BrianShelledy.com

No doubt if you know me at all, you will understand that the election results are not something that I am entirely happy with at the least. However, as bad as the political ramifications may be for our country down the line, I can at least appreciate a few positives that came out of this election.

First, I recognize what an African-American president means symbolically for minorities in this country. While it is not the first or the last struggle in the human rights movement, it is a significant milestone in the fight. Racism was part of the ugly past of America, and though it hasn’t been stamped out completely, this was definitely an event that illustrates the fruits of that labor.

Obama is also an orator. When we look at our past, we find ourselves attracted to the great speeches. “I have a Dream.” “We will go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” “With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph — so help us God.”  Despite policy disagreements, there is no doubt that the speeches Obama will deliver could match or rival the great orators of our past.

I’ve always wondered what it would be like to live when there was some sort of advancement in American society, and I guess that this could be my chance.  While I won’t be able to agree with the policies of Obama, I can be proud to live in a country of opportunity that allows him to become president.  So, I congratulate him, and hope that he will take actions that help the United States remain the land of opportunity that bore him.

For the angry stuff, that’s another blog post.