Obama Proves Equality of Opportunity

Whether you like Barack Obama's politics or not, one thing is undeniable, he has proven the American Dream is real. Of course, it is historic that he has become the first African-American elected president. It is also amazing that he won in America with a name like Barack Obama (let alone his unmentionable middle name).

But beyond all of this, his victory has affirmed that in America we have true equality of opportunity. In America, everything is truly possible. It's one thing for a guy named George W. Bush or John Sidney McCain III to become president, it's another for Barack Hussein Obama to. It's obvious to everyone that Obama had no special connections or special privileges that anyone else didn't have. He made it on his own. He made it because we really do have equality of opportunity in this country.

That gives hope to every single person in the country, and the world. No matter what your name or race is you can make it here. America is for real. The hope is real. We can all dare to dream. This is why it allows everyone to believe in America again.

If a man in Kenya can dare to dream that his son one day can grow up to be President of the United States and the most powerful man on earth, then why can't anyone in the world have that same dream? Why can't a family in Malaysia or Peru or Bangladesh now dare to dream that their daughter can grow up to lead this country and this world? Obama's victory opens up the whole world to the American Dream.

Our dream is your dream. And it turns out, it's a reality.

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Read more reaction from HuffPost bloggers to Barack Obama's victory in the 2008 presidential election

Comments

[stell]

I reject the entire premise. The implication here is that up until now, disadvantaged people haven't been trying hard enough. Reading some of your previous posts, you stated that you were against welfare, and that you supported Reagan. Do you feel the same way about "government programs" for billion dollar banks?

Look, many things converged to allow Barack Obama to be elected president. There have been plenty of black people that are just as qualified and competent as Barack Obama.

[TR12]

McCain got 47% of the popular vote
thats 45% too much
nuff' said

[justAli]

"In America we have true equality of opportunity.
In America, everything is truly possible.
We really do have equality of opportunity in this country.
That gives hope to every single person in the country,
No matter what your name or race is you can make it here.
The hope is real.
We can all dare to dream.
This is why it allows everyone to believe in America again. "

...Unless you're GAY, in which case forget it.

[plooger]

Another good example where the talking point falls short. Thanks you.

(I was thinking about how well an atheist would do running for President.)

[Epijim]

How nice it is going to be having a president that doesn't speak english as though it is his second language!

[mmgbizgirl]

Love that!

Here is my tribute to the President and his family.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5QigRkg9G8

Enjoy!

[TheKidd]

i wouldn't say equal opportunity. i'd say everyone in the USA has a basic set of opportunities for everyone. Some have more than others. But i think that Obama and H.Clinton have proven that no matter what your social/financial circumstances, race or gender, if you are politically smart enough you can aspire to higher office. still a good post Cenk.

still can't believe we won. tuesday night was the first time i ever wished i was an american. in a weird way, we all are...

[NRDavis]

Unless you are gay.

[Gib]

Hmm. I'd say that Obama's success proves that if you are exceptionally talented and have dark skin you can achieve as much as a fair-skinned person of average talent.

[SociologistTina]

I very happy that Obama won. This is an historic election, and I believe that Obama will make a great president. But I think that your logic is faulty, and that you're sadly mistaken. Read THE MERITOCRACY MYTH.

[TedB]

I love it, Cenk; Now America is really what we say it is!

[capndad]

Great post, Cenk!

I have never believed that Obama was the equivalent of The Second Coming. His election was in essence a measure of the magnitude of the job ahead. As he said, the climb will be steep. We must be prepared to keep climbing when we cannot see the top of the mountain.

I have written in other places that the nation under Bush was not the nation I was taught to love and believe in. Never perfect, I believed that my country aspired to the best in humanity. Over my six decades I have seen America's promise betrayed, but never so much as in the last eight years. For eight years I have not recognized my own country.

Today, I feel like I've come home.

[vegas9999]

Just remember, if it were not for that man you hate so much, woman would still be abused daily by that animals two sons and little children would still be pet food.

[JohnCVermont]

Well Said & Here Here !

[nancytheragingliberal]

Three cheers for Cenk and, of course, the American people. The dark cloud of the last 8 long years is lifted. joy!

[ihavenobias]

Well said Cenk. Obviously as you know this was not a Panacea, but it was a huge step in the right direction.