A breath-taking moment in American history

I have witnessed a transforming moment in American history. I am proud to have been there.

Did you read the post Are we too divided? It was written 10 months ago, early in the campaign, before the Iowa primaries, before either Obama or McCain was the front runner. At the time I felt that the division and rancor prevalent in the politics of the 1990s (and beyond) was the greatest threat to the nation. For whatever reason, as a nation we had lost civility, a common purpose, and dedication to the common good. I thought that Barack Obama had the best chance to bring about some semblance of civil discourse and healing. At the same time I was happy that John McCain was the Republican nominee. He had looked like a good choice in 2000 too when he seemed direct and sincere. It was disappointing in 2008 when his campaign became more negative. Tonight I was glad to see the old John McCain return.

If you did not hear John McCain’s concession speech, you must listen to him and read the comments of Joe Candelman. This was one of John McCain’s finest political moments. He rose again to stature worthy of the American hero that he is. Around the world he is being recognized for the class and grace he showed tonight. (Recognize too that throughout the campaign John McCain never used race in any way to divide the nation. It was clear in his concession speech that racial sensitivity is a core value for McCain.)

Barack Obama too, spoke of the remarkable transformation that has taken place in America.

During the long campaigns 100 million American voters listened to two voices and judged the speakers primarily by their messages. While many of the network news stars seemed quite fascinated by race, America never took the bait. Instead we listened, we watched, we considered, and we judged – but not on the basis of race. Listening, watching, considering, and judging without making race a critical component of the process has never happened before to this extent. That is the transforming moment: setting aside race. (As Americans we are such a mixture anyway that it’s just too much bother.)

In my experience the vast majority of people under 25 have lost track of the concept of race (and lots of those young people voted); but when the election statistics are revealed, we will also discover that Barack Obama ran well with men over 65.

That’s good. It’s time. Now let’s get down to business. We have some Republican-Democrat reconciliation to do too, and as a nation we have some problems to fix.

photos by Lindberg and photo flickr by VictoryNH: Protect Our Primary

Just vote!

The voting booths are ready, the poll workers in place.

The ballots are printed.

You have heard and studied the positions on each issue.

Now the nation and the world are waiting for your best judgment.

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OK, then.

Just vote.

photo by flicker by momboleum