"...there will be no turning back. Thank God."

[YankeyMCC]

I saw this statement on another web forum I visit concerning Barack Obama's nomination. It is a nice sentiment and from a writer I greatly respect for his talent and thoughtfulness yet I had to respond in a slightly contrary way becuase such a statement I think engerders a kind of subtle and dangerous laxness in maintaining the greatness of this Nation. As Barack Obama made clear in his speech last night, it is what unites us that makes us special, it is the people working together who make the world what we want it to be (the people take change to Washington..Washington does not take change to the people...to paraphrase)

Here is my original response:
"
I whole heatedly share that sentiment. Sitting with my son earlier in the day while waiting for the dentist and looking at a Newsweek cover photo of Barack Obama and Joe Biden I looked over at him and smiled. I said something like , "I know this is hard for you to understand since one of the first presidential races you'll remember someone like Mr Obama is one of the two major party nominees but although we haven't fully met Dr King's dream we have taken some very positive steps, this is a special moment in time.

But I'm afraid that all it is, a moment in time. This can very well be turning back if we do not remain vigilant in the cause of equality before the law and equality of opportunity and against the efforts of ignorance and hate that foster prejudice.

The history of this nation has shown that to be the case, it hasn't been a straight line from slavery to Mr Obama's nomination. There have been forward and backward steps, overall positive perhaps since we are at this point but there is always the threat of sliding back.

And not because of god, so I wont 'thank god' and not to be argumentative, for those that believe certainly I understand and welcome the sentiment of thanking the gods. But the thanks go to the brave and hardworking people that fraught for equality and against fearful ignorance and the violence it to often creates.

And that is why I can not agree with the statement that 'there is no turning back' no we Ought Not to turn back but it will continue to be up to us, to the brave and hard working among us to continue to ensure we Do Not turn back.
"

[stillcool]

1. It is a moment in time..

and no one can take it away.