It's Beginning to Sink In

This is for real. This is not a made-for-TV movie. The front pages of the newspapers proclaimed it loud and clear. His picture was everywhere.

An African-American candidate will presumably be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.

Democrat, Republican, Independent- Americans. You don't have to like him. You don't have to vote for him. But it is historic.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had this to say:

"It's a country that has overcome many, many, now years, decades of, actually a couple of centuries, of trying to make good on its principles.

"And I think that what we're seeing is, an extraordinary expression of the fact that 'we the people,' is beginning to mean all of us," she added, referring to the opening line of the U.S. Constitution.

It amazes me that there are still people insisting he is Muslim or that "this country's not ready for a Black president." I think this country is ready for a Black or woman or Hispanic for President. It is time as this year's amazing primary season has clearly shown. The excitement, the overwhelming responses to both Obama and Clinton are hopeful signs that something new and unique is happening in these United States.

I thought of a very old quote attributed to the 1st Century Rabbi Hillel as I wrote that. The whole quote is:

“If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, then what am I? And if not now, when?”

If not now, when? Whether he gets elected or not, this is a new time. It began 16 and 17 months ago when both he and Clinton started this process. It is an exciting time to be an American.

So all- remember where you were when he won the nomination.

This land is made for you and me- for you- and you- and you- and yes, you, too.

Wow!