PDF versionSend to friendPrinter-friendly versionAs America approaches the culmination of its 2008 Presidential campaign, much has been said, written and thought regarding the possibility that America shall present and elect its first black President. The democratic party has spoken by selecting Barack Obama as its democratic representative for United States President. Delegates from a majority of the states which compose the United States of America have given their support, by vote, to Obama as their choice for commander and chief of the United States. 

Surely, the fact that Obama was selected as the democratic party’s choice for United States President was not because he happens to be a black man, but instead must reflect to some larger degree that he is believed to be the best candidate for the job.  

A long road traveled with innumerable hurdles to climb with many mountains which would stand in the way, Mr. Obama may have only imagined the day that somehow a black man could rise from the status of being considered a second class citizen to become President of the United States. A husband, a father, an accomplished politician, there must have now been many memorable moments that Mr. Obama can look back upon which could be signified as great moments.  Yet, perhaps Mr. Obama most defining moment will be as the commander and chief of the United States, leader of all peoples of America.  There will be no time to draw lines along racial boundaries as he will inherit the controls of an America at war and whose economy is in crisis.  An America whereby the value of each American’s dollar has literally been cut by a third due to the escalating gas prices.  No matter the color, the moment demands an American leader with a real action plan to reel in big oil and curtail the crippling effects of gas prices.  If an American leader, no matter the color, is not potent enough to effectively cause a satisfactory resolution to this crisis, then he is not fit to be President.  

What of America? the land of the brave, the home of the free.  A nation where liberty and justice for all have often been mere buzz words then reality in fact.  A nation which serves as a model of democracy for all other nations who aspire to be democratic. A nation in which people from all corners of the world risk life and limb in order to experience some of the liberties which have been advertised, promoted and promised to all who would be Americans.  Yet, this same nation and its people have not always been brave nor has America been the land of the free.  Moreover, as it pertains to black Americans there have been many instances where liberty has been missing in action and justice has been denied. 

America, where blacks were once considered three-fifths (3/5ths) of a human being. America, where the written law of the land once sanctioned by its supreme justices and gave approval to separate, but equal.  America, where the written law of many states instituted special black codes which denied many rights, opportunities and liberties for black Americans. America, where many of its leading citizens and law enforcement officials would serve under the cover of night as sheet cloaked, hooded riders lynching and terrorizing black Americans.  America, which until just forty four years (44) ago black Americans were not permitted to vote.  America, which the remnant of much of its injustices towards black Americans can today be found deeply rooted in many of the leading governmental, educational, banking and corporate institutions of the land.

America, why the infatuation with color even when God created all men equal?  When in depth genetic studies have not been able to conclude that the black gene is inferior in any way.  When the sands of time are uncovered, history, as well as, archeological discovery reveals that black people were present at the birth place of mankind. Creators of the first civilization; the first kingdoms; creators of the first letters, language, as well as, numbers.  First creators of trade and trade routes; as well as, systems of construction and medical procedure which are today still the marvel of the world. 

How then were such people able to be taken in chains and kept as slaves? Even upon emancipation, how was it possible to continue to in act laws in which human beings were denied basic human rights?  Perhaps when the machine gun is the law of the land and a people lose their moral compass as to right and wrong, then such is possible.  

From South Africa to Iraq; from Mississippi to Afghanistan; from Vietnam to the Congo, the world is watching.  Indeed, watching America to see if it is really the land of liberty; if the key notes of its own governing documents hold true which declares that all men are created equal. 

Perhaps the election of America’s first black President, by the people and the true powers of the United States will serve as a time stamp signifying America’s greatest hours.  Not out of any type of sympathetic or empathetic allowance, but out of the ability to lift itself above its fetish with color, its love of animals often more so then men, to overcome its own deficiencies as human beings that it might live up to its greatness as a people and democratic nation, a true object of love worthy of  the worlds admiration.   BFNN