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Tue. Nov 04, 2008

A Truly New Day

When I was a kid, back in the 60’s and early 70’s, we were taught that anyone had the chance to grow up and be President.

But that wasn’t quite true back then, and we were too young to see it. However, I think it finally is true today, and I am old enough to appreciate the significance.

It’s important to remember that America’s most precious documents, like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, were also products of their times. In the beginning, it was only white male land owners who had the right to vote, never mind run for office.

146 years ago, on September 22, 1862, Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, in which he declared all slaves were permanently free.

It was another 100 years before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 effectively guaranteed the right to vote for blacks in this country.

And 44 years later, this country has elected its first black president.

One might say there is no happier Republican today than the spirit of Abraham Lincoln.

America is the sum of a billion unlikely stories. And I feel like we’re seeing one of the most unlikely of all draw to a close.

There are no doubt many difficult days ahead. But this one is special.