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As the greatest industrialized democracy in the world, America has overcome the mistakes and difficulties associated with growing as a young nation. This country has come through a united struggle for independence, the pains of civil war, two world wars and the unrest experienced as a nation divided on domestic issues such as civil rights. At this point, the question should not be whether or not America is ready for a Black president, but whether any individual seeking the office of president is ready to assume the enormous responsibilities facing them in America.

With all of our strengths, we are not perfect. The current president has been challenged by following through with promises and policies initiated during his administration, and will undoubtedly leave office with an unfulfilled agenda. The war in Iraq, loss of jobs, rising costs of health care, and failing housing markets have been issues topping the lists of concerns of all Americans, and the next president will be faced with addressing them immediately after taking office. With the possibility of a recession quickly encroaching upon us, and a national deficit about to increase by at least another $150 billion due to the proposed economic stimulus package, any person assuming the oval office will have their hands full.

As a country though, we should all be willing to embrace and stand behind our elected officials, regardless of ethnicity. We should also be encouraged by the possibility of change, especially if that change moves us in the direction we seek as a country. Skin color and gender are less essential for determining leadership ability than good cognitive skills, the ability to hear the voices of the American people, and the fortitude to follow through with policies and agendas. I'm loyal to our current president even though my quality of living has suffered greatly under his leadership.

The messages of all political candidates tug emotionally at some facet of our lives. Whether it's their views on the economy, national security, immigration, or the war in Iraq, a little bit of each man or woman campaigning would probably create the ultimate candidate. It is unfortunate that in the greatest country in the world, we are still stifled by such mundane questions as whether America is ready for a Black or female president.

Blacks have been involved in the process of political leadership since before reconstruction. Vernon Jordon was a close confidant of President Clinton. Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell have both served as Secretary of State, and many other Blacks have held high political posts both in state and national government. Leadership abilities were not heaped on just one ethnic group or gender. We should not be so focused on the character that fills the seat of the white house, but rather, the character of the man.

My greatest concern is whether a person who does not fit the status quo as president will be treated and judged fairly in reference to the outcome of their decisions. Would a Black president have been looked upon differently if the same circumstances in Iraq existed? Would the American public have been as patient with his or her inadequacies? There is really only one way to find out, and this country is closer than it's ever been to the answers.

Learn more about this author, Terry Marsh.
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