Long overdue, but significant...

11/4/08 is a big day!

There are many things significant about this election. Clearly the need for wholesale change in almost every level of government is being demanded by the electorate, regardless of party affiliation. What is most encouraging to me, on the eve of what I believe will be the turning point in America with the election of Barack Obama to President, is that the heart and soul of the American people, although battered, is still strong enough to prevail over greed, injustice, and narrow democracy. Outside of the staggering set backs we are enduring - two wars, financial strain, global ridicule, individual loss, and overwhelming distrust - in this election - we have shown fortitude in something quite remarkable in our history.

A breakdown of racial and sex discrimination.

We are nowhere near overcoming the ignorance that leads to discrimination, but over the next 4 years, as we are forced to listen to the brilliance of a black man, I am hopeful that as a nation we will swiftly move to a color blindness.

It is unfortunate and incomprehensible that we STILL have to consider these factors in 2008, but lets face it .. A black man on the democratic ticket and a women on the republican ticket - is progress. In addition to picking the wrong man, the Republicans picked the wrong woman. But neither gender nor race should enter into the consideration set, at any level, when individuals are electing a civil servant, or for that matter, doing anything at all in everyday life (other than having sex, in which case a gender preference would be an acceptable consideration)- but it does and it has.

Neither ticket in this election has offered a safe place for the bigot. That is a sweet, enduring one two punch for these narrow minded people. On 11/4/08, they have to face their bigotry and choose which of these two; a woman in power or a black man - is less vile to them. They will cast a vote to support one of these inferior human beings - or they will cast no vote. Either way their life is about to be impacted by someone they have, in the past felt comfortable demeaning. This, for me, is a solid and important victory - long overdue, but hugely significant. It puts racism and sexism exactly where it belongs...tearing the dignity out of those ignorant closed minded individuals who feel superior. As it marks a milestone for those who have felt and lived with discrimination for decades.

The republicans grossly underestimated the depth of the American voter. The democrats, not only recognized it, we celebrate it and nurture it, by supporting an individual with leadership who is compassionate, serious, contemplative, bright and inclusive. We looked beyond the color of his skin, in fact, it went unnoticed. More importantly, we have been successful in helping others do the same. That is progress, America.

I am hopeful much more progress is ahead. Cheers !