During most of my adult life I have been a working
journalist or publicist. I’ve witnessed
an emerging pattern of the worst behavior on the part of individuals and
businesses.
There have been a few bright spots. The election of Presidents John Fitzgerald
Kennedy and Ronald Reagan come to mind, as does the tearing down of the Berlin
Wall and something resembling freedom coming to the former states of the Soviet Union.
Having grown up in a Northern city with a tradition of
religious and racial tolerance, bigotry has always tended to confound me.
I’ve spent the last 30 or more years troubled by the overall
course of our nation, from Richard Nixon to George W. Bush.
I’ve been an independent most of my adult life, although I
come from a family with rich Democrat roots.
But, both major political parties have been so intent on retaining
power, they forgot their ultimate purpose, to represent the best interests of
American citizens.
Thankfully, on this election night I’ve witnessed a rebirth
of the ideals of Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, Lincoln and Reagan. I’ve witnessed the growth of our Republic to
embrace all races, creeds and cultures.
I’ve enjoyed a rebirth of faith in the United States of America, which I once proudly
served as a U.S.
soldier. I embrace the hope offered by
the President-Elect, Barack Obama.
