Last night the world watched as Presidential hopeful, Barrack Hussein Obama officially became the people's choice for United States President. This will be the first black man and first black woman (soon to be first lady, Michelle Obama) to occupy the most famous house in the world. I have observed people celebrate. I have seen some, mainly African americans, shed tears of joy in the media(we all saw Jesse Jackson, didn't we?), on the streets at work etc. Obama has created possibilties for people who only saw limitations enforced by a system that isn't always fair. He also, as his best selling book implies, has given us the audacity to hope. All over Europe, Asia and Africa people are celebrating. I have received phone calls from friends and families back home all filled with joy that one of thier sons will soon "rule the world."Obama is for change! Obama will fix things! Yet only time will tell what Obama's presidency will contribute to an already deteriorating economy, two unfinished wars that have cost billions of dollars, a failing health system and other negative aspects of the Bush administration. Only time will tell-but as we wait, maybe a few of us, having the audacity to ponder at a time that calls for celebration(and deservedly so for its historic meaning) should ask ourselves what an Obama presidency means for Africa.
Africa is overzealous about this man and nowhere is this more pronounced than in Kenya, Papa Obama's birthplace. The question still remains, what does this mean for Africa? Will African countries comply with U.S policies/motives/agendas now that someone that looks like them is pulling the strings? Will conflict situations in Darfur and the Congo be dealt with swiftly and appropiately by the new adminstration? What about Africom? Will the militarization of the African continent fully take place or the reverse? What about the rising situation in the Niger Delta where armed militias are beginning to pose a serious problem in the oil sector? Only time will tell. But in the mean time, like millions, if not billions of people all over the world, I will take this moment to celebrate that a person of African heritage, a black man is about to rule the most powerful country in the world.
Now excuse me while I celebrate the American way by ordering some Pizza...
2 comments:
I was speechless when it became certain Obama was going to win....I am not expecting him to do magic, we didnt expect the prezs before him to, but the fact that a man of my colour would be the leader of the free world, a world in which my kids would be born, and probably grow up...that was many kinds of emotional
I remember a part of his speech yesterday, it is still resonating in my head "...and for those of you who will choose to tear the world down, we will defeat you..."that was powerful, showed the warrior in him and showed he intended to continue to keep America safe but with common sense bring the enemies closer...that is the hallmark of a great leader.
I’m so happy that America picked the better candidate for presidency.
Obama will make a good president. Just his presence in the White House alone strikes the cord of change. I really feel he will not let Americans down or the world. Already he’s broke boundaries, made history three times in one night. I feel nothing could stop him from moving forward.
A change has come.
Post a Comment