The Face of Change

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, liberal, moderate, or conservative, Black or White, Asian or Hispanic, Christian, Jew, Hindu, etc., you have to admit that the face of American politics has changed forever. Any African American who grew up in the days of segregation and overt racism and biggotry, were turned away from the polling booth, lived through the struggles of the civil rights movement, witnessed the killings of MLK, Medgar Evers, and others, has to be filled with such surprise and pride today. 143 years after the end of slavery, 53 years after Rosa Parks refused to yield her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, America has elected an African American to the highest office in the land. A truly historic election indeed.

UPDATE: President Bush weighed in on the historic nature of the 2008 election: "No matter how they cast their ballots, all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday. Across the country, citizens voted in large numbers. They showed a watching world the vitality of America's democracy, and the strides we have made toward a more perfect union. They chose a President whose journey represents a triumph of the American story -- a testament to hard work, optimism, and faith in the enduring promise of our nation. Many of our citizens thought they would never live to see that day. This moment is especially uplifting for a generation of Americans who witnessed the struggle for civil rights with their own eyes -- and four decades later see a dream fulfilled....It will be a stirring sight to watch President Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White House. I know millions of Americans will be overcome with pride at this inspiring moment that so many have awaited so long."