WHAT CHANGE IS GOING TO COME?
I am like most black people ecstatic about Barack Obama becoming the first black President in America and when he is officially crowned as the 44th President on 20th January 2009 I will toast to him again. The public euphoria that has followed this multi-categorical and most expensive election in American history has been unprecedented; and I do hope this is not the climax of things as we all expect them to get better from here on.
However, did Americans vote with their heart or head? Whilst this election redeemed America's history of slavery, bigotry and white supremacy; where Americans looking for the best candidate or the popular candidate at this point in time? Every one would agree they had seen enough of George Bush, his administration and wanted a new challenge. Obama; youthful, oratory, intellectual and charismatic was bound to appeal to many a person. Can he, however, deal with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and bullish Russia, economic meltdown in America, soaring unemployment, the shambles of a health care system, a 438 billion deficit and the sensitive environmental issues in America?
This euphoria reminds me of a smaller but similar one in the UK in 1997 when Tony Blair came in to power as the Messiah of British politics after winning John major in the then Prime Minister election. Two and a half terms down the road, he resigned and left power with out a tenth of the aplomb that beseeched him then. Obama's and McCain's thoughts on the two major issues affecting America left the world with a lot of food for thought. Whilst Obama contradicted himself on the war in Iraq, as was often pointed out, and was opposed to a military surge; McCain justified why the war against terror had to continue in whichever way possible. Obama's policies on the economic crisis were more towards increased taxes while McCain was more cautious and thought a reduction in taxes would in the long run even things out with government help.
In an age where America is involved in several wars and economic recession, I find McCain more experienced in both spheres. Most liberal and young white Americans voted for Obama because of his being a Democrat, young and advocating for change after years of George Bush's administration they had tired of. We all know why most Afro-Americans voted for Obama. As every individual American reflects on this victory would their vote have been influenced by their heart or their head? Whatever reason it is, we now have Obama in the White House.
He has fulfilled the legacy and dreams of prior unsuccessful Afro-American Presidential candidates like Jesse Jackson, Shirley Chisolm, Carol Mosley Brown, Al Sharpton and Leorna Fulani. He has also fulfilled Martin Luther King's vision, Malcolm X's struggles and Rosa Park's resilience. As we reflect on a new era and toast to a new political maverick; let us pray that his wisdom will compensate for his inexperience and that he is surrounded by a team that guides him well. Several decisions he will make will affect all of us in one way or another and his legacy will not be defined by his words, colour or public sentiments but by his deeds. My prayer is that when the dust settles down, Obama will match his charisma with vision and accountability. Yes it has been a long time coming; but let POSITIVE change come!