Mike Tuckey Senior’s Weblog

When I revisited this process, I said to you; I would keep my comments on salient local issues; however, the events of November 4, 2008 so affected me, I must talk of my pride and my concerens. I am trying to determine the actual historic significance of the elections. No matter what I think it is; this election is of great historical significance; but, the incredible magnitude of this election, automatically generates new questions and new issues. In this post, I will try to position this historic election in my mind.

During the march on Washington in the 1960’s. the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed of the day when “a man will not be judge by the color of his skin but the content of his character.” Thanks to the conduct of BOTH Senator John McCann and President elect Barack Obama, that dream, although slightly, as been realized. As a nation, and representing the generation who “asked why not,” when there needed to be a “fight” for blacks to even register to vote, only a generation later, our children went to the polls to cast a vote for “a man,” in large part, with NO regard for the race of the candidate. Yes, I believe; the majority of young people voting for Senator John McCann, did so, because; they honestly believed; he was the better person for the job. Many of the young people, of all races, voted for Barack Obama ;because, they truly believe him person was the better for the job. Of all that was achieved in this election, this fact may be both the most important accomplishment and the most overlooked accomplishment; but, It also offers me the greatest hope for the future. As an example, NBC News reported; if you remove the young vote (25 and under) Barack still wins. IF you remove the Latino vote, Barack still wins. The point, Barack won by a coalition of voters from across the spectrum of the voting populace. But, before we praise ourselves to greatly though, we must be realistic. What, exactly was accomplished.

With the election of Barack Obama, we have NOT, necessarily, ended the systmamtic oppression of all. Remember, in January, 1961, we inaugurated the first Roman Catholic President. None has been elected since. Only one has even been a nominated candidate of a major party. No woman has even attained the Presidential nomination of a major part, yet; but, we were close, this time, Only two women have been nominated as Vice Presidential candidates (No, Sarah WASN’T the first). Do not misinterprut my comments. I do not believe; we should now seek to nominate a woman or a Catholic, or even another African America. We must work to insure; the barriers of access to the process continue to be eliminated. We must work to insure that all our future candidates from those who seek local office, to those who seek Federal office, have equal access to the system and a their qualifcatioin are base, not on their gender, religion, or race but, soley on the “content of the character.”

As it relates to the Presidential elections, my first and proudest response is to our system. As we continue this process now for over 220 years, we do so without widely createing enemies; but simply opponents. Now, as we have done, in the past, two separate parties have elected one person to be the President of ALL PEOPLE. Believe this, although I was a supporter of Barack Obama, if the results had been different, I would be willing to PROUDLY SAY, John McCann is MY PRESIDENT. That is an American attitude that appears rare in our world, and is the backbone and stability of our Republic. All my fellow “children of the sixties,” remember the saying: “I may disagree with what you say; but, I’ll fight to the death for your right to say it!” That’s the United States I have always been proud of. Political scientist will tell you; one of the most important structual needs of any successful democracy is the “loyal opposition.” As Americans, we have done that as well or better than other naton in history. We argue. We debate, We even get angry. But, after all is said and done, we ALL accept, the preservation of our Republic is the one over riding goal of us all, Repbulicans, Democrats, and most of the lesser parties. But, future President Obama carries a unique and special burden.

As Barac Obama enters the White House, he is faced with, what many professional observers call, the most difficult environment since the “Great Depression.” The two days following his election, the stock market had the biggest percentage drop in history. All three major automotive manufactorers sent their respective C.E.O’s to Congress seeking financial help. We are at war on two different fronts. No one has taken over the White House with the nation in more desperate condition, since F.D.R. President Obama will need our support. On top of the real issues he faces, he goes to Washington with a standard set from him, that may exceed any put on a new President in history. Because of his historic victory, his calm nature, and his charismatic personality, many appear to view him and more than human; despite the fact, he has never claimed to be. I have several important desires for President Obama’s relationship with the American public.

A/ The American voter realizes; as he has said; he can not reverse the problems he faces in a year or even one term. He is human! The solution to these problems will take time and more sacrifice. I hope we, as the public, give him time to do the work.

B/ We, even his supporters, will disagree with some of what he does. In these times, initially, we may even disagree with a majority of the steps he takes. We have a right to disagree! The “loyal opposition” does NOT refer only to the other party; but, to all who loyally and reasonably disagree. Obama repeatedly made that point in his campaign. But, he deserves the time to work the complex problems through.

C/ As supporters, I hope; we never agree with Obama, simply because; we supported him. He is not going to always be right. No one ever is.

D/ As his opponents, I hope; you will not always disagree, simply because, you would have preferred John McCann. I say, with great confidence, the great American, John McCann, will never disagree, simply to disagree. He has proven himself to be a far greater person than that.

E/ Racism and bigotry are NOT dead in the United States. Unfortunately, none who read this will probably live to see the day it is; but, we have made little steps towards a “more perfect union.” Alive and well, is illogical expectations. To paraphrase Ted Kennedy in eulogizing Robert, let us not lioness Obama beyond what he truly is, a great HUMAN! If he is wrong, he will be wrong, because of human error, not because he’s Africna American. IF he is wrong, he will be wrong. We can not accept more failings from President Obama than any previous President, simply because, he is African American. That would be incredibly disrespectful to the man.

It is my opinion, President elect Barack Obama ran his campaign with the most dignity and grace of any campaign I have seen. He generated hope in Americans, all Americans. He was universal in his concern for the American population. He was not concerned simply about race, religion, or gender. He was concern about the United States of America. Vice President elect, Joe Biden has a long history of acting on the same philosophy. They have made history. We have taken another step towards the top of “The Mountain” of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; but, now its time to govern. I look forward to it with great hope and confidence.

I spoke of the grace and dignity of the Obama Presidential campaign. I would also like to say the same for Senator John McCann. If you remove some ads. influenced by the RNC, in Senator McCann’s campaign, we see a GREAT MAN!  I saw shots of McCann at rallies, where people yelled out false allegations about Barack Obama. Senator McCann could have let them sit in the air, without addressing them. It would have been difficult to falt him in the context of a campaign. John McCann didn’t take that route. He openly corrected and admonished the person. He defended Barack Obama and an honorable American. In this Presidential campaign, Americans were blessed with two candidates, who we could hold up to our children and grandchildren as examples. There are many previous Presidential election, during which, I wish John McCann was one of the choices. I may have pulled my only Republican presidential lever ever. I simply believe; this was not the time for John McCann.

That being said; I am grateful; Sarah Palin is going back to Alaska.

God Bless a united, United States of America.

Thank you for allowing me to express this personal opinion.