It is in great haste that I am writing this letter to you. I realize that for many of you this will be arriving too late, because you will be boarding your flight to Canada today, according to your Facebook status. These were the sorts of messages that were posted on Facebook shortly after the networks called the election finished as the polls closed on the West Coast.
I believe Republican John McCain delivered an excellent speech to his supporters as the election came to an end and Democrat Barack Obama was declared the winner. As ethnocentric as this sounds, the whole world sat on the edge of its seat watching nervously and eagerly who the next president of the United States would be.
When Obama took the stage in Chicago, there was a multitude of people who were enthralled and captivated by him. People shouted and celebrated. Tears of joy streamed down the faces of his supporters. Tears of sadness streamed down the faces of Jesse Jackson and Oprah Winfrey. Jackson was crying because he ran for president 20 years ago and lost. I was surprised that he did not jump on stage and try to get in the limelight. Winfrey was crying because Obama’s married.
Not everyone shared those sentiments of joy. Those who supported McCain were greatly saddened on election night as their candidate was defeated handily.
Many people in my residence hall were cheering with all of their might as Obama was declared the winner and as he gave his speech. However, I could not help but wonder if they really knew where Obama stands on the issues. The issues that I am referring to are the war in Iraq, the economy, health care, social security and the like. Obama desires to provide a tax cut to 95 percent of the American population, but what does that mean in the long run? How will this be accomplished and how much will it cost?
Once Supreme Court justice seats become available, whom will he place in those positions? The decisions that he and Congress make will have an effect on everyone, not just a particular group of people.
As much as we all like to say race does not matter, the fact of the matter is that race is present. Did people vote for Obama just to see the first African-American in the White House, or did they vote for him with the real expectation of seeing change?
More discretion needs to be used in voting a particular candidate into office. Sometimes, the color of one’s skin can blind people from what is really important. At the end of the day, Obama is a politician. Just because the president and I partially share a similar ethnicity does not mean he and I will be best friends. It does not mean that he will invite me for dinner at the White House any time soon.
Obama has lulled many people to sleep with his soothing lullaby of peace, protection and prosperity. In four years, will people arise from their sleep and realize that his promises were hollow? I wish Obama the best. However, if there is no change at the end of his term, will his new campaign slogan be “No we didn’t, but now we can” or “More real change that you can believe in?” How long will it take until the change becomes tangible for the American public to see?
I do sincerely hope that this reaches you in time. If not, maybe we will meet each other again in 2012 or 2016, and you can tell me about all of your wonderful experiences in Canada over a spot of warm tea. My mother knitted you a sweater just in case the weather turns a bit cold.
Lawrence Simmons is a senior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at [email protected].