The world reacts; my reaction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug5br1BXdS4

I have conditioned myself never to look at the comments section on youtube, just watch the videos. It just frustrates, irritates and ends up making me fear for humanity. But thankfully, Tuesday night restored some hope in one section of humanity of this very varied world we live in, pax americana.
 
I do not rest all my hopes in Obama and delude myself to think he will achieve everything that’s been laid out. He is a mere mortal and he will, no doubt, make mistakes, just as he’s admitted he is bound to do (think FISA, Patriot Act etc). Perhaps it’s the asian in me who views politicians as no knights in shining amour who somehow can affect blanket change without the people of the country working alongside and holding those leaders accountable. What is most remarkable about last night and truly makes me cry is that the American people actually put the “people” back in “We the people”. But we have to remain that instrument of change and leave a legacy of inspiration, hope and change to our young children. It is not to affect change in someone else but within ourselves. Nothing changes without the realisation that it is and always has been in our hands.
 
I saw Barack Obama in person at the Key Arena in February when I wasn’t too sure about who I could support. He spoke sincerely and authentically. I found myself close to tears when he said with such clarity: “When we speak to world leaders we do not agree with, face to face, from a position of truth, what do we have to fear?” I had almost given up hope that I’d hear an American leader say intelligent things. There were a number of those moments to come…(“we may not always agree, but I promise you I will always tell you the truth”). And of course, his emphasis on unity and not division.
 
Then there was that one moment when it was clear he would be the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party and got on stage to speak to his supporters. He mentioned Hillary’s name; someone booed and said something not-so-nice. He turned towards the direction of that voice, pointed his finger to the person, and said, “You will NOT speak of her that way!” Gasp!! A principled man. One who ran a principled, well-run and effective campaign which business schools are studying! 
 
We are living in trying times and I for one, am glad we now have a President who can actually lead the people. If he runs the administration like he ran his campaign – disciplined, well-managed – I breathe a sigh of relief.
 
My prayer today and everyday to come, is that this man that the world embraces, will hold on to those principles and lead with clarity of thought, harnessing wisdom and girding himself with truth and justice.  

Margaret Mead once said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”  We can do it.

Peace.