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And what a historical moment this is!
I must admit I have mixed feelings.
On the one hand, its a releasing feeling to see an African American becoming president of the United States of America. Granted he was born in America but doesn't have the history of slavery, etc. But, practically anybody born black knows that it really doesn't matter; the treatment in America for anyone black is more or less the same.
And so, to see that America was willing to make the change, defy bigotry, and vote for who they feel and think is best for the job is exciting! Granted America is on its knees at the moment what with all the financial situation, dealing with unpopular wars, and all the effects of these things, (sometimes I wonder if all the seasoned politicians just stepped back and left Obama standing to take the job -but then again I am glad the time is OVER for "seasoned politicians" and their same old, same old) and it will be a challenge for Barack Obama, but I have faith and hope that he and America will rise to the occasion.
(Its like malchut rising to keter. President Obama, please take your crown!)
Also, what does it all mean for African Americans? Surely the glass ceiling has been shattered. That vessel is broken and its shards lay bare for all to see. Now its time for a new vessel to be built. One that can hold the dreams of everyone, and can actually deliver. I pray we all take full advantage of this constructive time and strengthen ourselves, believe in ourselves, renew (those who believe)our faith that God wants good for us* and gave us hands and feet to pursue as much, and go for it!
*We are all created in God's image. It is indicative of His love that He should make sure we KNOW that we are created in His image (paraphrasing from Pirke Avot)
But on the other hand, I am weary as to what will be for Israel. Where does Obama really hold when it comes to the middle east? Is he like some, who hate Jews so much that he's willing to love any Arab nation without really know much about them or really caring for that nation? Is he just out to "stick it" to the Jews? Or perhaps he is knowledgeable and concluded that he should hate Israel? Or is he pro-Israel and will help to find a peaceful and REASONABLE solution to the whole middle east dilemma?
I was in Tzfat when I heard the news that Obama won. From what I am hearing the Christian Arabs are wary about this, the Muslim Arabs are happy, the Jews in America are happy, and the Jews in Israel are wary --all generalizations, mind you.
Then again, it really doesn't matter. In the end, its really up to Hashem /God and the Jewish people. Are we doing what we are suppose to be doing? Can we soar higher spiritually, but are afraid to really become who we are really suppose to become? Will we use our tallit (read: cape)and tefillin (read:lazer beams)and fly faster than a speeding bullet and leap tall buildings in a single bound, etc.? lol
At any rate, I rejoice in this moment. I am so glad and excited that the Obama family will be moving to the White House -I'm sure many people never even envisioned such a thing could happen! Not the Joe Sixpacks, the Hockey Moms, Joe the Plumbers nor the black versions; the Tyron Sixpacks and a bag of chips, the Holy Rollin Mamas, and the "Rashid the barbers." And the hope that it brings to all underdogs, all African Americans, everyone who's experienced oppression, is bursting out into the world. Its almost palpable!
So, I watch on. Great job, Barack Obama!
11 comments:
Hello there!
Thank you for sharing so honestly!
I started sharing my concerns about black people thinking Obama is the new messiah JUST AS they did with Martin Luther King and whenever that occurs, it produces a tremendous level of "wishful" thinking. One person is viewed as the savior of all. The community doesn't feel they have to do any self-examination or any dismantling of dysfunctional dynamics...the focus is on the NEW Messiah-figure.
It's dangerous.
I am happy to see that the McCain-Palin ticket did not prevail because they used many low ball tactics that only elevated the racist undertones in the campaign.
Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa
(blogging from the United States of Obama! *giggles*)
Barack Obama was born in America, In Hawaii. Love your blog by the way :-)
Hi Lisa - Let's hope folks will move forward with a different outlook than before.
Hi African Orchid - Thanks so much for your comment and encouragement! I corrected the post, thanks.
"Or is he pro-Israel and will help to find a peaceful and REASONABLE solution to the whole middle east dilemma?
Lay your concerns to rest. If anyone can solve the "middle east dilemma," it will be Obama.
I understand the concerns of Israel. The Internet is rife with misinformation about him--insisting that he's Muslim
That's preposterous! Although born to it, his father never practiced that faith as an adult (and considered himself variously as an atheist or agnostic), and his mother exposed him to several religious beliefs.
Also, at the death of his mother to cancer, he was raised for a number of years by his white grandparents.
For the record: we don't all see Obama as some kind of messiah. We know, and understand, his limitations.
Nor are we some unthinking, mindless automatons, derisively known as Obamatrons.
What Obama has done for us is galvanize us to take up the spirit of bi-partisanship, and carry it forward, as well as the theme of One America.
Already this new energy is manifesting itself on blogs--those who wish to do their part to advance his policies of hope and rehabilitation--to repair our tattered reputation around the world, and our ragged economy here at home.
We are (not Obama, alone) about rebuilding America, and that includes the black community as well.
I've e-mailed you some of my goals in this endeavor, to elicit your help and to share with you that new vision--and to speak of that new energy that I'm now witnessing here and about.
Hi Domino - I got the email. Its very exciting and I would be honored to participate. Thanks for considering me!
Why on earth would you possibly assume that Obama hates Jews? There's no evidence of it, and in fact he has far more connections to Jews than McCain ever had.
His roommate while he was in the state senate was an Orthodox Jew, whom he acted as a Shabbos goy for. And now Obama's very first act as a president-elect was to appoint an Orthodox Jew as his Chief of Staff!
Obama also has a pretty solidly pro-Israel record. We're not talking mere rhetoric here, but policy as well. Granted, he hasn't been in national politics for very long, but the difference between him and McCain is only a matter of time and age.
Palin has absolutely no background on foreign policy, and in fact she revealed herself to be a complete ignoramus on the subject, not the least of which in her nonsensical statements on Hamas. But then, we know Palin wasn't selected for our benefit. In the words of the man whom McCain once considered using as an envoy to the Middle East, "F%$# [the Jews]. They didn't vote for us."
this is historic, no need for mixed feelings just pragmatism. we better free our minds and recoginze the real. he is one man and although he sounded good and this is historic, america has to want to change, not to mention many of us negro comfortable up in here
i just hope the red states dont take us back pre 1960
Miriam, I neglected to mention Rahm Israel Emanuel, Obama's first appointment--and now his Chief of Staff in his administration, one that's still forming by the way--in my previous post.
Kylopod is right in this regard. It appears that Obama has had a long relationship with Rahm as a friend, advisor, and confidant.
This:
And this:
It appears that all the talk about him being pro-Arab, or pro-Muslim, or pro-Palestinian is baseless and so much poppycock.
All this is in my opinion:
I love Obama and to be honest i think the fact that he does not have the direct afro-american history of slavery and such will allow him to be less judgmental. I also think it is probably why other politicians feel fine approaching him.
He reminds me of MLK jr. I remember watching the news and friends of Martin Luther King said that MLK would not have been suprised by this election because he always believed, in fact SAW it happening. He was an optimist...or dare i say even a realist ??! Through his optimism and rules of keeping peace and acting peacefully he broke down barriers, same with Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela...they all saw that by sticking to your principles, understanding and negotiation things change.Slowly but surely. Not by getting fustrated and blaming the "white man".
I was very glad that of President Barack elect, in his acceptance speech, he said that there are a lot of troubles ahead and he may not be able to solve all of them in first year, even the first term, and I pray that God will give him wisdom, like he gave wisdom to Joseph, Daniel, George Carver Washington and now to Barack Obama
Kylopod - I know I shouldn't judge Obama by the company he keeps, but won't he have to give back at some point as a thank you? Maybe its a stretch.
Torrance - I think the majority want change, hopefully that will be enough
Domino - I guess my fear is that he may be a people pleaser. Can't back it up. If that means pleasing the people who want change then good! But if it means pleasing his supporters who are already in politics, then I'm wary.
Suesue - Thanks for commenting! That is my hope and reassurance. That he will stick to his principles. What I have SEEN so far, looks good and positive. The things I"m HEARING for some reason - and maybe its because those others are prejudice, don't think a black man can be all that, or whatever- sounds negative.
Felicity - Amen to that!
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