So Barack Obama is Time Magazine's 'Person of the Year'. Most people, even his detractors, would probably agree.
'Top 10' lists are common at this time of year. It's a moment to reflect on the people and events that significantly affected our lives. In this sense, Barack Obama is a chart-buster but there is no reason to limit the recognition just to him. After all, it was the people who supported him and succeeded in putting him into office who share a lot of the credit.
How many times throughout the campaign did Barack say, 'it's not about me, it's about you'? But to be even more expansive, surely the environment where such a movement could operate and not only operate but succeed, surely such an environment must be given its due.
For 8 years, we witnessed a deterioration in absolutely every aspect of America as a country. Our economy was trashed, our military was over-extended, rightwing religious and economic fanatics ruled the day; worst of all, the reputation of our country was at an all time low.
And then Obama won. Obviously his election goes beyond the accomplishment of a single individual. It validates what we cherish most about this country, namely, that the system works, that American democracy is self-correcting and that given enough time, it's sure ultimately to choose the right path.
While things don't look so rosy at the moment, there's a lot about this broader picture that ought to fill us with an immense sense of pride and optimism. It feels good to be an American again.
