An Old Dream and New Challanges

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

- Barack Obama in his victory address.

Yes, This might be THE answer... To all the questions that time has put in front of mankind. At least we can hope it to be so. Because, the world's only Superpower has got a new leader. Because, as expected, Obama is the New President Elect of The United States of America.

This is one of those rarest of the rare moments when not just a Nation, but whole of the world stretches its arms to welcome the future, when everyone is filled with immense hope, when everyone is reminded of the responsibilities that lie ahead... This is one of those moments when a person's victory stands for the victory of a community, for the victory of a Nation and for the victory of the ideals of Democracy, Freedom, Equality and Brotherhood.

Today, USA- a country marred by history of violence over the colour of skin, a community with deep socio-religious differences, has chosen a new leader- someone who perhaps best signifies what the spirit of their nation stands for. The World's most powerful nation has now elected a President who comes from a biracial background, was raised by a single mother, grew up in Hawaii and Indonesia. Obama has won his first battle without great family connections, without a trust fund. He started out with intellect, talent and ambition and to fulfill that ambition, he built up a great coalition. He made a clever use of the power of new media, i.e. Internet to reachout to people and gather their support. A lot of young Americans left their apathy for politics and joined him on the campaign trail. And today they are all celebrating. They are all singing for a new dawn.

And this can happen only in America- a place where in a way of speaking, most of the people are outsiders. Most of the people of America have their roots in the early residents who immigrated in search of a better life or were imported as slaves. Over the Years, The USA has been a symbol of liberation. The land has been a beacon of hope and dream. Its founders hold a dream and today, that dream has taken a step forward towards reality.

The world has just witnessed a great history in the making. America has shown that they are ready for THE change. No, I shall say, THE Change has begun.

And Obama's speech, can be a signal of this change. The thing I liked about it is that he didn't described it as a victory of the suppressed race or those who fought for Civil Rights, but as a Victory of the People of America. He thanked those who voted for him and showed respect to those who didn't. and by that tone of his, he has surely won the hearts of many of his enemies as well.

For Obama, the race to the White House has ended but a long journey will officially start on the 20th January next year, when he'll be sworn in as The 44th President of The USA. And then, he has got a legacy of problems. Obama has to deal with " two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century " as he describes himself.

Whatever... I liked this CHANGE.

In his first address as the new leader of the United States, Obama has shown a great promise. Whether he keeps up to it, time will show.

But for now, Obama's speech for me is the accomplishment of An Old Dream and an insight of the New Challenges that lie ahead.