It Happened!

The first election I can remember was 1940 when Wendell Wilke was the Republican challenger to Franklin Roosevelt who was running for an unprecedented third term. My parents allowed me to have my radio on late that night as the returns were reported. Most of my relatives supported Wilke. The first election I voted in was the race in 1952 between Adlai Stevenson of Illinois and General Dwight Eisenhower. Only a few months before Ike was nominated the papers were speculating on whether he would run as a Democrat or Republican. Eisenhower wasn't a registered voter. Governor Steven ran in 1952 and in 1956 and was defeated by Eisenhower both times. I voted for Stevenson both times, so my first two experiences as a citizen ended with losses. Fortunately I did vote for John Kennedy in the next election.

At 79 I can remember blatant racism and had long discussions with my maternal grandfather in Springfield, Illinois during my childhood. Even in central Illinois it was common to hear the 'N' word used freely and also signs at gas station rest rooms and other places, 'No coloreds.' Blacks always sat in the balconies of movie theaters. My grandfather was a strong union man and also greatly opposed to racism. He died in 1947, but I shared his sadness and discomfort at the way African Americans were thought of and treated, though of course everyone referred to blacks as coloreds. Grandpa left an imprint on me that never changed.

I still can't believe that last night actually happened and that this handsome young black family will move into the White House in January with their two lovely children and the new puppy Barack promised them in his acceptance speech last night.

The nation has changed overnight in many ways, and from the reports of the responses from overseas this has already changed the way other nations view our country, and the hope that we may once more have international respect, even perhaps admiration.

We must wish all the best for President-elect Obama and the daunting issues he faces and the unknown problems to come. I'm glad I voted for him, and more that I've lived long enough to see this tremendous step for our nation.