Obama

November 4th 2008. A day to remember.

The US election was in full swing, the result of over 600 days and billions of dollars of campaigning boiled down to the last few hours. According to all the polls it was an open and shut case, Obama had it in the bag, and yet the world watched with bated breath.

Around 4 am in England, the result the world had waited for was finally announced. Obama would become the 44th president of America. Dave and the rest of the world gave a collective huge sigh of relief and an overwhelming jump for joy.

Obama seems to be the guy the world has waited for. An intelligent, logical guy who appears to focus on bringing peace and hope and has plans to comunicate with the rest of the world and work together for the greater global good. After 8 years of terror from Bush, it comes as welcomed news. How much of a change Obama can bring only time will tell.

"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree."

The election of Obama was a turning point in history not only because it marked the toppling of the statue of Bush. For those who haven't heard, Obama is the first black president of the USA.

"Rosa sat so Martin could walk, Martin walked so Obama could run, Obama ran so our children could fly."

Rosa Parks was a black lady who refused to stand for a white passenger on a bus in Alabama. At the time that was a big deal. A very big deal.

What's difficult for a kid born in the 80's with Greek father, English Mother, Chinese wife and friends of all races and sexualities to fully comprehend is that that time was as recent as 1955. Just 53 years ago.

From subhuman to worlds most powerful postion within living memory, Obama really has changed the world. Martin dreamed of a world where man would be judged on character alone and not the colour of his skin. The election of Obama has seen a huge step in the right direction and renewed faith in America and the world that Martin's dream will become a reality.

Only two things dampen the spirit of Obama's election. The two sheets of bullet proof glass present at Obama's acceptance speech. A painful reminder that although we can now see the promised land, perhaps we're not quite there. Obama will still be judged by the colour of his skin. Whatever he does, good or bad, he does as a black president.

But "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. "

The dream is alive and kicking.