Proud to be an American

I'm from a blue state and I voted blue, so I'm understandably happy today.   My candidates won.

But the result of today's election is about more than whether John McCain or Barack Obama won.  Both are good men and could serve our nation well, despite their differing positions on many issues.

What makes me feel good is that our nation, which was built in part on the horrible institution of slavery, has finally come so far.  In a country where segregation and racial prejudice had been a legal fact of life in many places until less than 50 years ago, the news that we have chosen a black man to lead us is momentous.

It shows both ourselves and the world that America truly is a land of opportunity and, diverse as we are, equality.  It is that diversity that makes us special.  We have a right to be proud of ourselves today, for being able to, as a nation, get past prejudice that breeds fear and distrust.  We have been able to look at a man for who he is, what he believes and how he hopes to represent us, and not at the color of his skin.

President-elect Obama has a tough job ahead of him.  The first challenge will be to unite Red and Blue.  As he's been saying lately on the campaign trail, "It's not about Red states.  It's not about Blue states.  It's about the United States."  Let's hope he can turn that statement into reality.  We can certainly disagree on issues, but we've got to come together as one nation if we are to move ahead in this challenging world.

Mr. Obama will also need to address the nations of the world and show them a new American face.  He should admit that we've made some mistakes in the recent past and, although many of us thought we were doing the right thing, we see now that we were wrong.  An honest apology will go a long way toward healing the animosity we've created toward us in too many places around the world.

No doubt, the pundits will have their take on the election and what it means.

For me, it means I can say I am especially proud to be an American.

Comments

[Jay Ehret]

An honest apology for what?

[Lewis Green]

David,

Nice piece. But I wonder what you specifically have in mind when you suggest an apology. What are we apologizing for, as Jay asked.

[David Reich]

Jay and Lewis -- I mean no disrespect when I say this, knowing that not everyone agrees on this issue, but I am referring to the way we went into Iraq. I didn't get into all the details in the post above about what I would say if I, heaven forbid, were the new president. But I'd explain that we went into Iraq with all good intentions based on information we had at hand that we believed was accurate. But now, with the hindsight of knowing the information was wrong, we apologize for acting with what may have appeared to be haste and arrogance and for hurting so many innocent people along the way.

I think an apology -- with a proper explanation -- might go a long way. I don't think it would show any weakness on our part, but instead that we are big enough to admit an error -- an honest error -- for which we are continuing to pay a high price in order to set it right as much as that can be done.

Guys -- does that explain my thinking more clearly? I do understand that many would disagree, saying we have absolutely nothing to apologize for. But that's how I feel.

[Lewis Green]

David,

Your point of view is held by many, I suspect. I wonder what good will come of an apology. Can we admit our mistakes without apologizing for entering Iraq? Does an apology at this late date provide more ammunition for the likes of those who would see Israel disappear from the map; America and Americans destroyed; and theocracies rule the Middle East and much of Asia?

[Michelle Anderson]

I am actually glad that this election is finally over, so we can focus on what is really important. Our Country. We had two people who cared about this country run for president and it is now over. When I listened to both men campaign, and removed the negative attacks, I realized that both men wanted to help our country. To my friends who voted for Barack Obama I ask you to do what Barack says that he wants us to do. Work together. It is time for Democrats and Republicans to work together to change this world that we live in. Remember we are blessed to be citizens of this great nation. Let us all pray for him as he prepares to lead our great nation.

[David Reich]

Lewis, you pose some good questions that I can't answer with expertise, but only with gut feeling. I don't see how an apology will strengthen those who wish us or Israel harm. Instead, it will show the world that we are big enough and humble enough to own up to possible mistakes. That might win back some hearts and minds who have favored us in the past but felt put off by our attitude and actions in recent years. To those who want to hurt us or destroy Israel, probably nothing we do or say will change that. I don't see an apology, though, as abandoning our support of Israel.

Michelle, thanks for adding your voice here for the first time. Come back often and speak up.

[Jay Ehret]

David,
Thanks for your explanation. I strongly disagree with your opinion on Iraq, but I understand and respect your right to that position.

[Soniac]

Congratulations David... I hope his campaigning was an indication of his diplomacy in foreign affairs. Many Canadians celebrated with you last night!

[David Reich]

Thanks, Sonia. We are hoping.