was the prime reason that attracted me to journalism. I often found myself mesmerized by tales of ordinary people who survived through extraordinary times. Times of grief, death, sorrow and torture. People who reside in tiny huts in unknown villages who carry their communities on their shoulders. Mothers who fought tooth and nail, academically, physically and mentally, to give their children prosperous opportunities.
I was reminded of that reason quite vividly today after listening to Obama's 2004 speech. A good friend of mine here in DC recommended I ought to listen to it and I'm glad he did. I was profoundly moved, at times close to tears. He portrayed how a simple man from a humble upbringing climbed his way to the top. Not by being rich or well-connected but by taking advantage of the possibilities this country has. I am grasping a better understanding of what constitues the 'American dream' each day.
As he says in his speech a name should never be a barrier to success. With Barack Obama as a name, America must be more tolerant than we Europeans give them credit for. The notion of America being a beacon of freedom, as he calls it, is slowly hitting a nerve day by day.
I wonder if a similar situation occurred in Britain, could we have a black prime minister, perhaps even a deputy prime minister? Although Britain has impeccably raised the bars of multiculturalism and levels of integration for minorities and majorities residing in Britain, it seems the bar may be set at Baroness Patricia Scotland's QC level.
Let me know what your thoughts are...
I found out my apartment is finally near ready. I'll be able to move in by Thursday latest. I sigh of relief! This Thursday I'm also looking forward to welcoming my sister to what I have so far discovered of DC. Good times ahead!
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