The Chance for a New America

As I witnessed history last night, I listened to the President-Elect and heard his heart. In the middle of his voice I could see his vision. And I one statement he made stood out like the Sears Tower looking out above Grant Park on the thousands who cheered and cried tears of elation and celebration. Before the moving story of centenarian Ann Nixon Cooper, he cautioned us to remember something very important:

"This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change."

Change begins with a chance. If success is where opportuniy and preparation meet, we must not squander the opportunity by forgetting what we are prepared to do. Work. It has only begun; the chance for change to a New America. The essence of his words led me to write this piece:

Welcome to a New America where dreams are realized by those once living nightmares. Through the eyes of elders, we have seen travesties and horrific historical accounts of many a people downcast and downtrodden. Since the origin of this great nation, tribes have been exterminated, cultures have been stereotyped, encamped and concentrated. And in these modern times racism has been covertly operating under the guise of gentrification and classism. Flames of war have been fanned across the fields of the east, families have lost their foundation for the cause of corrupted capitalism under the guise of patriotism.

This night seemed like it would last for an eternity, as the wheels of political power spun in favor of the financially full, fueled by the blood and sweat of the less fortunate. These atrocities of arrogance unfortunately wont fade immediately on the dawn of this new day, but the light with grow across the horizon and the sun will rise higher into the sky. The light will reveal the evil the darkness once covered and we will see the true nature of ourselves.

In this New America, our eyes must adjust, must adapt to the world around us. We have waded in shadows so long that our perception of the world has been mired in mists and subjected to smokescreens, teary eyed with torn spirits. We have to be honest with ourselves. Seeing with our hearts until our eyes are washed free hate and intolerance.

But take caution: this is no panacea, this is a process. We cannot rest in relief. This is morning, this is the new America. Wake up and work to shape the day.

The world is watching us. Continually pray for our new president as you have (or have not) prayed for our current president. Pray for and love each other. We must start with ourselves.

We must become the change we want to see in the world. — Mahatma Gandhi