Election 2008

I voted for Barack Obama because he seems to be a statesman. I was impressed with his ability to express complex ideas, his unflappable calmness and his listening skills. I believe he has an open-ness to different ways of thinking and that he can see the “big picture”. He may lack experience, but I believe he will create a team which will work together for the good of the nation.

Race counted for little for me in this situation. In the aftermath of
the election, I was taken back by the rejoicing of the media in the historical
moment of an African-American president and by the rejoicing of the international community. (See my blog - London newspapers, July 22)

Looking back, I remember the “second table” for the hired man, and the hired girl who always sat in the back seat even when my mother was the only person in front. It is hard to imagine that teen-agers found it necessary to ride a bus 30 miles to go to the black high school. Our African-American neighbors sat in the balcony of the church at my wedding. Looking back at the photographs, my children accused me of being “racist.” I try to tell them that it was all we knew. Fish cannot look at the water in which they swim.

In the morass of bad news about the economy, crime, et cetera, our election process is a beacon of light. America can truly re-invent itself. I am proud!

Correction

The e-mail address for ordering "Skip-Come-A-Lou" should be kborgman@iland.net
The book is $18 plus $5 shipping.