With only 12 days to go before Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States I wonder how I could have left it so long to comment on this wondrous moment in world history!Now, I am not one of those who expect the fate, image, progress or condition of the United States, its people or indeed, the rest of the world, to turn around immediately at 12.01pm on January 20th. It is a hard burden the new President takes on and a hard row to hoe - as they say - before any of that turn around comes about.
But my thoughts are often turned back to a time around three years ago when Barack's name was first mentioned as a potential candidate. One of my best friends, a surrogate brother really, and I were sitting in our favorite watering hole and discussing politics - our favorite subject. He had voted for Clinton twice, for Bush twice and was a proud Southern boy. Smart but traditional. In fact a Democrat's perfect target swing voters and someone they would have to win over to take the White House in 2008.
"This country will never elect a black man called Barack Obama" He said emphatically.
At the time I have to admit, I was with him. But I was never a big Hillary fan - not a hater, just not a fan of her as President - but it is a testament to this country that they WOULD elect a black man, and a black man called Barack Obama at that.
Once again I am really proud of my adopted country. Once again I can look to my fellow countrymen back in England and say.. "... there, how do you like them apples!"
I like 'em a lot!!
