Today was a very special and joyous day for Americans. In a way, it represented an end to long years of struggle for Black Americans to be seen as capable and acceptable. With a willing spirit, millions of Americans and friends around the world have embraced the notion that Barack Obama will serve well in the office of president. We saw a sign today outside of a business in a small New Hampshire community. It said, simply, “God Bless the President.” That sentiment expresses what we are all feeling about now. We were ready for a change, and change has finally come. The new president is a deep-thinking, educated, no-nonsense kind of a man, a man whose eloquence was mocked, during the election, but who is unsurpassed in delivering great speeches and firing up the crowd to be on his side. Who could not trust him? If he referred to any notes during his speech today, that was not apparent.
Sense and sensibility have prevailed. Everyone is happy. However, the president knows better than anyone that he will have to work hard to retain the trust of the American people. In the end, talk is cheap, and action speaks louder than words.
As my astute husband pointed out, over breakfast, the companies who are laying off workers are short-sighted. When the economy turns around, as it must, and as it always has, those same companies will not have trained workers and will not be able to compete in the marketplace. In essence, they are shooting themselves in the foot.
As far as education goes, the state of California has issued a letter to all employees, including my nephew who is head of a department at a state university. They have all been given the word that, instead of a paycheck, they should expect to receive “I owe you” notes, in lieu of money. Unfortunately, paper notes do not pay the mortgage, or the groceries, or put gas in the car, but California is bankrupt.
I have no fears. Barack Obama has surrounded himself with intellectuals and proven thinkers, not people who have financial motives for securing family business interests, and that is refreshing. With so many people focused on “getting it right,” I strongly believe that the change we all desire will happen, and will happen, as soon as possible. It is very difficult to undo some of the mistakes that have been made, or to extract ourselves from foreign soil, since we are so enmeshed there. The road ahead is long and winding, but somehow, I do not believe that this president will lose his way.
Let me join the chorus in wishing the new president and his family the very best, and to the cynics, I say this, “Yes We Can,” remembering his words. Let his presidency truly be a “patchwork” of the American Dream.
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
