Obama Nation

Well, He did it. No one thought He could.

But can He really deliver? Are the problems we face too insurmountable?

I suppose only time will tell.

One piece of advise, and a caution.

First, (and obviously) we all witnessed a transformational election. But in what sense was it transformational? Men and women who were once apathetic were drawn into the political realm. Non-whites, who forever have viewed this nation of the 'free' as a nation of constraints and barriers, have been given a reason to aspire for something greater (Or, in His terms, a reason to 'hope'). This was possible not only because of His inspiration rhetoric or positive message, but because of the unprecedented grassroots campaign that His team created.

The question then becomes -- what to do with all this?

If I were in some position of power, I would make it a priority to capitalize on both of these trends. There is a movement behind the Obama camp. A movement that should not end with the candidate's victory. Instead, it must be institutionalized into something that can provide a highway of desires, interests, programs, and questions, to the White House. This kind of movement-- embodied in the momentum that Obama gained up until Election Day, could become an amazing political asset that no president has wielded before.

Second (speaking of institutions), it is important to recognize that change is not imminent. Our government was created to mitigate it-- indeed, we are forever teathered to a Constitution that limits the potential scope of government by empowering our minority political parties with tremendous power. While Obama (and McCain for that matter) both claimed to be agents of change, it will be important for the American people to not become too disaffected when our problems remain. Things in politics take time. They will not always resemble the exciting and turbulent campaign months, and if we can be patient, and if Obama can somehow perpetuate the momentum that carried him into the office he will soon enjoy, then everything will be OK.