BARACK AND JOE...A VICTORY FOR HUMANKIND!

Yeah, that's right! Barack Obama and Joe Biden were victorious for all humankind. We are just now beginning to see changes in peoples' attitudes. This victory is something that will change America and the world for the better. I've seen it already.

It might be my imagination, but people seem to be a little more kind, a little more gentle toward each other. This election is transforming people. Kindly take a closer look at people, in particular people of color, as you pass by them. I give them a warm "hello" and they give a similar greeting in return...with a smile. It's noticeable. Folks know that we've entered into a new age...an age that leaves behind the bitterness of segregation and apartheid.

You might say I am naive. You might think I am "seeing things." Well, this is my humble opinion...things just seem to be different. Much better in my estimation. I've even noticed a change in my students at school. I think they truly know that there are no more excuses...they can achieve the highest, most powerful office in the land. Anything is possible for them. And they know it. That IS the transforming aspect of this election.

Go ahead: ask Michele Obama about being proud of America now. I know that I feel something different. It's as if we changed overnight. We are now a different people. As Obama said during the election: "We're not Blue states. Not Red states. We're THE United States...of America!" We are Americans all. The Obama victory opens the door to a new identify for African Americans. They are simply Americans. We are ALL simply Americans...period.

That is not to say that we should forget the past. The past needs to be studied and remembered for what it was...our past. The good news is that we are entering into a new age of race relations heretofore unknown to Americans. Hey, I'm just so proud to be alive and witnessing all this change!

The Inauguration is going to be a highlight for me and my family. I know tears of joy will stream down my face...that's the transforming power of this election. And I'm not forgetting Joe Biden in all of this either. Joe's MY man...a fellow Pennsylvanian, a guy who has worked hard for the last 36 years in the Senate (I have been teaching for the last 37 years). Joe is known for being outspoken; so am I. Once in a while the guy puts his foot in his mouth--I've been known for that too. God, I admire our Vice President-Elect!

Take it all in, America! The world watched and now they are congratulating us for our peoples' victory. Cuba is gonna change! Our relations with Iran are going be better...wait and see. African nations have gloried in this victory...especially the Kenyans. If only Obama could influence the leader of Zimbabwe, President Robert Mugabe, to take a hike! Imagine if the new president can make inroads for peace in the Middle East. Imagine peace! It's all too characteristic that Russia's leaders have reacted in a tense manner toward Obama. What a loss for them and their people.

New age. New presidency. New attitudes. New challenges. New, transforming ideas within a new context. God bless America and God bless Barack Obama and his new team in Washington, DC!