Never have I experienced goose bumps for such an extended period of time as when I heard the election night’s acceptance speech by president-elect Barrack Obama. That “anything is possible” in America was proven to such an historical degree Tuesday night that it reminded me of the lunar landing, knowing exactly where I was and at what time it happened nearly forty years ago, simply said, mind numbing!

More importantly, however, this president-elect also reminded me of what I had read in history books as a child, about great men and women who rose above their own “apparent” shortcomings and succeeded in ways that were far beyond expectations to become historic leaders in their own right. This new president-elect, having looked at his own background, could have easily chosen a different path, that of victim, one of complaining and blaming others, certainly his parents, about his biracial biology, his not having a father and various other shortcomings, things that many of us have not had to consider.

Just as former great leaders have risen above the seemingly impossible, this man has done this also, in fact turning some of these “shortcomings” into advantages.

I remember the commencement speech given a few years ago by Jim Bredouw, “that you could blame others for a few years and your parents for about ten but then, after that, it was up to you.”

It is so refreshing to see this kind of thought in action. I hear of black and of white children being interviewed, exclaiming that they, too “want to be like Barrack” instead of choosing some sports figure or rap star as a life model.

Hmm, novel idea, developing the mind and making changes in the world instead of belittling women through sick lyrics or using steroids to succeed in the game of life!

For all of my friends that were saddened by last week’s presidential results, don’t loose heart. Look around you and try to understand, to see changes happening at this very moment and the smiles on many people’s faces!

Martin Lund

Orcas