I had to work tonight.I missed a lot of work this summer and into the fall because of illness.I need the money as I have used all my sick days and vacation during my illness.I got in my car a 10PM and heard ABC news project victory for President elect Obama (How sweet it is to type those words)I called a friend in Oregon who had called me about 30 minutes before to tell me "He's going to do it!".We talked a few minutes and shared our joy and relief that the election was over and that America would move forward in the coming days.After I hung up I still had twenty minutes or so to go.Then Senator McCain's concession speech was on the radio.I kept looking around at stoplights wanting to share the joy but no one else seemed to be listening.I needed to stop at the Speedway gas station for some smokes.When I walked in the door there were two young black girls behind the counter."Have you heard?"I said.In return I got big beautiful smiles."Oh yes' one girl said as the other rushed out to get a ride home."But let me tell you what just happened to me"she said.
"I was waiting on an older white guy when another white guy came in all excited and told us Barack had won.The gentlemen I was waiting on snatched his change out of my hand and stomped out the door angrily.It wasn't my fault I told him as he went out the door and he just turned and gave me a dirty look".I told her "Well some people are not going to be happy don't take it personally"By now there was an older white lady behind me and a young tough looking fellow with a beard behind her.I mentioned that I had been listening to Senator McCain and I thought he was being quite nice all things considered."Really?" she asked.I assured I thought he was making an effort to soothe people fears.
Suddenly the young tough looking fellow spoke up"He ought to after all the crap he's been throwing around."The lady behind me chimed in "disgusting is what I call it".I turned to go and looked back and told them I thought that Obama was a great man and would make a fine president and received smiles all around.It occurred to me as I walked to my car that the American people had wised up at last and rejected the politics of division.Granted I live in Illinois which voted overwhelmingly for the President elect but this is a suburb that in my youth a black man walking the streets was risking life and limb.We still have a long way to go.But my oh my how far we have come.