Ghosts of Selma

Without showing the results of the West Coast states I watched in amazed disbelief as the Presidential race was called for Barack Obama at 11 pm. When it finally sunk in what I had just seen - the election of Barack Obama over John McCain - I shouted in triumph, my fist pounding the air over and over again.

And then, I teared up.

Obama is the son of a Kenyan national and an American-born white woman. He lived in Indonesia and Hawaii before returning to the American mainland. With his victory last night America had elected its first truly global president in her history. The world watched as the United States overcame centuries of racial strife and elected an African-American (with Hussein as a middle name) as president.

If the exit polls are accurate than Obama's triumph was built on his overwhelming success with blacks, Hispanics, 18-to-34-year-olds, educated white males and new voters. For these groups to come together behind a single banner means that Obama may be the agent of change that he wanted to be. His time is now, and we will be the better for it.

Today, I am both awed and humbled. Last night, the measure of the man trumped the color of his skin. Last night unity replaced divisiveness and hope triumphed over fear.

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

- President-elect Barack Obama

Free at last.