The Obama Effect

OBAMA IS US PRESIDENT - ELECT
I watched it all unfold for over 6 hours step by step. Billions of people all over the world also stayed up all through the night to watch this history unfold. I am reliably informed that even the American Embassy in the UK did not close and over 2,000 people stayed up to watch the drama unfold. I just had to be part of the remaking of the history of the black race. I had to feel the fear, the anxiety, and let the adrenaline flow in the dawn of this new era in American history – BARACK OBAMA, THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IS AN AFRO AMERICAN; in other words A BLACK MAN. Although the Bradley effect took its toll on me as the results were being unfolded, it all ended in tears of JOY.

CHANGE HAS COME TO AMERICA
HISTORY IS MADE
I call it the OBAMA EFFECT, and will like to share what this symbolises for me.

A new world and a new era dawns. A new chapter is written in American history and according to the words of Mr President-elect himself:

“AT THIS DEFINING MOMENT CHANGE HAS COME TO AMERICA”.

Obama the first elected black president ever, of America, is a symbol of hope for Democracy. Obama made history every step of the way. He fought hard, raised billions of Dollars without resorting to American public funds, and utilised all IT tools in effecting this change.

It was a sweeping victory, a clear cut result. The poll at the time of my writing this post gives Obama 51.3% , and McCain 47:5%. The total figures gives Obama 349 and McCain 161 (don’t forget that the target was 270), and results now in from all 49 out of 50 states in America. In addition, Obama has the presidency + the House of Representatives; and has the support of Parliament. Yes, we now see that the Obama campaign albeit costly was effective, and it delivered. Millions of Obama memorabilia invaded the American streets and shops. Obama merchandise will now sell like hot cakes even after the elections. Yes Obama made history every step of the way.

How did we get here?

Well Americans are looking for a new approach to things, and hence embraced the CHANGE message and collectively rose up to the challenge by saying YES WE CAN. Americans believe in Obama, and will want an actualisation of that change he promised them. Don’t forget that Obama has a difficult economic inheritance. He has a difficult foreign policy. He has said openly to Americans in his valedictory speech that he needs their help. Many have faith in Obama as a competent economic analyst, and have strong belief in his ability to deliver. He has warned that he would fight would be dissidents.

Would Russia now find it easier to do business with America – through the new President Obama?

Obama must provide the change and unity he promised. He is now leading a new generation of leaders that will do things differently, and thank God for I believe that America is now ready for a Black President.

Oh the blessed African Dream.

Can Obama do it? Can we do it? YES WE CAN.

Even the forces and elements and economic climate joined hands in making this new history and change possible. I remember that the elements fought ferociously against George Bush in the numerous hurricanes, tornadoes and wild fires etc over the past 8 years. The elements gave same warning signs to McCain especially when he was meant to deliver his key note speech. Well it is really time for a change. We must remember that fighting for the rights of the black man has been a long uphill struggle. Many died demanding for these rights, starting with the fight for the abolition of slavery. From Slavery, to the Civil War, to centuries of racism and now, to a Black American President! Wow CHANGE HAS COME TO AMERICA.

How I remember Martin Luther King who 45 years ago made his famous speech;
“I HAVE A DREAM …I see the promised land. One day little black boys and black girls will be able to hold the hands of white boys and white girls…”

Obama has broken the record, the myth and the jinx and his name will be forever written in world History. Obama has brought change to America. Whites, Blacks, Old, Young, Hispanic, Indian AMERICANS are united in joy and all shedding tears of happiness, and hugging one another at the Obama win. Martin Luther King can now smile from beyond. Yes this is a “new dawn and a new historic verdict”. Obama has set a pace, a new ideology, a new drive, a new intent. We can be what we set out to be through the grace of God who made us.

This is one of the happiest days in the lives of millions of black people all over the world for the brutality and segregation of the cotton field days has now been finally wiped out. No more black America or white America but a truly United States of America. Barack Obama won more white votes than even John Kerry and even succeeded in doing what John Kerry failed to do in winning so many Republican States. Was this done through, as someone put it, “skillfull targeting”? Who cares, it worked.

The world is jubilation. Celebrations on the streets of Washington DC, New York and indeed on almost all streets in America. There is wide spread jubilations in homes and pubs and streets worldwide, and especially in Mother Africa. But deep down Obama will in his quiet moment shed a tear, because his beloved grandmother who raised him, gave up the ghost, just a day before this history is made. She did not live to see her pride of a grandson elected PRESIDENT OF AMERICA. How sad.

Kenya is beaming with pride. This is the home of Obama’s father. A feast is being prepared and a bull will be roasted in celebration. There are jubilations and dancing on the streets for it doesn’t matter that Barack Obama never lived in Kenya but only made a few visits. He already has a school named in his honour in Kenya. A national day of honour has been declared in Kenya.
What to my fellow Africans does the Obama effect symbolise?

A new kind of leadership that will change the world. No election rigging, no violence or bloodshed and no ballot stuffing or riggings. The Obama effect marked a peaceful and non-bloody victory for the black man and Democracy.

Can Africans learn something from this? YES WE CAN.
Is this Obama win an antidote to the recent Kenyan bruttish elections? What are the thoughts running through the minds of the African leaders all over as they watch Obama become first black president of America, without him resorting to violence, mudsling, and dirty politics? This is true democracy.

Can Africa learn from McCain conceding gallantly and with true love for his country? YES WE CAN. He is ready to work with the Obama. How many African countries can boast of leaders that can display this magnanimous act? Yes there was disappointment especially on the Republican side. This is to be expected. But as McCain said, when people sleep and wake up they will see things differently. He stopped his supporters from booing Obama while he was making his concession speech. Not only did he hold up his hands to stop the “boos”, he even said “please” and stopped it right there.

“Americans never quit, never surrender, never hide from history, but we make history” – McCain.

Obama’s former foe, Hillary Clinton, and many others have made the same intention known i.e. to work with Obama.

Obama was also humbly magnanimous in victory. He was also full of praises for McCain and Palin and stated that he is ready to work with them.

“A government of the people, for the people, by the people” – President Elect Obama

The Obama effect, what does it symbolise?
It is a symbol of the biggest concrete example to quote when we teach our young ones to get fully educated, believe in themselves, and not be disillusioned. The world is changing, America has changed. This miracle which has unfolded is really deep. A junior senator, a man with limited experience, with a Muslim background, with a middle name Hussein, and who was relatively unknown in American politics until 2 years ago, defied all odds, fought on hard and won the race. He overcame a big huddle called Hillary Clinton, rose above the dirty slandering and mudsling from the Republicans, held his head high, charged on with his TIME FOR CHANGE message, and finally MADE IT TO THE WHITE HOUSE. Indeed Obama has done well and will be remembered for a long time for breaking boundaries.

The messages are pouring in, everyone offering support and goodwill, and wanting to be part of the process that will broker peace and freedom for all. This is from Syria to Russia. Congratulatory messages are coming in, first from McCain, then Bush, the French Prime Minister, British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, German Chancellor,
Oprah Winfrey, Jesse Jackson etc. Hopefully the African leaders will follow the lead of Desmond Tutu and send their messages asap.

“In electing Obama, the Americans have made history… people will be able to look at America afresh…. as a beacon of hope, opportunity, democracy and unity” – David Cameron

“An achievement for the race of the black man, Symbol of American Freedom” – Senator Marsh.

Obama promises to be truthful and transparent at all times. He promises to “listen”. He knows the struggle will be uphill, but he promises to deliver. Are we in the brink of a new world? Many are calling on Obama to unite the world. Wow, what a huge task ahead? What a load of responsibilities? Obama needs all our prayers, and all the support he can get. The Obama effect will actualise the true unity of colours, minds and people as many have prayed for. Let peace reign. Let there be reciprocal love; for Obama respects and love the people. Obama must deliver. Thank God, no one has come out to express hatred or acrimony against Obama.

Now as the United States and the world are standing by to see what Obama would do to broker peace; and to bring America back to the past glory; I am calling on all Americans – please join hands in unison and pull together in support of this enigma Mr President-Elect Barack Obama. This remarkable drama that saw more than 131million Americans voting, will not take Obama only into Washington but also into the history books. Roll on time. We await 20th Jan 2009, for this is the first time an Afro American will occupy the White House (could it be now a White and Black House?) .

WILL AMERICA THROUGH OBAMA GET THERE – YES WE CAN.

It is imperative that Obama delivers, for we want to see him on a second term. It isn’t time yet in 2012 for the Republicans to stage a come back. Obama has work to do to stabilise America and it will take more than 4 years. George Bush in 8 years had sent America into the doldrums, and a lot of rescue work needs be done. Millions have lost their homes in the recession. Iraq needs sorting out and Afghanistan is still an issue. There are so many in-house domestic issues of grave concern to sort out. Will Obama’s redistribution of wealth plan do it?

Obama’s victory is an historic victory. Now the rest of the world would be looking forwards to hope of closer relationships with America – to broker world peace. Care has to be taken for the world would be better if this racial prejudice that has been given a slap in America is not allowed in the outside world to dictate the feelings and reactions of other world leaders in working with the new American President Elect - Barack Obama. From reactions so far, this may not be an issue.

Americans are reminded once again that for now its time for sober reflection. Everyone needs pull together to make this dream turn reality, a huge, unforgettable, and resounding success. Americans need remember that from now on, it is work work work for Obama, and he needs all the support he can get, for succeed he must. For starters, he has a very difficult economic inheritance.

Will USA now pull out of Iraq? Will they continue with the fight in Afghanistan?

As a Christian I pray for Obama:
Dear Lord, I pray thee tonight. You that gave Solomon Wisdom and assisted young Joshua to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, please I am petitioning thee on behalf of Barack Obama, as many others are. Please assist him to lead America aright. Please give him the wisdom to make the right decisions. Holy Spirit, please guide Obama and let him make the right choices, first time, for America. For now we are beholden not only the new 44th President of the United States of America; but also the first Black (African American President in America). Amen.
God bless Mr President Obama
GOD BLESS AMERICA
CAN WE DO IT - YES WE CAN.