He is not the second coming

magazine article -- political

I have cautioned myself and my friends to not make him into "the second coming." He already has so much on his shoulders, let's not burden him more with the title of savior—he is our president-elect which for many of us sure does feel like "the one" has come. Don't let the historic weight of the election obscure your sight and induce the euphoric state in which many of us (both black and white) find ourselves unwilling to leave. People seem friendlier to each other, some claim the colors of the leaves look better and that feeling is still in the air. Would the rapture feel this good?

That's what the audacity of hope does, it leads you to believe that what has never been done before can be accomplished this time. It is not only the good that helped Obama win on Election Day but a cataclysmic confluence of events: the war, the economy, taxes, and the absolute rejection of George W. Bush and his policies that helped land us in this mess we now face as a nation. John McCain's poorly run campaign and uncharacteristic actions along with his stupefying choice of Sarah Palin as a running mate helped to open the road to the White House for Obama.

Since Tuesday many of us have been riding the wave. It feels too good to let go. With the election over we are now craving more information about our new "first family" and especially their choice of a puppy for the children who will reside in the White House. Our decision on Election Day has made us feel all warm and fuzzy. We pulled it off—we did something great and historic and the whole world was watching. We can't get enough of this. For the first time in my life I am giving out White House ornaments this Christmas and am in search of an American flag lapel pin. (Still, there are those who think this is entirely too radical a move for an African-American.)

Ah, but I am basking in the glow, it means so much to me as a black woman and as an American. I have been playing Ray Charles' version of America the Beautiful because it has become beautiful to me. Already Frank Schaeffer of the Huffington Post Times (www.huffingtompost.com) has proclaimed that he will be "one of the greatest and most loved American Presidents."  He continues by stating that "great presidents are made great by horrible circumstances combined with character, temperament and intelligence." (Too bad George Bush didn't have the character, temperament and intelligence to avoid his ego, the war and advisers  Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld.)

My girlfriend Debi and I have laid ground rules for the four years of Obama's administration. I don't see how we will get enough of the first family, the dog, Christmas at the White House (wonder if they celebrate Watch Night?), the girls playing and going to school, Michele's hair and wardrobe, their international trips, press conferences and the like. Debi and I have restricted our Obama time to one hour a day, we will make our list of "all things Obama" (we make lists for everything, most not suitable for mixed company) and collect Obama merchandise the way some people collect Elvis memorabilia. Needless to say we will be aware of every move that President-elect Obama and his family make (that is just short of stalking).

Our daily Obama hour will include discussions of how startled and proud we are of the white Americans who "got over themselves" according to radio talk show host Michael Baisden and voted for the future and the best candidate and surely we will note how some "folk" will invoke Obama as the answer to all their problems and what are the skinheads, Klansmen, ultra-right wing conservatives who couldn't find it in themselves to vote for a black man are doing now. Seems there won't be a dull moment for the next four years.

 

Reviews

[Moods]

With half or so of this I agree; just as the president is half or so of black and half of white; not a descendent either of slaves; but actually a descendant of those that might have sold some into slavery. So...the euphoria has not drifted my way. All I see out in the horizon is massive government debt and increased government mandates and enough big brother to make the novel warning of such look tame.

The Savior didn't require a trillion dollars to bring the Kingdom to pass. Color to me is so far down the list in priorities. I honestly believe the politicians want the public to 'worship' so we won't give a d--n about what is truly happening.

Nice balance to your piece, very well done.