This Was the Week that Was

Perhaps the best thing I have read on the Obama election is on the Op-Ed section of the New York Times today under the heading "Arab Bloggers Size Up Obama." These bloggers recognize the huge change that has taken place in our politics, but also express concerns that the new President will not be that much different from his predecessors and that their lives may be no different than before.

These blogs don't appear to throw cold water but perhaps a dose of realisim.
It's always wise to see ourselves as others see us, and while generally many European countries greet with enthusiasm our new Chief, their reasons largely have to do both with getting rid of the Bush mess as well as the fact that America has actually elected a person of color. I've been overwhelmed, having feared that an innate racism might have scuttled the election, to now reflect that over 60% of those who voted for Barack Obama were white citizens. Most minorities, not only African American, supported him. But he was elected by a large majority of white voters of all ages and economic and education levels. This has to have heartened all groups within this country. Certainly racial and other divisions within us linger, but a huge leap forward in unity has been made.

The President-Elect has huge issues to deal with as he prepares to take office. While the economic crisis and all the attending issues that surround it will occupy his time and that of those whom he will select to assist him, it will take all four years of his term to even begin to effect the long list of major problems confronting us. At this point his apparent intelligence and that almost unusual calm and serenity that accompanies him encourages many of us. He seems different not because of his color or name but because we sense that he appears made for the job. All who have supported him fervently hope we were right.

It sobered me up a bit to get the glimpse of our election from the perspective of Middle Eastern bloggers and to remember that the world hasn't really been transformed with a magic wand. Mr. Obama will encounter the snags and fumbles that beset every administration and this will look much different a few months from now. But the fact that this country has done this won't fade soon I am sure. Yesterday and today reporters have spent a lot of time talking and writing about the new puppy that is to come to the White House. While perhaps not as important as who will be at State or Treasury or Defense, it shows our fascination with this new family and the new era and beginning for us all this week has brought.