Obama the start of a new era

The campaign was not about race. It was about ideas and hope and realizing America's potential. However, it is impossible to overestimate the significance of this election to the African-American community.

Younger people are saying they have new hope for their futures. The raw emotion on the faces of those of my generation revealed the deep hurt that they have felt from discrimination, both explicit and implicit, with implicit being the most cruel.

Those of us, black and white, who simply accepted "that's just the way it is" fostered segregation in schools ("separate but equal," a sham), theaters, drinking fountains, restrooms, transportation waiting rooms, buses, restaurants and the list goes on.

The election of a man of color to the presidency of the United States must seem to be some kind of vindication for the hurt and struggles they endured.

I watched the development of the civil rights movement, even joining groups singing "We Shall Overcome" without comprehension of what it might mean - especially that I might be part of what needed to be overcome.

Dr. King gave form and substance to the movement and started a process for progress. There has been progress in the intervening years, with ethnic groups other than white gaining status and recognition in the military, government, academia and science, the arts and business. That is a beginning.

Dr. King's use of the word "all" must have been intentional, dreaming of a day when all men would be judged by the content of their character and not by their color. The process will not be complete until "all" becomes the operative word.

I sincerely believe that America stands at the threshold of a new era yet to be defined, but one where justice and opportunity will be more evenly practiced. For this I am glad that three generations of my family worked to get Senator Obama elected president.

When I first heard him speak in person, I was impressed with his acumen and composure. My wife heard me say that I wanted to live long enough to vote for him for president. Little did we know that the opportunity would come a little over four years later, and we are eternally grateful for his decision.

Douglas C. Mohler

Mundelein