Barack Obama, A Uniting Force

March 16, 2008 Rev. Clara T. Mills This is a momentous time in the history of America. That an African American gentleman and a Caucasian woman are the two front-runners in the Democratic race for President of the United States says that America has “come a long ways”. I resonate with Michelle Obama’s comments before a Milwaukee crowd when she said, “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country, and not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change.” I too feel especially proud of my country, in part because many “White” Americas have demonstrated their willingness to judge by the content of one’s character, rather than by the color of one’s skin. I love America with all of its faults and foibles. We are the greatest country in the world, which does not mean that I think we are perfect. We need leaders of integrity, character, compassion, and honesty who will unapologetically hold America to a high standard of accountability, in ways that honor our potential. Martin Luther King, Jr. was such a leader. America has had enough of those leaders, both liberal and conservative, who spew out words of damnation upon America for acts such as the September 11 terrorist attack, daring to place God as the culprit in this atrocity. I believe Senator Barack Obama can and will hold America to a high standard of accountability, without demonizing America and gradually wearing away at the soul of this great country. I believe he will meet hate with serenity, fear with confidence, and complacency with a motivation to rise up and live into the true meaning of our creed. I recall the first time I heard him speak. I was sitting on the sofa in my living room watching MSNBC. It was following the Iowa primary. As I listened and watched him I felt a surge of hope and inspiration that I had not felt for some time. Tears began to roll down my face in response to this renewed feeling of hope and confidence in the future of my country. Senator Obama is centered, appropriately reserved, serene, professional yet able to connect in authentic ways with different types of people. He is a family man and his life partner, Michelle Obama, demonstrates an intelligence and ability comparable to his.  Their marriage seems a marriage of souls and minds, rather than a partnership for political gain. I am confident Senator Obama is a reconciling presence and, with the assistance of the right people, will hold this great country to a high standard of accountability, so that we live and move as a United States of America; a country which values education over war, justice and equality over popularity, and safety and reconciliation over fear and control.  Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/2312046368/