On the brink of today's historical event in which the United States will elect a non-white citizen to serve as the 44th POTUS, I thought I would reflect from a distance. With the MLK Holiday yesterday, there was a lot of coverage about the comparisons between MLK and Obama, the journey to get to this point and also the road ahead. Up until now, in my opinion the most revered black American in US history may have been Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was universally loved by white and black, religious and political alike. When I was growing up, you were forced to hear the "I Have A Dream" speech followed by "We Shall Overcome" and other Negro spirituals in the event that one day, things may actually change. I didnt watch the MLK speech yesterday, but I watched alot of the other documentaries yesterday. A lot of perspectives were expressed about the 1st Black POTUS. Obama has a legacy before his term even starts. He also has one of the worst cleanups since the Exxon Valdez. Financially, morality, ethically, and religious issues will surely capture his immediate attention. But ultimately, I believe Obama's true test will be how he restores the image of the US to the world. If Obama rules with an iron first, he is sure to fail, and on the flip side, if he is too cool for school he will be pushed into decisions and take the blame unjustly. I believe Obama has already realized his popularity will possibly never be this high again. After his first hiccup (we all have at least one hiccup), the water cooler talk will be brutal. "I told you he was inexperienced" or "Maybe we weren't ready for a black man" or anything else that can be said, will be said. But as long as true supporters of America give Obama the same benefit of the doubt as past authorities, I think America will be better for it. When you don't have money, fame, food, or the best of health, one thing that you can count on is relationships. America has to build its relationships back, not only with its Allies and Enemies, but from within.
From MLK to Obama, roughly 40 years has passed. This nation has come a long way in a relatively short period of time. I can only imagine what it will be like in another 50 years. Total Recall...maybe. The Matrix....doubt it. But as a wise man once said, "The revolution will be televised."
