Take a deep breath. Close your eyes. Imagine, for a moment, that you are part of history.

Now open your eyes. Guess what? We are part of history! We are participants in a season of change that is as irrepressible as it is necessary. We are passengers on a world class train that is careening forward. Where we are headed we are not certain, but we are sure of one thing at least: from this place and time there can be no return.

Firstly, congratulations and ‘Thank you’ to the force of courage and integrity that is Barack Obama. This is your day. Your hard work, idealism, and unfailingly thoughtful manner have made this wonderful moment possible.

Secondly, thank you, Mr. McCain, for your gracious speech. In the days and months to come, it will be essential for Americans to begin their healing process.

Look at what you have done, America! Study it and be proud! Never again will the population believe that only rich white men are capable of being leaders. Never again will the world point a finger at the USA and accuse it of being behind the times, of maintaining the status quo, of ignoring the face of its own population.

From this day forward, Americans will expect, no, they will demand, diversity within the upper echelons of their leadership. From this moment on, the world will view the USA with the respect that it deserves, and will accept it as a partner on this earth, and not as an antagonist.

If, like me, you harken to a liberal drummer, then you will be pleased to see that the USA will now begin to implement policies that are more in keeping with your conscience.

However, many of those with more conservative ideals will no doubt be pleased to witness the tearing down of this last great colour barrier. No longer will people of colour be forced to accept a secondary role in American and world politics. Now, thanks to the courage and visionary thinking of the American majority, people of every nation will realise that neither gender nor colour can be used as an excuse for political segregation.

A moment like this comes along only once in every generation – a moment of such sheer greatness and history that it makes one shake with chills.

This is our moment, friends. And we have made it happen!

Donna Carrick, November 4, 2008