OK, time to perk up.

I do not take part in American politics, even though they do affect us in Canada. I did, however, shed a few emotional waves as president-elect Obama was selected by a majority.

I was so pleased to hear Mr. McCain's speech. He was quite magnanimous and a tribute to true Americanism.

In 1960 I risked my life just to encourage Black Americans in the South to register for the vote. I was jailed in one state for walking down a street with a Black man. It took a presidential pardon for all Civil Rights workers who were jailed unjustly to be cleared of a criminal record. I witnessed a Black lad drowned in a loo because he dared to use the wrong washroom, and then to realize what I never thought I would witness in my lifetime. A Black American enter the Whitehouse.

I don't know what kind of president he will be. That is for Americans to decide. All that I do know is that it is a huge giant step forward and I sincerely hope that all Americans will step ahead in this hope and enjoy peace and prosperity.

Cheers, and God bless Americans, our faithful and desired neighbours. We share more than some might even realize.

Jim

 

Call away! :laugh:

But seriously, though I didn't vote for Obama and oppose his policies, there is an interesting perception among some of my Japanese friends (who know nothing about the issues) that the election of Obama validates the American belief in equality. (Japan is quite racist in many ways.) We'll see if history agrees. There's too much emotions flowing right now to tell.