Tiptoeing, Catapulting, or Being Dragged into the Future

If we learned anything from the recent election, it is, “Never say never.” How many times did each of us say or hear someone else say, “He’ll never get elected?” The bravest among us ventured into a minefield by asking, “Why?” There would be the briefest of moments during which the facial expression went from “Are you crazy?” to discomfort and even agitation. “He’s inexperienced.” “He’s unknown.” “The U.S. isn’t ready for a Black president.” There followed months of vitriolic personal attacks. It didn’t work.

For both of the candidates, it was a balancing act of ideals weighed against the possibility of accomplishment. Would they lean on what has been accomplished or push toward what could be? I am reminded of my nephew’s response to his children when they ask for something really big. He says, “And I want world peace, but since it’s not going to happen tomorrow, we both have to settle.” This time, the people chose not to settle.

Obama challenged us not to settle. He challenged the myths of trickle down and war as valid solutions, proposing thoughtful, just and generous policies as steps toward peace and global prosperity. He touched a nerve. Everyone, supporters and critics alike, became engaged as passionate players in the drama. The subsequent meltdown of Wall Street, the significance of which was likened to the fall of the Berlin Wall by one economist, and the upsurge of violence in the Middle East, have compounded already monumental challenges.

The President got my vote because he is smart enough to learn as he goes, believes in the Constitution, and proposes interdependence with all peoples for the common good of the planet. His campaign and cabinet choices reflect his inherent inclusivity. My personal political guru, Miguel Cruz, who cooks at Grace House, had this to say about Obama’s cabinet positions and Obama’s chances for success. About the cabinet, he said, “He’s not trying to get even. He’s trying to govern.” About the rest, he said, “He’s not going to govern from the left. That would be repeating Bush except from the other side. He’s going to push for long-term solutions to critical problems and for strengthening the middle class.

This presidency isn’t so much a test of Obama. We know what he wants. It is a test of our willingness to grow as a nation. This is history, not because of Obama’s color or even his character. It’s history because it tests the political and moral will of all the people to stay engaged — supporting and constructively Challenging — tiptoeing, catapulting or dragging us into a more just and sustainable future.”