Today, the 44th President of the United States of America took office. There has been so much talk about this election as history in the making.
President Barack Obama is the first African-American president in U.S. history, and a huge amount of attention has been paid to this inauguration.
It is a bittersweet day for me, because as an American, I am proud that we have come so far as a nation. And yet, also as an American, I am saddened that race was ever an issue at all. This day is full of so much rejoicing for many people, and I agree that it is worthy of celebration. There is a part of me though, that feels that this is the way it should have been all along, and everyone should have always been equal. That this day should have been a 'given', and not such a momentous occasion.
And as bad as I know it sounds, there is a part of me that is ashamed to be white. A part that is ashamed of what my ancestors have done, and how they have treated others of different color. I am ashamed that there can be so much hatred and cruelty. And I am also proud of those who have overcome it.
I am looking forward to the day when people will think nothing of a person of non-Caucasian origins holding the highest position in the land, other than to be thankful that America is home to everyone. I look forward to the day when people will think nothing of a woman holding office, other than to be thankful that we have so much freedom in this country.
My fervent hope and prayer is that our past mistakes as a nation will strengthen our resolve to be a nation for all people, all races, all faiths, all walks of life. That we won't distinguish between black or white, between rich or poor, between Muslims or Christians or Budhists. That we will always remember the price that freedom cost, and that it belongs to all people. The one thing we have in common is that we are all human beings.
We are all people on a journey, and that journey is much easier when we work together.
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