Yes, it is true. I (born in 1941), who participated in the 1963 "March on Washington", used to call the tumultuous 1960's the "Second Civil War."For our generation (whose civil rights activities helped begin the end of the Civil War) this election seems especially symbolic. It does also reflect the changing composition of the country, new voters, young faces. high tech networking, and the skills of a Chicago community organizer. And, yes, this is a grand, but not final step beyond 1865.
This is also a challenge to the "Black Community" to move onward, to move beyond being victims -- at a time where it is very difficult to rise up whether you be Black or White.
In observing those on the bottom here in North Carolina, whether it be Black or White I see repeatedly the "sacred threes:" poverty, self destructiveness, and trouble with the law.
The "saving grace" of those on the bottom has been perseverance, hard work, courage, humor, and an ability to manipulate the system's "welfare" benefits. At a time of economic decline switching from that to rise up WITHIN the system will be a major challenge.
There is a potentially deep conflict between uncontrolled Hispanic immigration and the poor already here -- even though for now a coalition of Hispanics and Blacks seem to have been key Obama supporters.
But low wage Hispanics are part of the globalzation threat to Americans on the bottom, already weakened by lack of unions and export of jobs....and no one dared talk about this in ths campaign.
Without some control on the importation of low wage immigrants (which transforms them from union busters to equal competitors) conflict lies ahead.
That will be an important political challenge for Obama --- because so many people benefit from cheap Hispanic labor, including Democrats who seek to buy their votes.
Lastly the next few years will depend heavily on interaction with the outside world, which is only marginally controllable.
Obama's intelligence may help protect him in the recurring patterns of power politics where good intentions often backfire. Still enormous challenges lie ahead.
History often honors American optimism --- but it is not in the nature of life to escape from future tragedy.
As one tragedy heals, we can expect others along the way. History may cheer, but there are always tears ahead.
Lastly, while we can praise the many changes which combined with economic meltdown to make this landmark possible, let us also give credit to Sarah Palin.
The prospect of this talented but flawed politician in the White House with her "First Dude" may have done as much as anything (aside from Obama's organizational brilliance and McCain's eratic behavior) to put a non Afro American "half white" Afro American in the White House.
Thank you, Sarah. Job well done.
