Imagine the Possibilities
As I continue to take in this exhilarating, monumental moment in history, I find myself rejoicing, not only in this country’s extraordinary accomplishments, but also in the vast possibilities that await us. I find myself imagining, not a perfect America, but an America that is actively and aggressively pursuing the ideals of this country for all of its citizens. I find myself imagining that one day, America’s cities will not be known for their disturbingly high crime rates, poor education systems, and abundance of single parent households. I find myself imagining a reduction in the number of Americans who are poor and homeless. I find myself imagining that the “check” that has been issued to Black Americans but marked ‘insufficient funds’ for 389 years, will finally clear. I have created a mental picture of a society that has turned a page to begin a new chapter in our collective journey.
If you think that I am delusional, I am not. If you think that I am one of the naïve souls who believe that President-elect Barack Obama can magically solve all of our problems – you are wrong (and you have not read my last two posts). While I must admit that I am very excited about our next President, I fully recognize that this moment is about more than President-elect Barack Obama. It is about symbolism. It is about leadership. It is about having a seat at the table. It is about being fully represented. Oh, and it is certainly about change. I have said more times that I care to count, that Barack Obama cannot do it all. He cannot turn off your TV and read to your children. He cannot attend your kid’s parent-teacher conference. He cannot make you marry your child’s mother. Nor are any of these issues his responsibility. While he cannot do it all, one thing is clear: the success of this country depends on a partnership between this country’s leaders and its citizens.
President-elect Barack Obama represents the best that our country has to offer. He is not only brilliant; but he surrounds himself with the best and the brightest. His brilliantly executed campaign gives us insight into how he will run his administration. Given the fact that we have a leader who is committed to improving the lives of average Americans by funding education, lowering the cost of health care, lowering taxes, creating a strong economy, and leading by example with regard to family—it is essential that we take advantage of this opportunity. Will he be able to accomplish such a grandiose agenda—it (almost) doesn’t matter. If he is able to accomplish half of his goals, it will be remendous progress. We must remember that the federal government is a multifaceted, slow-moving, complicated bureaucracy. We must also remember that the economy was strong and we enjoyed a federal surplus under the Clinton Administration; so obviously, progress and prosperity are possible. If we do our part to meet the Obama administration halfway, imagine the possibilities. We can enjoy a stronger economy, better schools, lower taxes, and a new sense of pride in the direction of our country. We can enjoy leadership that addresses our concerns because we have learned to turn out to vote in record numbers. Obama’s presidency is an opportunity for the “rubber to hit the road” and where our preparation and hard work can be met with additional opportunities. However, none of these improvements will make us a perfect nation. There is no such thing as a perfect nation. But we will indeed be an imperfect nation, headed in the right direction.
Crecilla Scott is the founder of Infinity Research, LLC, a social science research company in the Washington DC area. She is the host of a local TV show, "Conversations with Crecilla." She is also a passionate speaker, who has given professional presentations for various organizations and federal agencies. She can be reached at Crecilla@liukarama.com.
Additional Resources
http://www.usconstitution.net/dream.htm
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