I have been consistently an Edwards supporter since last Summer. Like many in this community, I will support the ultimate nominee wholeheartedly for all of the obvious reasons.
And now, Barack Obama is stealing the show. And that makes me feel great. I get a lump in my throat every time I see him among throngs of excited voters, hanging on his every word and daring to dream of the day that he is sworn in. I begin to breathe with ease as I envision this man leading our nation back to democracy, and restoring our Constitution with congress with a strong Democratic majority. I envision a strong administration that restores the world's faith in the United States of America; that brings our troops home; that communicates to us honestly; the good and the bad. I see a president who asks the citizens of this country to participate in the democracy; to keep hope alive, despite the very hard times that this country is about to enter.
But last night, I recalled the fate of every politician and national figure in the past 50 years who offered true change and true hope.
Martin
John
Bobby
Since that era of hopes and dreams, no leaders of true change have risen to the top. And now that one has, I fear that the forces that destroyed hope in the sixties will threaten hope in this decade. Nothing threatens the other side more than a candidate who may upset the status quo. And despite the fact that white people are voting for Obama in overwhelming numbers, it would be foolish to discount the passionate hatred of the hardcore racists in our midst.
Obviously, I can't predict the future, and I pray that I am just being paranoid, and that Barack Obama goes on to be a successful two-term president. But because of our history, and the threat that he poses to the other side, I am determined to mentally prepare myself for the worst by really listening to him, and by actively supporting him. I want to know him, and his message. I don't want to miss a word, or a nuance. It is our responsibility to understand his message and why it resonates to the American people, and to propel that message regardless of the messenger.