On Tuesday, our country made history -- electing Barack Obama President of the United States.
As I walked onto the field in Grant Park -- there were thousands of us around the podium -- a couple of reporters asked me what I thought of this. "Transformational," I said, "but, ask Ernest Green, right here, who was one of the original young people at Central High who broke segregation in the South. Ask him!"
It was a humbling and deeply moving experience to be there with Ernest and with former Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, Ambassador Sam Brown and his wife, and so many others who have shared our passion to set this country on the right course. And to see the faces of all around us, representing all the diversity that Barack cited in his remarks. Some were jubilant, some were softly sobbing, some were joyous, a couple were watching others in the crowd. Cell phones and cameras were everywhere as people called friends and families to share the experience.
This was, truly, a transformational event.
After we left Grant Park, we found ourselves walking back to the hotel, a couple of miles north. Celebration was still in the air, along Michigan Avenue and Wacker: groups of young people high-fiving, and shouts of "Yes, we can." I was surrounded by electric smiles and energy... so alive.
There is no doubt -- the challenges confronting our nation are great. We are engaged in two wars abroad and facing an economic crisis at home. Our nation will require great sacrifices from all of us to overcome them. However, with these challenges come tremendous opportunities, and I know we will come together to carry this great nation forward. As Barack said:
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America -- I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you -- we as a people will get there.
The sight of Barack, and Joe Biden, and their families on that platform, the warmth of the crowd, and its diversity will long linger as I reflect on how America has changed, and how we have changed ourselves. And as I looked at his expression, I could see Barack's seriousness of purpose, and his recognition that far greater challenges lie ahead. But I'm proud, and so hopeful for our country.
i haven't read all the posts but watching the Obama speech on TV, I was struck by the quote Gen. Clark mentioned- we will get there as a people. Yes, and not just in the USA. Across the world we need to pull together.
Also, as a fan of Dr. King, I noticed that that passage paraphrases Dr. King's moving last speech before his assassination- when he said he'd been up to the Mountain top and seen the promised land. 'I may not get there with you, but tonight, we as a people will get to the promised land.' With Barack Obama's election, that promised land beckons closer.
I am grateful you showed your great judgement in recognizing early the high calibre of Sen. Obama. It takes one to know one.
I wonder if you would be interesting in taking over the CIA and getting to the bottom of their hidden military component and the whole web of intelligence/secrecy/surreptitious military action that continues to be financed off balance sheet and outside of the knowledge of the Congress and oversight of the executive branch? We have to tackle this part of our rotten system. Richard
Clark has written a lot about it.
Now the republic is near ruin and we have an inspirational leader in waiting. I am both hopeful and afraid for our society, country, our immediate future. This is going to be tough. Keep your voice in the mix and give us courage as we forge something new.
Cheers,
Jack
years had asked the question, what happened to our country? I often asked why are the American
people so indifferent, how have they allowed Bush & Cheney to do what that have done to our
beloved country? Well, thankfully, this past Tuesday, we showed the world, we were no longer
indifferent, we were hungry, starved for change and yearning for hope and a new direction.
The Election of President elect Obama makes us proud again, makes us so hopefully, in a time
of so many serious challenges we are facing. President Obama is the President for this time,
and almost instantly the United States was once again respected around the world.
Riding my bike to Starbucks
Wearing my Clark for president hat.
Thank you Sir, from a man who knows the difference between a hannity, a rush,
And You.
A proud salute.