I made it a point to not post anything at all political in either of my blog sites. Those of you who are my Facebook friends know I more than make up for it there. I simply do not want this, or especially my Orthodox Harlemite blog to have anything to do with politics. However, I am going to make an exception this time.
History was made in my country today. The majority of voters elected Barrack Hussein Obama to the office of the President of the United States of America. I must and will say, with no remorse whatsoever, that I did not vote for him (I remain the very pro-life Republican I was before he won). I voted for Sarah Palin (Yes. I know John McCain ran for President, but I am being honest here). I voted on principle and would do it again in the very same way. Nevertheless, I will not hide for a second how proud I am to be an American today. I simply cannot.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau of 2002, the African-American population of the U.S. was approximately 36 million. Today that number appears to be nearer to 40 million out of over 305 million. Few would argue that the overwhelming majority of African-Americans voted for President-elect Obama; like it or not, that was pretty much a given. However, those numbers also show that millions of others who are not African-American voted for him. I know more than a few whites who enthusiastically (to say the least) voted for him. The number of hispanic voters supporting Obama were significant. The enthusiasm of all of these voters says TONS about my country. In 232 years of existence, arguably the oldest democracy in around (though I have had someone try to assert Iceland is, forgetting the fact that Iceland did not gain its independence from the Danish crown until June 17, 1944, the very Independence Day they celebrate still) has gone from the tarnished history of African slavery to an African-American head of State. That is not a very long time in the grand scheme of things. For this I am incredibly proud. To them all (especially Elvis and one Mrs. OPH), I tip my hat and say as a gentleman should, “This is your moment. This is your time.”
I wish President-elect Obama the best and brightest of futures. He will constantly be in my prayers (as he should be in the prayers of all who follow and obey the teachings of Christ), and I sure hope he proves me wrong in my reasons for choosing not to vote for him. I hold no grudges, and I harbor no ill-will about him becoming President. Life is too short for that, and I am too old for such behavior. The majority of the citizens of the United States have, without question(!) spoken, and I proudly honor their choice. It is what has made our country great.
The bully pulpit of the President goes back into Democratic hands come January. I continue to say, although from the periphery of the minority party now, God bless America. 
Harlemite
