EMANCIPATION
The November 2008 election of Barack Obama was the reaffirmation of the democratic principles of the United States of America. His election is proof that “all men are created equal” and anyone can be President of the United States. All Americans can rejoice in the results of this election, including the McCain–Palin supporters, for it forcefully demonstrated to the world that this Republic is a wondrous form of representative democracy.
This election is the benchmark of the full emancipation of citizens of color. Unfortunately, a tiny percentage of small minded individuals harbor prejudices against African Americans. Hispanics, Jews, and other minorities, though accepted by most people, are exposed to these same ignoramuses.
President-elect Obama is an instrument of change even before he is sworn into office on January 20, 2009. This election has completely changed the dynamics of this country.
· Whites can cast off their guilt about the past treatment of blacks that began with slavery and continued through years of bigotry and inequality. The slow, hard-earned march to emancipation began, in the Truman and Eisenhower administrations, when black members of the Armed Forces were officially recognized as equals. The patient, peaceful efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King resulted in the legal emancipation of black Americans. The recognition of black educators, politicians, business leaders, ranking military officers, and athletic stars has led to their ascent in society. All of which culminated in the election of a black president of the U.S. Now, white Americans, uninhibited by the prejudice label, can treat their fellow Americans of color normally.
· African Americans can abandon the Congressional Black Caucus, the Black Football Coaches Association, and the like, as unnecessary tools of victimology. Other ethnic groups don’t join in formalized clans. Further, membership in these organizations is unfair to the non-black constituents and football players they lead. This is an opportunity for blacks to join the American family and discontinue acting like outsiders.
At last, this nation has overcome the breach of skin color. Let’s capitalize on this opportunity to continue on the path to a more perfect union.