President-elect Obama

I know, I know. When I blogged about Sarah Palin, I said I don't usually talk politics. Well, something has changed. I used to not really even care about politics, or who was running, or what the issues were. I was one of those apathetic citizens. I didn't even usually vote. Over the course of the last few months, that has changed though. I think it is because four years ago I became a mom, and as a mom, I have a duty to try to make things better for my boys. With that being said, here goes!

As I watched Obama claim his victory, I couldn't help but be moved by the magnitude of the moment. Through my television, I watched the faces in the crowds of people that came out in support of him. I saw the tears of utter joy, and pride, for what our country had accomplished. As a 36 year old white woman, I can not even begin to comprehend what the election of a Black president must feel like to the Black community. I know the history of segregation, and the Civil Rights movement, but I didn't live through it. I have never been subjected to that kind of hatred, discrimination, or sub-human treatment. Even though The Man and I are raising two Black sons, we have never experienced anything more than a few odd looks, and maybe some bad customer service. As I sat and watched history unfold in front of me, I was proud. I was proud that my sons will never know a time when having a Black president was something that would be unlikely to ever happen.

The next morning, after the euphoria subdued some, I realized that although the United States had elected a Black man, this man would have no easy task in front of him. McCain would have had a difficult job as well. I mean, let's face it, our country is in a very bad place right now. However, Barack Obama will be up against so much more. He will have to be better than any president before him, just to be considered mediocre. As a Black man, his dissenters are waiting for him to fail. They are hoping that he does fail. All of his actions and decisions will be scrutinized more than any other president.

I have hope for the future of our country. I have hope that Obama will be able to come through on his promises, although I'm not counting on it- campaign promises rarely hold true. But hopeful is a good place to be right now.