Presidential Thoughts
I have lived during six presidential administrations and never in my history has a presidency felt so connected to the people as the pending presidency of Barack Obama. Not because he is black, but moreso because he addressed human issues, economic trials, foreign policy and community involvement throughout his campaign. His focus was on the character of men and women, which resounded most for me.
As a black man, I was taught by those who endured Jim Crow and the Civil Rights movement and walked into a society scarred by the introduction of crack cocaine, Reaganomics (the wasteful economic times of the 80s), financial surplus and job security (during the Clinton administration) as well as debt and job uncertainly (post 9-11). Barack endured those same environments and maintained his plight of excellence, admission of mistakes and stayed the course when an entire generation said it would never be done.
I was always told that a black president wouldn't happen in my lifetime, but Barack is a shining example of being of strong character, staying focused and meeting his objective on the power of God and the human spirit. His triumph is a reminder that anything is possible and there is no room for excuses or empty rhetoric. I'm more inspired by Obama's acceptance of the challenges he will face (i.e., economy, job market, health care, education, etc.) moreso than the challenges he's overcome.
It is a phenomenal time in history and Barack has shown us that we all possess the same power, overcome the same obstacles, be equally as focused because we all serve the same awesome God.
