a lot of people, of all races.

In many ways, it isn’t even Obama himself, but what he represents, that is so special about this election and America in general. I challenge you to show me any country that has democratically elected a man from a different race than the majority - I couldn’t see a black candidate winning in Europe for at least another fifteen or twenty years (has more to do with the low percent of population and a lack of participation in politics). I can’t EVER see a white candidate winning in an African nation. I can’t see a black or white candidate winning in the Middle East or Asia, ever. That’s what makes America so great! I congratulate America, and feel that America is proof that race can’t stop someone from success if they work hard enough. I completely understand what an Obama win means for African-Americans (who voted 96% in favour of Obama).

One of my pet peeves is those that claim white voters who voted against Obama are racist. This thinking reminds me of a Bushism, “if you’re not with us, you’re against us”. It simplifies things and discounts ALL political views, which can’t be neglected in a political race! It interjects reverse racism (which is racist) into the equation and a misguided belief that only whites can be racist (which is untrue, but no one seems to be running around accusing the black vote as racist…). It also discounts the fact that more whites voted for Obama, in real number and percentage terms, than did so for Clinton. Those that didn’t vote Obama should not be looked down upon as racist. Politics can’t be discounted in a political race.

Now, next time (I‘m talking after 8 years, as Obama will win the re-election in 4), I hope the election is more centred around policies and political beliefs, and less about race, regardless of who is running for President. I do have to wonder if we will go through the same situation with respect to electing the first Asian, Indian and Latin Presidents of America. I think we should (and will) see those Presidents in time, but I don’t want to see men (or women) get elected because of race or gender, and not their core policies and political beliefs. I yearn for a time when we are beyond race in such matters - but I fear that reverse racism may play a large role for a while, and white candidates running against ethnic ones, have no chance at winning, regardless of who is better for the job. I doubt this fear will last, as America is a great nation and stands the best chance of any for overcoming such trivial nonsense, though it might take time.

I have to include something I read from a talk show host, Charles Adler.

“I was not for Obama. I never sucked on the Kool-Aid. I thought of him as a really bright operator with a terrific skill set as an orator, as long as the stuff was laid out on the teleprompter. I didn’t find his professional experience qualifying him for C.E.O of any major company, and especially of the largest corporation in the world — the Government of the United States.

But although I lean right, I have no difficulty understanding that the appetite to smash the Republican brand was huge. I also have no trouble understanding why any black man, woman or child would be incredibly inspired by the sight of a black face in the Oval Office. Thankfully this election will put a lie to the idea that Americans won’t give the big job to a black man. Hurtling the barricade of colour will likely give the USA big brownie points with many people around the world, including many in this country (Canada).

It isn’t cliche to say it’s historic. It’s accurate. Many of us will remember exactly where we were when a black man was elected to become the pre-eminent leader of the world. In a country that for so long denied so many basic rights, access to good jobs, good housing, good schools, this is very large. You can disagree with his politics. You can draw easy conclusions about most media people being in the tank with the Obama campaign. You can say that Obama’s real running wasn’t Joe Biden, but rather Dow Jones, and you can find a dozen other ways to dilute this enormous victory for Barack Obama and the Democrats.

What you cannot deny is that breaking the colour barrier to the White House is huge symbolic victory for the USA.” - Charles Adler.

Now, back to politics, and putting race aside, since in a perfect world, it shouldn’t matter anyways.

This isn’t a political blog, but politics affect the economy and our investments, and therefore I can justify writing this. I’m not a Republican either, for the record. Yes, I lean right, but I have varying views on different issues and can’t clearly identify myself with either party. I don’t agree with Obama on many of his political views, especially his economic policies. Readers of my blog know this. I like the great picture of hope and prosperity for America that he paints, I truly do. I even believe many Republicans like the picture Obama has painted. Republicans and Democrats generally want the same outcome; A strong, proud, noble, prosperous and fair society where opportunities are available for all. Republicans and Democrats just have a different way of getting to that end goal. That is where our debate lay. I think his heart is in the right place, but I think his policies are misguided. Regardless, congratulations.

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