Amazing Night
From the quiet of our living room last night, we watched television and waited for the outcome of the presidential election. While it is difficult to lose a dream, John McCain was gracious in defeat and the true gentleman he has always been. When the big news came, crowds had already assembled, across America and across the world.
In the Chicago’s Grant Park, the throng included such notables as the Reverend Jesse Jackson, and the famous Oprah Winfrey, both with tears in their eyes, like so many others there. The President-elect was inspiring in his acceptance speech. All that was missing from the program was a chorus of “Let Freedom Ring … let the white dove sing.” The crowds gathered could have just run out of their homes and businesses to see the Second Coming. Some were on their knees, some were jumping up and down, all were moved by emotion in their anticipation to once again hear Obama speak.
Earlier in the afternoon, in visiting another quilt historian’s site, I came across a link to a disturbing site. The (Ph.D.? or is that he a Dr. of Divinity?) “Reverend” was condemning the political candidate of his same color, using very derisive language including the abhored “n” word, and exclaiming the most hateful things I have ever heard a “man of God” say. In fact, I only stay tuned to his message, out of shock. For 22 minutes, his video railed against Obama. The only thing I took away from the message was a great feeling of shock and sadness that anyone could act so vile under the guise of calling himself a follower of Jesus. There is also the issue of separation of church and state, if he does, indeed, have a church, and the video is not just propaganda.
Barack Obama has the support of millions of people, worldwide. His record, one of scholarship and leadership, speaks for itself, and the majority of those in this country have affirmed his selection as our president. We will be watching the change of guard closely. At the same time, we know that one president cannot “do it all.” We shall pray for his safety and continued success. Like others in the crowd, there were tears in our eyes at this monumental milestone in American history. We will soon “pass the torch” to a young leader, a leader of promise, a leader who has the “audacity of hope.”
Patricia Cummings
